Puneeth Rajkumar’s fans are excited, as one year after the release of actor’s Rana Vikrama, the much awaited Chakravyuha directed by M. Saravanan of Ivan Veramathiri fame has hit over 300 screens across the State this Friday.
Interestingly the film with the same title starring Ambareesh and Ambika directed by V. Somashekar was released some 33 years ago. That film marked the entry of popular artist Mukhyamantri Chandru in films. V. Ravichandran essayed a small role in the film produced by Eshwari productions. The success of this film made Ambareesh ‘Rebel Star’ of the Kannada film industry.
Director Saravanan insists, “The movie is not a remake of the film Ivan Veramathiri that I made in 2013. Keeping the gist of that, I have made maximum changes to suit it to the needs of the Kannada audience, and the image of Puneeth Rajkumar”.
The film is about an intelligent common man -- someone people seldom see in society, but are aware of his existence. It is a fast paced action thriller with a strong story line, besides being technically sound. Apart from Puneeth and Rachita Ram, noted Kollywood actor Arun Vijay, Rangayana Raghu, Bhavya, and Sadhu Kokila are in important roles. Music is by S. Thaman, camera is by Shanmuga Sundaram and stunts by Seenu have added to the film’s strengths.
The trailer and songs of Chakravyuha, released on Puneeth’s 41st birthday, struck a chord with the audience and created huge ripples in the Kannada film industry. The two-minute video clip had gone viral on social networks. Puneeth is essaying role of an ‘intelligent common man’ done by Vikram Prabhu in the original. “Audience will find a different climax in Chakravyuha,” defends the director.
Saravanan is a name to reckon with in Kollywood . His Engeyum Eppodhum (2011) and of Ivan Veramathiri made him popular among the audience. Saravanan began his career as an assistant director to A.R. Murugadoss.
Since Chakravyuha is the first Kannada film he directed, was language a handicap? “Language has not at all been a problem in directing the film, because of the cooperation of Appu sir (Puneeth’s nickname). Though it was his 24th film, he was involved in the process, just like it was his first film. He used to discuss scenes before the shoot. Puneeth is a director’s actor in the true sense,” says Saravanan.
He stresses that the film is mostly visual and hinges on artists giving the right expressions. “I did not face any problem while directing. A blend of technicians from both film industries were at hand,” says Saravanan, who finds it difficult to converse in Kannada.
Discounting the remake argument, he says, “You can say it was inspired by Ivan Veramathiri. Conscious efforts have been made to offer a fresh look to Chakravyuha. The audience will surely spot the difference between the two films. The highlight of the film is that it makes the audience feel that it will be good to be like the protagonist”.
The crew has also kept in mind that Chakravyuha is Puneeth’s 24th film and tried its best to make it a landmark in Kannada cinema, he adds. It is also the 24th film of Kollywood actor Arun Vijay, and Chakravyuha is his Sandalwood debut. Puneeth and Arun have made the film rich with classic performances, says the director.
