Kishore: Wanted to play Richie in Ulidavaru Kandanthe; thankful to Rakshit Shetty for his vision to cast me as Munna

More than what he looks for in a script when a role is offered to him, actor Kishore believes that it is important for a film team to be sure that he is the right choice for a particular character. He cites the example of his character Munna in Ulidavaru Kandanthe, which, till date, remains of his most different onscreen personas. “I must thank Rakshit Shetty for having had the vision that casting me in that character would work,” said Kishore in conversation with Rapid Rashmi on her podcast.

Also read: Parachute actor Kishore Interview: On Kantara, Vetrimaaran's Viduthalai, and being a 'lazy actor' | EXCLUSIVE 

Kishore: I liked the role of Richie better

The actor admits that he was wondering whether to take up the role or not, as he liked the character of Richie better. “But then that’s the role Rakshit had written for himself,” he adds. Kishore did not revert immediately about whether he would be on board or not. During the meeting with Rakshit, Kishore was made to listen to the song Gatiya Ilidu, which would be picturised on the character Munna. That song was the hook, line and sinker. “I was finally getting song, which, is a rarity for an actor who predominantly plays antagonist roles,” says Kishore.

Gatiya Ilidu remains the most happening song in Kishore’s career and the actor says that he was counting on its long shelf life. “Songs stay in audiences’ minds much longer than a character or a film. So, for actors who have songs as part of their character’s arc, it is a big advantage to have songs. Gatiya Ilidu, which Rakshit had written, was beautiful, so that was, no doubt, the big attraction,” he adds.

Kishore, however, had a niggling thought that he may not be best suited for the character, but Rakshit was very confident it would work out, which it did, eventually. “By the time I finally decided to tell the team that I was okay to do the role, they had approached Sathish Ninasam, but he was busy and could not take it up. And that’s how I became Ulidavaru Kandanthe’s Munna,” says Kishore.

6 must-watch Rakshit Shetty films to stream on OTT ahead of Sapta Sagaradaache Ello Side B 

Rakshit is, incidentally, prepping to make a prequel to Ulidavaru Kandanthe, called Richard Anthony, about Richie. He has not announced any other casting decisions, although, Achyuth Kumar, who was in the original, featured in the film’s title announcement teaser. Whether or not Kishore will be in it remains to be seen. For now, the actor is preparing for the release of Anamadheya Ashok Kumar, a murder mystery thriller in which he plays a journalist accused of killing someone.