Exclusive: Appu would take me to watch every film he liked, irrespective of the language: Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar

Appu backed me

Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar with Puneeth Rajkumar. (Supplied)

Ashwini said Aachar & Co. is close to her heart since Puneeth Rajkumar decided to produce it as he liked the content.

“It was Puneeth Rajkumar who started the banner (PRK Productions) to contribute to the Kannada film industry. He wanted to provide newcomers with a platform where they can showcase their talent through good content and quality filmmaking,” she explained.

The producer revealed that the late actor made her learn all the crucial aspects of film production. “He would listen to scripts along with me. Once we locked in on a project, he would hand it over to me and then get busy with his acting schedule.”

She also recalled that he would take her to watch every film he liked — English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and whatnot. “His passion for the art was immense and he would always stay updated about the industry.”

Related: ‘Aachar & Co’ spearheaded by women: Director Sudha Sreenivas Murthy

Challenges galore

Ashwini PR with Puneeth Rajkumar and the team of ‘One Cut Two Cut team’. (Supplied)

With more young talents knocking on the doors of PRK Productions, Ashwini admitted that she does face a set of challenges while making a film with newcomers.

“I read every script I come across, but it is always a big challenge and also a risky affair when working with newcomers.”

Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar elaborated on the challenges: “Sometimes, the script/content would be good, but the final output would not turn out the way it was initially visualised. The presentation part is critical and it’s as risky as gambling. You never know what works for the audience. We have had our ups and downs, but we strive hard to give our best.”

Also Read: ‘Heeriye’: Dulquer Salmaan’s first music video is a soulful romantic number

An avid reader

Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar with her daughter post Karnataka Ratna awarded to late Dr Puneeth Rajkumar. (Supplied)

The Kannada producer stated that she has always been an avid reader. “I love reading books since my school days. Even my mother-in-law (late Parvathamma Rajkumar) would advise me to discuss interesting books with filmmakers so they can be made into a movie.”

Ashwini recollected, “She (mother-in-law) was a strong woman who earned the respect of everyone. She had a great sense of judgement and would hardly go wrong in her decision.”

The producer considers three main factors — passion, content and presentation — for every project. “I would ask anyone who approaches the banner to come up with a six-minute video. Based on the video, I would discuss it with three of my close directors and then take a call. We want to try different genres,” she said.

Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar likes thrillers with a simple subject. Indeed, she is keen on making a biography based on the life of great achievers.

“I have a couple of biographies in mind. But such a project would require a star actor in the lead role. It also requires a huge budget. Also, I would love to do a children’s film since Appu, who himself started as a child artist, was a big fan of such movies,” she added.

Also Read: Late Puneeth Rajkumar bestowed with Karnataka Ratna award

Aachar & Co. and O2

A still from ‘Aachar & Co.’. (Supplied)

Back to Aachar & Co., Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar said the film is close to her heart. “My grandmother, during the 1960s, made sure all her children (most of them girls) had the best education. All of them went on to do well in life,” she recollected.

The producer noted, “The film, set in the 1960s, is all about the coming of age tale and also sheds light on women empowerment. It has good content and entertainment.”

Her other venture, O2 (Oxygen), is a medical thriller starring Ashika Ranganath and is scheduled for release in the coming months.

Ashwini clarified that none of her films was initially made for direct OTT release. “Thanks to the Covid-19 lockdowns, a couple of our films were released on the OTT. However, it is not the case anymore.”

The producer has recently been invited to be the brand ambassador for organ donation in Karnataka. “I’m happy. All my family members have been ambassadors for such a great cause that creates awareness in society,” Ashiwini Puneeth Rajkumar signed off.