'I am enjoying being both an actor and a director’

MG Srinivas entered the film industry with the intention of becoming an actor. However, life had different plans for him, and before he could finally make his dream come true, he experienced quite a ride. He began as a dance choreographer, and later went on to become an established RJ. Just as he was looking for opportunities to face the camera, a short film caught filmmaker Upendra’s attention, and the actor asked him to helm a project, Topiwala. “He cited his example and pushed me into direction,” says Srinivas. 

It was only five years after his directorial debut that this multi-talented personality once again started thinking of acting in a film. This time, he not only got the chance to act, but also to direct Srinivasa Kalyana. He’s now preparing for his second outing, Birbal -  A Trilogy. 

In a tête-à-tête with Cinema Express, the filmmaker tells us why he decided to direct a suspense thriller over a romcom. “After Srinivasa Kalayana, I did get two or three romcoms. However, I didn’t want to get typecast. That’s when I decided to try out an experimental film, and chose a dark crime thriller,” he says. 

Currently enjoying both acting and directing, Srinivas says, “An actor should be aware of the technical aspects of filmmaking. When they know what goes on behind the scenes, it helps.”

With a title like Birbal, there’s an obvious connection with the historical character. “I was inspired to take up a lawyer’s role after I met a few lawyers and police personnel, who had some interesting cases to share. The film highlights a street-smart character and we decided to call him Birbal,” says Srinivas. He adds that the cases in the trilogy are inspired by real-life incidents but have been fictionalised for cinematic purposes.

The first part, Finding Vajramuni, will establish Birbal, who will solve three different cases over the three-part series. “When we look back and think of a famous villain, the first that comes to mind is Vajramuni,” says the actor-filmmaker. 

While Rukmini Vasanth will be making her debut with Birbal Trilogy, the film also marks a first for music director duo Saurabh-Vaibhav. Produced by TR Chandrashekar under Crystal Park Cinema, the film’s cinematography is by Bharath Parashuram.