For Arjun Dev, Toss brings a new responsibility as he takes charge as both actor and director. Made simultaneously in Kannada and Tulu, the film is produced under Avika Productions and BRB Productions and is scheduled to release on September 18.
The makers recently unveiled the film’s second song, which was launched by Shivarajkumar. Written by Nagarjuna Sharma and composed by Manikanth Kadri, the song comes from a film that Arjun describes as a rom-com action drama centred on emotions and relationships.
“I have tried to take all the emotions forward neatly. The film talks about strong values in relationships,” says Arjun.
The film also has a strong connection to Arjun’s father, veteran Tulu theatre personality and actor Devdas Kapikad, who has written the story, screenplay and dialogues. Arjun says his approach to the film has been shaped by the years he spent watching his father work.
“For 14 years, I have watched my father every day and learnt from him. I have brought those experiences into the film. Everyone supported me in bringing my vision to the screen,” he says.
The shoot also took longer than initially planned. The team had estimated 40 days, but the schedule extended to 60 days as the makers decided to shoot every scene twice.
Devdas, who has spent 37 years working in theatre and cinema and has directed seven films, says he is judging Arjun’s work on its own merit. “I am not saying this just because Arjun is my son. He has directed the film very well. This is a universal subject, and the content itself is the hero,” he says.
Toss features Sutej Shetty as the female lead, with Krithi Shetty, Garuda Ram and Balaji Manohar in important roles. Arjun says Sutej has performed well, while Krithi’s character is one audiences should look forward to.
The film has also received support from Golden Star Ganesh and Shilpa Ganesh. After watching and liking the film, the couple decided to present it under their Golden Movies banner.
Su From So fame Shaneel Gowtham has worked as the creative head. The technical crew includes Manikanth Kadri on music, Joel Sharman D'Souza as cinematographer and Yashwin K. Shettigar as editor.
The songs of Toss have been released in both Kannada and Tulu on the Anand Audio YouTube channel. With Arjun taking on the dual responsibility of leading and directing the film, Toss is now gearing up for its September 18 release in both languages.
