Ganesh: It is wrong to expect the audience at theatres if we don't give quality cinema

We had earlier reported that Golden Star Ganesh is all set to headline a new Kannada film which will team him up with lyricist and dialogue writer Arasu Anthare. With the film, Anthare returns to direction after a decade-long gap—his last directorial was 2014's Love In Mandya. It also marks the Kannada debut of Hanu-Man heroine Amritha Aiyer.

The project was quietly launched on Ram Navami with a simple muhurat ceremony. But it wasn’t just the ceremony that made headlines but Ganesh’s straightforward words about the need for better storytelling in the industry. “We need more writers, more filmmakers, and above all, better content,” said Ganesh during the media interaction. “It is wrong to expect the audience to show up at theatres if we don’t give them something meaningful and content-rich cinema.”

Apparently his collaboration with Arasu Anthare has been brewing for years. Ganesh shared how it all began with cinematographer Sugnaan reaching out to him back in 2019. “Sugnaan told me Arasu Anthare had a story. But then, life paused. The pandemic happened. Things slowed down. But Arasu didn’t lose hope,” said Ganesh. “He waited patiently, and now we’re finally here. The script is even better than I expected.”

Known for his flair with words, Arasu Anthare has penned lyrics and dialogues for some of Kannada cinema’s biggest hits. This film, his second directorial after Love In Mandya, is expected to be a wholesome family entertainer. “I’ve always wanted to bring something new with every film,” Ganesh added. “This story felt right. It’s warm, it’s relatable, and it comes from someone who knows how to entertain.”

Arasu Anthare was enthusiastic and shared his thoughts about working with Ganesh. “This is my vision, and I am glad that Ganesh and Ravi are coming together to work with me and make it happen.”

Backing the film is Ravi—fondly known as Badravathi Ravi. For him, this project is personal. “I distributed Mungaru Male in Shivamogga. I’ve been a fan of Ganesh since then,” he said. “Glad we are collaborating on a project.”

Rangayana Raghu, who reunites with Ganesh after Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi, is also part of the ensemble cast. Joining them are Ravishankar Gowda, Cockroach Shudhi, and Ramesh Indira in pivotal roles.

“It’s a pleasure to work with Ganesh after Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi,” said Rangayana Raghu, who added, “Today, we see choreographers and dialogue writers turning directors, and it’s good to see their creativity across all aspects of cinema.”

Cinematographer Sugnaan, who’s been with the project since its early stages, added, “I usually read scripts once or twice. But this one? I’ve read it at least five times. Each time, it made me smile. That says a lot about the story.”

For Amritha Aiyer, stepping into Kannada cinema with this film felt right from the start. “I was excited the moment I heard the script,” she said. “My character is light, fresh, and happy. Working with Ganesh is an honour, and I’m giving it my 100 per cent.”

The team will begin shooting soon, and the title will be unveiled along with a teaser.