Latest news with #AforAnand


The Hindu
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Writer-director-actor MG Sinivas and Shivrajkumar's next venture goes on floor
Shivarajkumar will now be seen in a children's film, A for Anand. MG Srinivas, known for his out-of-the-box storylines and approach to visualisation and concepts, will direct the film. Cinematographer Mahendra Simha and composer Vasuki Vaibhav are also on board the project. The RJ-turned director, Srinivas, is known for films such as Srinivasa Kalyana and Birbal. Srinivas and Shivrajkumar joined hands for the muhurat of A For Anand, at Bande Mahakali Temple, Kempegowda Nagar. At the muhurat, school benches were used instead of chairs for seating. The way the stage was set, looked like an annual day programme at school with a brass bell placed in the left corner of the table and a black board with the details of the film written in chalk. Shivarajkumar and some children rang the bell to indicate the beginning and end of the press conference. While the children were left to just be children, they were self-disciplined. After running helter-skelter all around, on stage they were responsible and answered questions, shared the film's premise with confidence and clarity. They were also in awe of Shivarajkumar, nudging and jostling each other trying to get closer to the actor. Srinivas described A For Anand as a family entertainer. 'It is going to be challenging as the story is child centric with drama and humour.' Srinivas said he wanted to present Shivarajkumar in a light-hearted role. 'When I worked with him in Ghost, I realized he gets serious and intense roles. Once the camera is off, however, he is so funny and makes everyone laugh. He has a great timing for comedy, which is what we will be exploring in this film.' The film, Srinivas says, is backed by research. 'We want it to be entertaining and also support the thought process and education of children.' Produced by Geetha Pictures, Shivarajkumar says, 'A For Anand is not going to talk about things in a bookish manner, but rather present children as they are, on screen too. It will be a simple narrative using their language and vocabulary.' When the hit song 'Tuvi Tuvi' from Shivarajkumar's first film, Anand, was played, an emotional Shivarajkumar smiled saying, 'Anand was a title chosen by my late mother, Parvathamma. And now Sreeni has chosen A for Anand as the title for this film, which makes it all the more special.' Shivarajkumar plays a teacher in A for Anand and urged his fans instead of only watching star vehicles, to watch films with new stories and newcomers to encourage them.


New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Sandeep Sunkad-Dheeren's crime adventure titled Pabbar
The buzz surrounding Dheeren's next project finally ends as his upcoming crime thriller with Shakhahaari director Sandeep Sunkad was officially launched. The film, intriguingly titled Pabbar, also had its first look unveiled by the makers, featuring Dheeren in a rugged appearance, clad in winter clothing, holding a gun. Backed by Geetha Pictures, the producers of Bhairathi Ranagal and the upcoming A for Anand, Pabbar is set to be a gripping crime adventure, weaving together an emotional personal journey with a high-stakes investigation. Director Sandeep Sunkad, who received critical acclaim for his debut Shakhahaari, ventures into new thematic territory with this film. 'While Shakhahaari was a mystery thriller, Pabbar delves into crime and adventure. There's a dual narrative—a personal transformation and an intense investigation,' says Sandeep. Interestingly, the title Pabbar refers to a river valley in Himachal Pradesh, one of the key locations in the film. 'We start shooting in Madikeri and, depending on the weather, will move to Himachal Pradesh,' Sandeep confirms, adding that the team plans to begin shooting from May 15, and targets completion of filming by the end of this year. 'I've spent the last five months working with Dheeren. He's lost nearly 10 kilos for the role. He was one of the few actors who approached me with genuine interest—I saw a hunger in him,' he shares. 'I narrated two stories, and he chose this one.' Sandeep reunites with the technical team of Shakhahaari, including cinematographer Vishwajith Rao and music director Mayur Ambekallu. Sandeep doubles up as the editor of Pabbar.


New Indian Express
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Shivarajkumar: Anand was my debut's title, given by my mother
Shivarajkumar is taking a thoughtful detour. His next film, A for Anand positions him not as a hero in action sequences but as a teacher. Directed by Srini, A for Anand is envisioned as a children's film with a strong social intent. The film was officially launched on Friday with a simple yet symbolic ceremony. In a rarity at such an event, a child was invited to switch on the camera, and producer Geetha Shivarajkumar gave the ceremonial first clap. Children remained at the heart of the event, and young voices led the way—welcoming guests and singing songs that reflected the film's spirit. Shivanna spoke candidly about his connection to the project. 'This isn't just another film for me. It's emotionally special. Srini and I have been discussing this idea for years,' he said. Geetha Shivarajkumar added, 'There's an undercurrent of purpose here. Today's education system is burdening children. A for Anand will explore how to teach and guide them differently, without stress or pressure.' The film's title carries a personal connection for Shivanna. 'Anand was a title given by my mother for my debut. I hope this Anand brings joy to every child who watches it,' he added. For director Srini, who previously helmed the action hit Ghost starring Shivanna, this marks a genre shift. 'From high-octane to heartfelt—this film is about family, childhood, and laughter. It's a challenge, but Shivanna's comic timing and natural rapport with kids make him perfect for this role.' Backed by Geetha Pictures—the banner behind Vedha and Bhairathi Ranagal—A for Anand also reunites the technical team from Ghost, including cinematographer Mahendra Simha and editor Deepu S Kumar. Dialogue writer Prasanna VM shared, 'I'm not even as old as Shivanna's experience in the industry. But I'm honoured that the dialogues written by me will be rendered by him. His comic timing is incredible—he's like a child among children. We want to capture that spirit in this film.' Vasuki Vaibhav, who will compose the music for the film, said, 'I feel glad to be a small part of this big tree that is Geetha Pictures. Earlier, I was fortunate to work on children's films like Sa Hi Pra Shaale, Kasaragodu and Ondalla Eradalla, which were hits and won National Awards too. I hope that success continues with A for Anand.' Filming is set to begin in October in the misty locales of Sagara near Shivamogga.