'Might be my next film': Sapta Sagardaache Ello director Hemanth M Rao hints at exciting venture

Thanks to the success of his two-part film Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Hemanth M Rao has now become a sought-after talent across the whole of India. 

It was only recently that both Karan Johar and Karthik Subbaraj named Sapta Sagaradaache Ello (Side A, in particular) as their favourite film of the year. So, naturally, one wishes to know what he plans to do next and knowing how Hemanth Rao has operated thus far, there could be a surprise in the offing by all means.

Sapta Sagaradaache Ello Side A review: Hemanth M Rao's throbbing love story leaves you wanting more

New Kannada film franchise on the cards?

Not that Hemanth has hinted at anything particular for his next, but going by what he shared recently during the Galatta Plus roundtable gathering, one gathers that he is putting together something exciting. While discussing the idea of cinematic franchises, the filmmaker spoke of his desire to make one such film of his own and even revealed that there's an idea swirling around.

"Might be my next film, I don't know," said Hemanth M Rao coyly to suggest that, indeed, he plans to create a franchise of his own. He would nevertheless add a caveat saying that franchise films must be based on enduring, exciting characters that carry value and legacy and that one mustn't hop on a particular trend just for the sake of it.

"For instance, Indiana Jones is a cult character. There's a certain style to him and when you see the character again and again, there's value to it. It's not possible with all characters - you might try and project that essence but it isn't always possible because only some characters have that legacy. Another example is 'Richie'; I am personally waiting for 'Richard Anthony' after 'Ulidavaru Kandanthe'," said Hemanth. 

'Richard Anthony', of course, comes as a spin-off of Rakshit Shetty's 2013 cult film 'Ulidavaru Kandanthe', wherein he is set to explore Richie, the character, with a new lens. Rakshit will return to direction with this film and also star in the titular role, with Hombale Films set to produce it.

Also Read: Did you know? Rakshit Shetty & Hemanth M. Rao were meant to work on a period detective mystery titled 'Tenali'

Will 'Tenali' finally show up?

Many would also know that Hemanth M Rao and Rakshit Shetty were meant to work on a period detective drama titled 'Tenali' which, as per initial plans, was meant to go on floors sometime in 2018 or 2019. However, the duo eventually chose to focus on a different project which would take shape as 'Sapta Sagaradaache Ello', wishing to get back to 'Tenali' at a later point. Could this be the franchise film that Hemanth is referring to? Well, the idea doesn't seem far-fetched anymore!