June 12, 2010 (Sampurn Wire): Agni Sreedhar, who is an acclaimed Kannada writer, critic and artist, has debuted in direction with this week’s big Kannada movie Tamassu. He had earlier written the script for the Kannada movie Aa Dinagalu.

Sreedhar, who has also penned the script and screenplay of the movie stated, “Tamassu celebrates the human spirit as well as the acting of Shivanna.”

He describes the film to be the journey of a police officer Shankar, from darkness to light. Shivarajkumar plays the lead role of Shankar, whose wife Shanti is a peace loving doctor. The film explores the relationship between the couple and consequently touches upon the issues like terrorism and religious riots.

Some parts of the film are based on the true incidents that took place in Gujarat. The Hindu police officer Shankar’s humanitarian relationship with a Muslim family is nicely depicted in the film. It tries to go beyond the religion and unite for the sake of humanity.

As a police officer, it is Shivrajkumar’s fourth role. He said, “I was very excited when I got the role but got nervous as the shooting started. I was worried whether I could do justice to my character but now I am happy that I have worked in the film.”

Padmapriya, the lead heroine of the film, is debuting in the Kannada industry with Tamassu.

Speaking about the director, Shivrajkumar stated, “I liked his sense of framing and lighting as he is very clear with his thoughts. He does not look like a first time director.”

Sreedhar’s daughter Ramya Sreedhar, who has assisted her father in the film, has also impressed the lead actor. The lyrics for three of the five songs in the movie are penned by Ramya.

Speaking about Ramya, he said, “I did not mind her suggestion of some changes in my acting style. But that did not go well with Sreedhar. I am open to different opinions.”

Tamassu will have a special appearance from Yash and Sudha Rani. The supporting cast includes names like Sharath Lohitashwa, Nasser, Shobraj, Sudha Belawadi, Satya and others.

The film has received an A-certificate from the censor board.

-Sampurn Wire