Actor Rishi’s upcoming film “Ramana Avatara” is now slated for release on May 10th. Following a couple of postponements, the film’s team has settled on this new date for the comedy flick, which also stars Pranitha Subhash, Shubra Aiyappa, and Arun Sagar. Directed by debutant Vikas Pampapathi, the film has piqued curiosity with its quirky teaser. In an interview with S Shyam Prasd, actor Rishi discussed the distinctive elements of “Ramana Avatara.”
Q: It must be a relief to finally announce the release date of Ramana Avatara?
A: Absolutely. We initially aimed for a February release, but the sheer number of Kannada films releasing then made it less strategic. We wanted to avoid competition and ensure the film reaches a wider audience. There were also unforeseen delays due to the pandemic and personal challenges faced by some crew members.
Q: What genre does this film belong to? What can audiences expect?
A: Most audiences seek entertainment. They want to relax, enjoy the characters, have a laugh, and maybe take away a subtle message without needing deep analysis. Ramana Avatara falls perfectly into this category. It’s a light-hearted, feel-good film for everyone. We chose May 10th strategically, considering school and college exams would be over, and Karnataka’s Lok Sabha elections would have concluded. People will be more relaxed, and our easy-going entertainer should appeal to a broad audience.
Q: What drew you to this film?
A: The simple, clean humor is what really attracted me. Often, comedies rely on offensive jokes, misogyny, body shaming, or negativity. Ramana Avatara avoids these cheap tropes. Creating clean, inoffensive humor is a challenge, and the film does it beautifully. Additionally, the director being a newcomer brings a refreshing perspective to the humor. There are even subtle messages woven into the film without being preachy; I appreciate that approach.
Q: What are the highlights of Ramana Avatara?
A: There’s a focus on our culture, but even today, many might not recall the entire Ramayana or Mahabharata beyond the basic plot. Ramana Avatara isn’t a retelling; it’s a contemporary film that incorporates some elements and values from the Ramayana in a modern setting. I’m very curious to see how audiences receive this unique blend.
Q: What other projects do you have coming up?
A: I have a busy schedule! Besides Ramana Avatara, two more Kannada films are releasing this year. One is in the dubbing stage, and the other is nearly finished. I’m also juggling shooting for two Telugu films simultaneously.
