Nataraj will play the role of Damodar in senior director PH Vishwanath's next titled Aade nam God, scheduled to release in the coming weeks.
Kannada actor Nataraj. (Supplied)
Portraying the character of Sandal Raja — a convict on death row who escapes from prison and eventually ends up travelling with a retired police officer in the critically acclaimed film Rama Rama Re (2016) — earned Nataraj great appreciation and recognition as an actor.
One of the finest films in Kannada in the recent past, for its content and performance, director D Satyaprakash’s Rama Rama Re was also remade in Telugu as Aatagadharaa Siva (2018).
In an exclusive interview with South First, Nataraj talks about his upcoming films, including Aade Nam God, a satire directed by veteran filmmaker PH Vishwanath.
A poster of ‘Rama Rama Re’. (Supplied)
After making a mark for himself with Rama Rama Re, Nataraj was seen playing the lead in Kal Bettada Darodekoraru (2019).
It is based on a novel penned by Anush A Shetty and directed by Deepak Maduvanahalli. The film had an interesting plot with cops and villagers looking out for a bunch of dacoits living at the haunted hill.
“The filmmakers, who initially planned for a big release, limited it to just 10 screens. The movie was, however, hugely appreciated for its unique content on the OTT platform,” the actor recalled.
A poster of ‘Man of the Match’. (Supplied)
Next came his biggest collaboration with PRK Productions, the home banner of the late Dr Puneeth Rajkumar.
“Man of Match (2022), was made by the Rama Rama Re film team. Puneeth sir, who admired Rama Rama Re, was very impressed with the director Satya Prakash’s plot for Man of the Match,” Nataraj shares.
It revolves around a director who calls for an audition and makes a movie out of it by creating conflicts between the artists who attend the audition.
“I played the director in it. Puneeth sir sang a song in the film. But he was unfortunately not there when the film was finally released through an OTT platform. He had passed away just a week before the release. He had seen the trailer,” he recollects.
It was during the pandemic period when there was no certainty over the theatres being allowed to screen movies at full capacity. Hence, Man of the Match saw a direct release on OTT.
Actor Nataraj on the sets of a film. (Supplied)
Audiences couldn’t recognise Nataraj post-Rama Rama Re. The actor explains why.
“I had lost almost 20 kilos of weight for the role of Sandal Raja. Once the character escapes prison, he is forever on the run, and to portray that effectively, I had to lose weight.”
He remarks: “I had completely stopped shaving and was roaming around with no haircut for one-and-a-half years. I lived the character which I loved so much that it earned me fame and appreciation.”
A poster of ‘Aade Nam God’. (Supplied)
On his upcoming release Aade Nam God, Nataraj says that film editor BS Kemparaju asked him if he would like to work with a veteran filmmaker.
“I was thrilled to work under PH Vishwanath sir. He started his career as an assistant director for renowned director Puttanna Kanagal,” the actor says.
He hastens to add: “Despite being such a veteran, he invited me and read the story for over 45 minutes and explained in detail the character he wanted me to portray. These days, some inexperienced newcomers do not even share what the next scene is going to be.”
Director Vishwanath’s Aade Nam God (Goat is Our God) is a satire on the ignorance and superstitious beliefs that still exist in our society.
“I play the role of Damodara. One of the four friends who come across a goat that has some magical powers. The group of friends make use of it and build a temple for it for their gains. It’s a pure reflection of our society and will be a laugh riot. I’m sure the audience will love every bit of it,” Nataraj signs off.
The actor will also be seen in Kubusa — which has already been showcased at the Bengaluru International Film Festival — and Marichi where he will be seen in a negative role.
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