Chikkanna excelled in his art with 80-plus films to credit while working alongside Sandalwood's top actors and filmmakers.
Published Oct 24, 2023 | 4:30 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 24, 2023 | 4:30 PM
Chikkanna with actress Malaika and Aditi Prabhudeva at the teaser event. (Supplied)
Noted Kannada comedian Chikkanna has been making audiences laugh their hearts out with his onscreen performances for over 13 years since his debut film Kiraathaka (2011).
It was none other than “Rocking Star” Yash of KGF (2018 & 22) fame, who noticed his talent and introduced him to the Kannada film industry.
Thereafter, Chikkanna excelled in his art with 80-plus films to credit while working alongside Sandalwood’s top actors and filmmakers. Now, he is all set to make his debut as a protagonist (hero) in Upadhyaksha.
A poster of the film ‘Upadhyaksha’. (Supplied)
During the teaser release event of his film Upadhyaksha, the actor shared that he was mocked and made fun of when he took up the film as a hero.
“I never faced any difficulty in the 13 years of my acting career as a comedian, but I faced it all in just one film when I took up Upadhyaksha. I was mocked, and made fun of as some questioned — ‘Is he a hero?’,” the emotional Chikkanna shared at the event.
He goes on to add that he never dreamt of becoming a hero, but when shared the same with a few, they pained him with their reactions.
“However, I am forever indebted to everyone who has supported me, especially producer Umapathy.”
The comedy film featuring Chikkanna in the lead is based on the popular character — Narayana Gowda alias Upadhyaksha, played by Chikkanna in the comedy hit Adhyaksha (2014) directed by Nanda Kishore with Sharan playing the titular role.
The latest version of the hit comedy will also see Sharan making a guest appearance in it.
The 2014 film Adhyaksha was based on the Tamil hit film Varuthapadatha Valibar Sangam (2013) featuring Shivakartikeyan.
Chikkanna in ‘Upadhyaksha’. (Supplied)
The teaser of Upadhyaksha was released by Duniya Vijay, Abhishekh Ambareesh, and Aditi Prabhudeva.
“Chikkanna has made everyone laugh with his performances. I believe that only those who experienced immense pain in their life can make others laugh. It’s not an easy journey, from playing side roles to becoming a hero,” opined Duniya Vijay.
He advised the comedian-turned-hero to never get bogged by humiliation at any stage of his career and to continue to work for his own set of audience who enjoy and appreciate his hard work.
Made under the DN Cinemas banner, Upadhyaksha directed by Anil Kumar features Chikkanna, Malaika, Ravishankar, Sadhu Kokila, and others in the lead. Arjun Janya composed the music for this one too.
