Nearly three decades after America America, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar is returning with America America 2. The 1997 classic continues to be remembered by Kannada audiences, but the filmmaker says the new film is not about recreating the past. He is returning to the genre he knows best, with a new story, new faces and the same belief that love never goes out of style.
Set for a September 11 release, the film is produced under the Nagathihalli Cine Creations banner, and features songs by Mano Murthy, and background score by Nakul Abhyankar. While cinematography is by SK Rao, editing is by Sri Crazy Mindz, and distribution is by KVN Productions. The cast includes Shanvi Srivastava, Pruthvi Ambaar and Nirup Bhandari.
"If I only wanted to recreate the success of America America, I wouldn't have waited this long," says Nagathihalli. "I had opportunities to make a sequel over the years, but I never wanted to. Only when this story came to me did the title feel right. People may think it's a business strategy, but the title suited the story."
However, the director says the similarities end there. "Except for Mano Murthy, Rajesh Krishnan and me, nobody from America America is part of this film. It is not a continuation of the characters of Surya, Chandra or Bhoomi. This is a completely different story. The only common thread is that both are love triangles."
For Nagathihalli, this is his third film shot in the United States, but unlike the original, which travelled across America, the new film stays largely in Seattle. "America is one of the most film-friendly countries because of its infrastructure. It has become more expensive now, but Seattle isn't just a location here; it becomes a character."
Known for romances, Nagathihalli says love stories have never been limited to foreign backdrops. "Many of the romantic stories I have written and directed that readers and viewers still remember are set within Karnataka. New stories always rise from old stories. Love remains evergreen, but every generation tells it differently."
He believes America America 2 speaks to today's generation without abandoning the timeless emotions. "This is the Gen Z era. Relationships are changing, families are changing, but people still search for love. The definition of love may change, but desire, anger, attachment and jealousy remain the same. Human emotions don't become outdated."
The filmmaker, who studied literature before cinema, says entertainment alone isn't his primary interest. "Cinema should entertain, but it should also say something to society. I believe in relationships, spirituality and human values. Those ideas naturally find their way into my films."
Despite closely following contemporary cinema, Nagathihalli avoids commenting on the work of fellow filmmakers. "Everybody has their own way of making films. Nobody likes to be lectured. People call me 'Maestru', and if I start commenting, they may think I'm taking a class. I'd rather speak through my own work."
He reserves his advice for students at his film school, Tent Cinema. "I tell them filmmaking is like mountaineering. You climb one step at a time. It demands patience and hard work. That's something I can tell my students, not my peers."
Asked whether he has changed with changing cinema, the veteran is quick to answer. "I'm completely updated. I watch new films, listen to new music and interact with international filmmakers. Age may not allow me to run like a 20-year-old, but creatively I'm always young. Technically, every filmmaker must keep updating. Creatively, there is no outdated filmmaker because we are all retelling stories."
Nagathihalli also remembers that America America wasn't universally praised when it first released. "Some reviews called it 'tourist cinema'. The National Award changed that perception. Even now, I know people will say this film is not like America America. But why should it be? I never wanted to make the same film again."
Instead, he wants audiences to discover a fresh love story led by a new generation of actors. "I chose Shanvi Srivastava, Pruthvi Ambaar and Nirup Bhandari because they hadn't played characters like these before. During script readings, their sincerity and discipline convinced me. They may not be stars, but they are proven actors, and I hope this film takes them to the next level."
While many filmmakers chase the Pan-India market, Nagathihalli remains rooted in Kannada. "America America 2 is a Kannada film first. Just dubbing a film into multiple languages doesn't make it Pan-India. The content has to travel."
The film will instead head to international festivals after its release. "I have friends and film experts from different countries who are curious to watch it, but first I want Kannada audiences to watch the film. If it connects here, it will find its own audience elsewhere. Their acceptance matters the most."
