Director Sathya Ratnam is yet to finalise a Kannada star to play the younger version of the Karnataka CM in the two-part biopic.
Vijay Sethupathi won't act in first part of 'Leader Ramaiah', the biopic on Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah. (Supplied)
Director Sathya Ratnam is baffled by the news that is doing rounds for the past few days regarding his upcoming project Leader Ramaiah — a biopic on Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
“I am surprised over the news that Vijay Sethupathi is playing Siddaramaiah sir, that too in the first part of the two-part biopic. Once the Chief Minister gave us the green signal to make the film, he was curious to know who would play his role. We informed him about Vijay Sethupathi since he is perfect to play the middle-aged role of Siddaramaiah,” the director told South First.
However, he clarified that Vijay Sethupathi is busy for at least another one-and-a-half years with a handful of projects.
“We cannot wait that long for Sethupathi’s dates. So, the Tamil star won’t play any role in the first part of the biopic. Now, we are in talks with a few Kannada stars to play the younger version of Siddaramaiah. Nevertheless, we certainly want him (Vijay Sethupathi) to act in the second part. But that depends on his approval, his available dates, and other factors,” the filmmaker added.
‘Leader Ramaiah’ director Sathya Ratnam. (Supplied)
According to Sathya Ratnam, the only official update concerning the biopic is that the script has been finalised and it has been shared with the CM for changes, if any.
“We have shared the script with Siddaramaiah sir. He had been busy with the recently-concluded Legislative Assembly. We are awaiting his approval. Meanwhile, we signed composer-singer Shashank Sheshagiri as music director and two of the four songs have already been recorded. The film will be majorly shot in and around Mysuru,” the director revealed.
Uday Leela has been roped in as cinematographer and Anil Kabir as art director.
The makers say that the shooting of Leader Ramaiah is most likely to commence in the last week of this month.
About the rumours that a few Kannada stars have already been finalised for Leader Ramaiah, Sathya Ratnam stated that it is a routine thing to approach actors with an offer.
“We wanted a few star actors to make a guest appearance in our film. The first part will revolve around childhood and college days up until the crucial Varuna Canal agitation phase of Siddaramaiah sir’s life. Even when we seek the appointment of an actor, it is resulting in the news that the actor is being finalised. To put an end to this all, I am planning to hold a press meet on the first day of the shooting,” the filmmaker said.
“We are all, including myself and the producers, huge fans of Siddaramaiah sir. Want to make this biopic a grand venture and hence are taking our time in preparing for the same. We intend to offer this movie as a gift to Siddaramaiah sir,” the director said.
Another biopic on Siddaramaiah is titled ‘Siddaramaiah Emba Nanu’. (Supplied)
Reacting to the news about another biopic on Karnataka Chief Minister titled Siddaramaiah Emba Nanu, Sathya Ratnam admitted that someone did call him to talk about the same.
“Siddaramaiah sir is a tall leader in Karnataka politics and is a public figure. When someone is spending so much money to showcase his glorious life, they are most welcome. I wished them the best saying the audience would like whichever film is best among the two,” he said.
The director hastened to add: “Until and unless someone is making the biopic with prior approval and good intentions, and most important not to create any controversy, there can never be an issue.”
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