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Time of India
07-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
It's been a wild journey; lessons learned and more to grasp: Sriimurali
Sandalwood's Roaring Star Sriimurali's career spanning just over two decades can rightfully be described as one tumultuous ride. As a newbie from an illustrious film family, Sriimurali's debut Chandra Chakori, in 2003, was a runaway hit that ran for two years. He followed it up with an award-winning performance in Kanti. Then came a couple of years during which nothing he did created the same magic on screen, bringing with it disappointments and self-doubt. Until his 2014 film – Ugramm. 'There is no bigger teacher than failure. I learnt this the hard way,' reflects Sriimurali, speaking as a guest on Bangalore Times Spotlight. After hits like Chandra Chakori and Kanti, was Ugramm the next turning point? My debut Chandra Chakori was a blockbuster that ran for two years. That's a great beginning for any actor. It was God's grace and the love of my people that got me on to such a fabulous start. Then came Kanti, which even won me a State Award. Of the films since then, a couple really stand out. Minchina Oota is super special because it was my first time working with my brother, Vijay Raghavendra. I also did a film called Preetigagi, directed by S Mahendra sir, which is honestly one of the best love stories I've ever done. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo It was followed by a tough period. I was pretty lost. Friends and well-wishers urged me to reassess my career. I took their advice, recognising I'd veered off track and needed to reorganise. By 2008 or 2009, we had begun discussions on Ugramm. Though I had to commit five years to it, I also signed other films. Though these films didn't fare well, I have no regrets. I genuinely believed in the people I worked with, sharing my challenges and completing each project with passion. While things didn't unfold as planned, I can't blame anyone — after all, I was the hero of those ventures. It's been a wild journey, full of lessons learned but there is much more to grasp, still. My path is different now; I'm focused on correcting my mistakes and staying on the right track. Would you say Ugramm reinvented Sriimurali? Yes. In a big, big way. Then came your superhero project Bagheera . Why did it take so long to get that one out? I was prepared for that project in just 3-4 months. After rigorous training under my trainer Bharat, I was all set. A couple of unforeseen incidents in my family threw us completely off track (referring to the passing of both his cousin, Puneeth Rajkumar and his co-sister, Spandana Vijay Raghavendra). Navigating those profound losses required time; it takes time to heal your mind and then return to work. Shooting Bagheera brought many challenges, including a significant toll on my physical health. I sustained two back and two leg injuries, which were entirely unexpected. It's been a wild journey, full of lessons learned, but there is much more to grasp, still. My path is different now; I'm focused on correcting my mistakes and staying on the right track Sriimurali, actor Given the personal issues your family has navigated in recent years, how did you find a sense of calm amidst it all? I think it's about acceptance. You have to accept the realities, that what is happening is the truth. But, that's far easier said than done. When you've shared such a strong bond with people, it's incredibly difficult to ask yourself painful questions about why it had to happen. With such incidents, especially concerning those close to me, I truly need time to process. Fortunately, my family was strong enough to support me. They were always around, and they understood me. I hardly get any time to spend with my family because of my work. So when it comes to activities or holidays, I'm up for anything as long as we're together Sriimurali, actor You come from a strong film family. What kind of expectations does that involve? Is there a lot of pressure? You know, I don't think I ever had a day without pressure. How sad is that! But, who doesn't have tension? Who doesn't have pressure? Who doesn't feel nervous? I don't think there's anything wrong with that. However, I've never felt that pressure from my family. They've only ever advised me to be good, do good, and stay on the right path. Personally, I thrive on that pressure. I need it. There's no bigger teacher than failure. It will teach you everything – it affects you from head to toe, you feel it in every inch of your body Sriimurali, actor Speaking of family, would you say your kids are your critics now? I think so. My son is quite calm and reserved; he's considerate of my feelings before speaking. My daughter, however, is completely different. She's incredibly straightforward. If she has something to say, she will say it to my face. I just have to accept it — whether it's good or not. They keep me on my toes. Even my wife, to that extent. She's strict. She's very straightforward. She's been my strongest critic. Which of your films have they enjoyed most? I think my son likes Ugramm, Rathavara, Mufti and Bagheera. My daughter… I don't even know which film she likes. She's in a new generation. She hates me touching my heroines. She hates me hugging them. My daughter was just a couple of years old when we watched my film Mufti. There is a scene where the heroine, Shanvi (Srivastava) hugs me. My daughter, who was sitting on my lap at that time, just turned around and slapped me for getting close to the heroine. I tried to convince her that this is my job, but that was just not possible. Can you recall the high