The Kannada actor-producer will do a dual role — as father and son — in NR Pradeepa's directorial venture.
Published Jul 05, 2023 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Aug 10, 2023 | 1:15 PM
Komal Kumar in 'Yalakunni'. (Supplied)
Multi-talented actor-producer Komal Kumar, who made his debut with Super Nanna Maga (1992), completed 30 years in the Kannada film industry. He has a slew of projects in the pipeline, including Yalakunni which will pay rich tributes to the legendary actor, the late Vajramuni.
Sandalwood in the early 1970s witnessed the emergence of one of the phenomenal actors, Vajramuni, who later went on to be recognised as “Nata Bhayankara” for his ferocious onscreen presence.
In an exclusive interview with South First, Komal Kumar talks about his avatar as Vajramuni, his upcoming production venture, and much more.
Directed by NR Pradeepa, Yalakunni is an entertainer and is inspired by the life of the iconic Vajramuni.
Komal Kumar to play legendary actor late Vajramuni in ‘Yalakunni’. (Supplied)
Komal Kumar explains, “Yalakunni is not an autobiography of the late actor Vajramuni sir, but is inspired by his acting skills. Hence the title Yalakunni with the tagline — ‘Mera Naam Vajramuni‘.”
He reveals, “Why there is such a character in the movie forms the crux of our project. I play a double role in it — both father and son. The father’s character is inspired by the late actor.”
The legendary late actor was known for his thundering voice and stellar performances, mostly negative roles. He started off his journey with the film Mallammana Pavaada (1969).
Thereafter, his on-screen combination with Kannada thespian late Dr Rajkumar in films like Sipayi Ramu (1972), Sampathige Savaal (1974), Premada Kanike (1976), Bahaddur Gandu (1976), Giri Kanye (1977), and Shankar Guru (1978) became synonymous with success in the 1970s.
Komal Kumar, who has acted in 55 films to date since his debut, notes that recreating the trademark mannerisms of Vajramuni was indeed challenging.
“We did a lot of research and preparation to fit into the role of Vajramuni sir. He had a unique style of acting, including his trademark dialogue in Yalakunni. Even the film unit worked hard in respect of costume and other aspects,” the actor says.
Komal Kumar further adds: “The director has penned the songs and this will be a major highlight of Yalakunni. That’s something which I haven’t tried in my three-decade-long acting career.”
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That apart, the actor shares that his ninth venture as a producer will see him sharing the screen with his elder brother “Navarasa Nayaka” Jaggesh.
Actor-politician Jaggesh is currently a Rajya Sabha member.
A poster of ‘Rolex’. (Supplied)
Komal Kumar says, “I will be acting alongside my elder brother Jaggesh in Kalaya Namaha. The film will also feature Prakash Raj in a vital role. It is the ninth production venture under our banner (also owned by my wife Anusuya Komal Kumar).”
“Kalaya Namaha will be a one-of-its-kind fantasy thriller that revolves around a parallel universe in existence,” says Komal, who rose to stardom as a full-fledged hero with director Pavan Wadeyar’s Govindaya Namaha (2012).
Meanwhile, the actor turned a year older on Tuesday, 4 July. He has a handful of projects in the pipeline, including the sequel to his hit film Namo Bhootatma (2014), a horror-comedy.
The sequel, Namo Bhootatma 2, is directed by choreographer-director Murali. The teaser was released recently by “Action Prince” Dhurva Sarja.
His other project, titled Rolex, is currently under production. It is directed by Srinivas Mandya and has Komal Kumar pairing up with actress Sonal Monteiro. Jessie Gift scored its music.
