Shivarajkumar: There’s no language or regional barrier for a cop

Shivarajkumar’s bond with the khakhi uniform continues with Rustum. The actor, who has previously played a cop in films like Inspector Vikram, Annavra Makkalu, Rakshasa, Killing Veerappan, Shivalinga, and Tagaru, feels an inseparable connection with the role. "Somehow the characters choose me all the time.” 

In Ravi Varma’s debut directorial, Shivanna plays a cop, who gets posted outside Karnataka. “There’s no language or regional barrier for a cop. Wherever he goes, he carries his attitude along. That’s how my character has been sketched by Ravi Varma. He has also brought out the family man within a cop in Rustum,” he says. 
 
Shivarajkumar believes Ravi has combined all the elements required for a commercial entertainer. "It's an action-packed film with a blend of emotions. Ravi has also managed to carry the undercurrent suspense throughout the film. Our work has been completed and it’s now time for the audience to judge,” he says.

In Rustum, Shivarajkumar shares screen space with actors like Shraddha Srinath, Vivek Oberoi, Rachita Ram, and director J Mahendran. He says that each character has their own importance in the film. ”Irrespective of their screen time, all of them have their moments.  We also have a few portions, which required the characters to speak in Hindi,” says Shivarajkumar.

Even though the actor has done 123 films, he still feels the need to reinvent himself with every role. “I usually mould my character according to the nature of the film. Ultimately, the audience have to tell whether I have done something unique or not. I have sported two looks in the film, one with a moustache and without one. I feel the moustache adds machoness to the cop role,” says Shivanna.

About collaborating with Jayanna productions again, he says, “Jayanna, Bogendra and I have always maintained a good rapport and that's the reason why we keep working together.”

Rustum has music by Anoop Seelin and the cinematography by Mahendra Simha. The film hits the screens this Friday.