Sequels have become a ubiquitous trend, often expected to deliver more of the same magic. However, for director Vijaya Prasad, the idea of a sequel isn't just about revisiting an old film but rather continuing a personal journey that connects with his own experiences. The much-talked-about film Sidlingu 2, which arrives 13 years after the original on February 14, is expected to deliver something deeper, more real. As Vijaya Prasad himself admits, "Sidlingu and I are the same. Sidlingu is me, and my journey. I am Sidlingu."
Sidlingu, when released in 2013, received a modest reception, with its bittersweet narrative and meaningful exploration of relationships. Vijaya Prasad reveals, "In life, I was haunted by so many things around me. I wanted freedom from that, and I wanted to share it with somebody. So, I put those thoughts through writing, which became cinema. Sidlingu, for Vijaya Prasad, became a cathartic release—a way to express the many emotions and challenges that defined his life. Now, with Sidlingu 2, he reflects, 'I’ve lived more, seen life more closely, and evolved. I’ve encountered new people, and these experiences have led me to new stories to tell.'"
For Vijaya Prasad, Sidlingu is a reflection of his own soul. He says that the portrayal of Ramya's character's tragic end in Sidlingu was deeply personal. "Something like that happened in my life," he admits, touching on the universal themes of loss, grief, and growth that permeate both his films and his life. In fact, Neer Dose, another of his directorial works, is also closely tied to his life experiences, with its characters and incidents mirroring the reality of his own struggles. "I just placed true incidents within different characters and settings, but they are all based on real events," he says.
For the sequel, Vijaya Prasad chose to continue this exploration with actor Yogi, who will reprise his role as Sidlingu. But why Yogi? "Back then, when I was planning Sidlingu, I had no producers backing me," Vijaya Prasad reveals. "It was Anoop Seelin, my music director, who introduced me to Yogi's father, Siddaraju TP, and that support gave the project life. Yogi became the hero, and he carried Sidlingu perfectly. He brought the depth and sincerity to the character back then, and to the sequel as well, which is why he’s the perfect fit—even after all these years."
As for the evolution of Sidlingu 13 years later, Vijaya Prasad points to the maturity in both the character and himself. "I’ve grown, and so has Yogi’s portrayal of Sidlingu," he says with conviction. The sequel isn't just about revisiting the past; it’s about reflecting on the passage of time and the personal growth that comes with it.
While many characters from the first film may not return, a few fan favorites will make an appearance. "In Sidlingu 2, only two characters from the first part continue—Turuvekere Andalamma, played by Suman Ranganath, and Half Knicker Armugam, portrayed by Anthony Kamal. They serve as the bridge between the two films, connecting the past and the present." The film produced by Srihari Reddy under Niharika under Niharika Movies banner stars Sonu Gowda, along with Seetha Kote, and Manjunath Hegde among others. "The essence of Sidlingu remains grounded in reality, and those who loved the first film will find that Sidlingu 2 is equally relatable, if not more so," Vijaya Prasad assures.
The question on everyone’s mind is why it took 13 years for the sequel to arrive. "Some stories are evergreen. They don’t have a timeline," Vijaya Prasad explains. "The core of a good story lies in its emotional resonance, not in flashy technology. Love, human connection, and struggle are timeless themes that transcend the need for excessive modern gadgets or techniques," says Vijaya Prasad, adding, "Part 2 is an extension of the human experience. It's about how people support one another through life's ups and downs, how love remains constant even as technology changes. At its core, Sidlingu is a story about how humans should experience life together," Vijaya Prasad concludes.