you experienced with your first film? Can I be honest? I had no clue what success meant at that time. Chandra Chakori was special, no doubt. It is because of that film in 2003, that I am still here in 2025. It got me recognition, awards, adulation, etc. But I did not understand success until I delivered some flops. There's no bigger teacher than failure. It will teach you everything. A film must convince your eyes, your heart, your brain. When these three connect, a film can be a hit. However, even with that connection, you still need a strong script, a compelling story, effective fights, genuine emotions, powerful drama, engaging humour, and believable love for a film to work Sriimurali, actor What was it like to taste success after a decade, with Ugramm? Ugramm gave me a different kind of kick, breaking a long dry spell and rekindling hope. That film was immensely rewarding, not just for me but for everyone involved, and that's something we should value. After Ugramm, many films followed, and I never looked back. Bagheera in 2024 brought a new high, allowing me to experiment with a different genre. I'm satisfied now, but I haven't forgotten my future goals. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
India Today
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- India Today
Ugramm to Apthamithra: 5 Kannada films that deserves a re-release in 2025
The re-release trend has recently taken over the country. A trend that gained traction from theatrical releases of iconic South Indian films like 'Ghilli', 'Indra', 'Murari', 'Jackie' and more, soon made its way to Bollywood. Iconic films like 'Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge', 'Kaho Naa Pyaar Hai', 'Karan Arjun' as well as recent classics like 'Yeh Jawani Hai Diwani', 'Jab We Met', 'Rockstar' and more witnessed sold-out shows despite their OTT like 'Tumbbad' and 'Sanam Teri Kasam', which weren't as successful during their initial run at the box office, turned out to be massive box office successes after their recent re-releases. This trend even caught Hollywood's attention with the recent re-release of the IMAX version of 'Interstellar', seeing several fully booked March 12, marking the 50th birth anniversary of the late Puneeth Rajkumar, the Kannada superstar's debut film as the lead, 'Appu', was re-released in over 100 screens across Karnataka. People across the state flocked to their nearest theatres to watch the film and see Puneeth on the big screen once again. Similarly, there are several iconic Kannada films that deserve a re-release. Out of the many, here are 5 films that should make the cut and find their way to theatres in 2025!OM - 1995advertisementA film that holds a record in the Limca Book of Records for re-releasing more than 550 times, has to make it to this list! Directed by Upendra, starring Shiva Rajkumar - both superstars of their own merit in the Kannada film industry - 'Om' is a milestone film in both of their esteemed careers as well as the industry. Even after 30 years of its release, being one of the most talked-about Kannada films ever, this iconic film deserves a re-release the most! A poster of the film Om (PC: IMDB) UGRAMM - 2014Every time Prashanth Neel's 'Salaar: Part 1 - Ceasefire' starring Prabhas re-releases, the director's debut film, on which this 2023 super-hit is based, comes to mind. Despite facing several obstacles before its theatrical release, as revealed by Prashanth himself, 'Ugramm' created euphoria upon its release in 2014. Agastya, played by Kannada star Srii Murali, became a pop culture icon of Kannada cinema. To experience the same euphoria, with Ravi Basrur's background music blasting in theatres, would be a treat! A poster of the film Ugramm (PC: IMDB) RAMA SHAMA BHAMA - 2005This comedy entertainer starring Ramesh Aravind, Kamal Haasan, Urvashi and Daisy Bopanna, is a Kannada film that unites an entire family whenever it's on TV. Even after two decades of its theatrical release, the comedy still has its charm, making it the perfect film to be re-released in theatres. The film was released in theatres on December 9, 2005, and a December 2025 re-release would be a perfect way to celebrate its 20-year anniversary. A poster of Rama Shama Bhama (PC: IMDB) APTHAMITRA - 2004Dr Vishnuvardhan will always be one of the heads on the Mt. Rushmore of the greatest Kannada actors ever. 'Apthamitra' is one of his most iconic films, which ran in theatres across Karnataka for over 365 days and was the highest-grossing Kannada film at the time. From the extremely cool opening shot of Vishnu Dada's sidekick to witnessing the iconic comedy combination between Vishnuvardhan and Dwarkish - how nostalgic it would be to witness it all on the big screen once again! A poster of the film Apthamitra (PC: IMDB) SHABDAVEDHI - 2000Dr Rajkumar was a legend - the biggest name in the Kannada film industry - and always will be. He was such a huge name that when he was kidnapped by the dreaded Veerappan in mid-2000, the whole state of Karnataka came to a standstill, throwing the state government into crisis. 'Shabdavedhi' was Rajkumar's last film, released in February 2000. The theatrical release of a remastered version of this film, marking 25 years of its original release, would be a perfect way to pay an ode to this legend of Indian cinema. A poster of the film Shabdavedhi (PC: IMDB) The re-release trend has certainly opened up the possibility of reliving the theatrical experience of watching our favourite superstars and films. This article only lists 5 films, but there are several other Kannada films that have made their mark in their own way. Which Kannada film's re-release would you like to watch in theatres?
