This writer, filmmaker and actor made it big on the small screen. But many might not know that his small screen ventures are also popular like his classics on the silver screen ones. TN Seetharam, fondly known as TNS is back with his third directorial film venture, and this time the national award-winning filmmaker is ready with a suspense thriller. His previous movies — Meera Madhava Raghava featuring Sandalwood Queen Ramya, Diganth and Tilak was a love story with a different approach and his first film — Mathadana won him the national award for best Kannada feature film. The king of Kannada serials, TN Seetharam speaks about his comeback with this suspense thriller and much more.
“My third film is a suspense thriller with Julie Lakshmi in an important role. She makes a comeback after a long time. Raghu Mukherjee, Radhika Chetan of the Rangitaranga and U-Turn fame, and Samyukta Hornad feature in this film. After all the stories with emotion riding high and crackling court room dramas, I felt like doing a suspense movie. Right now, the untitled venture is in pre-production with an extensive search for a suitable location, as the story revolves around an estate,” says Seetharam.
Talking about his small screen plans, he feels that making a TV serial is a long-drawn process which demands time and attention, unlike movies. “A serial demands at least 20 hours a day. It is very demanding, and at times a tiresome affair. After a lot of thought, this suspense subject thrilled me and I decided to make it,” he adds.
Apart from his team, his son TS Satyajith, who made his debut with the directorial venture Hingyaake is assisting him, drafting dialogues for this one.
“Ever since my children started showing interest in the film and serial-making process, they have been assisting me with writing, and in other capacities as well,” says Seetharam.
The maverick has even penned dialogues for Puttana Kanagal’s classic Manasa Sarovara, and acted in a couple of the veteran’s films. He is known for his works in films such as Girish Kasaravalli’s Kraurya for which he penned the story and screenplay.
“It is rejuvenating to work with new talent and with great actors like Julie Lakshmi. The subject too is engaging as an emotional thriller,” says the director adding that Ashok Kashyap, the experienced campaigner is working as his cinematographer. With the popularity of his TV serials and their repeat re-telecasts thanks to their huge demand, they are also available in DVD format. Now, this suspense thriller... seems to be following suit.
