Veteran music director and writer Hamsalekha, a known name in the film industry, is making his directorial debut with the film, OK. The launch event was held recently, with actor Ravichandran attending as a special guest.
OK is backed by Nagesh Vashtaar and Suryaprakash under the banners of Akanksha Productions and Hamsalekha's Aidani Entertainment. While the cast will be announced soon, Hamsalekha shared his thoughts on the changing film industry. “When I invited Ravichandran, we spoke for over two hours. He asked why films like Ramachari, Halli Mestru, and Rajahuli are no longer made. If he lost 10 kg, he would look like a divine hero. He is a talented actor and a music lover who could make small films,” Hamsalekha said.
He added, “Now, the focus is on Pan-India films. We have around 200 directors experimenting, but experiments belong in labs, not kitchens. Good cinema needs songs, strong dialogues, and comedy. Like farmers growing both market and home crops, we need big and small films rooted in our culture. Small films with local flavour will keep audiences coming back.”
Hamsalekha chose OK after considering many stories. “Five years ago, Adip Akhtar wrote a story called Panjara. I liked it, called him, got his signature, and gave him an advance. Films with Kannada DNA naturally attract the audience. Through this film, we want to start a movement to bring people back to theatres, with films that carry social, educational, and emotional value.”
Ravichandran, visibly moved, said, “I cancelled a shoot and came here from Kanakapura. Hamsalekha made me look like a king on screen. My fame came from his songs. People say films don’t do well, but success happens every week. Since 1986, we have given real hits and never stopped working. I don’t know the numbers, I only know cinema. Our friendship is pure. We never drank together or hung out; we just made films.”
