Ahead of the release of his most anticipated project Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati, which is going to hit the theaters today, actor Rakshit Shetty speaks to the Hyderabadi media, sharing some interesting insights about the film, working with the director, and more.
PNS n hyderabad
Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati, featuring the talented duo of Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini and skillfully helmed by director Hemanth Rao, is eagerly anticipated for its release on September 22, 2023. The Kannada original, Sapta Sagaradache Ello, has been generating an overwhelming response from audiences across the board. Recently, Natural Star Nani added to the excitement by unveiling the trailer for the Telugu version. Released by People Media Factory, the film promises to captivate audiences with its emotionally charged storytelling.
The narrative of Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati, as glimpsed in the trailer, unfurls across two distinct time periods, offering insights into the lives of its central characters, Manu and Priya. The film is elevated significantly by the powerhouse performances of Rakshit Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth, evocative musical compositions, the thematic presence of the ocean, and carefully woven imagery, all contributing to its profound impact. Rakshit Shetty, following the success of 777 Charlie, is poised to deliver yet another heartwarming performance. Speaking about the collaboration with Hemanth Rao, Rakshit Shetty shared that the upcoming film marks their second collaboration after Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu. Following the success of 777 Charlie, he shares, “I was eager to explore a love story, and that’s when Hemanth presented an idea that had been with him for 12 years. I felt an instant connection with the concept and recognised Hemanth’s unique storytelling style. I’m proud to see such talent emerging in the Kannada film industry, and I was genuinely moved after watching his previous work, which led to our second collaboration. Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati was shot in a poetic style, and he has created a beautiful film.”
He further adds, “Over the last decade, Hemanth has matured both as a person and a writer. As a filmmaker, he has taken on more responsibilities, particularly from a producer’s perspective. In Godhi Banna, he worked with a limited budget, but Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati allowed him more creative freedom.”
Initially conceived as a single film, director Hemanth decided to split it into two parts, says Rakshit, as the story naturally required an extension. The poetic nature of the film emerged during the shooting process, and both parts were shot, edited, and subsequently realised as a two-part film.
The film revolves around cassettes, set in 2010, when they were still popular. Cassettes play a crucial role in the film’s narrative. While Side A has been released, the team has been eagerly waiting for the release of Side B.
Rakshit believes that he’s been someone who has always aimed for his films to reach a wider audience. “Telugu films have been highly appreciated in Karnataka, with many families making it a tradition to watch a film every weekend. As a child, I used to watch Telugu films on VCR tapes months after their release. It was during my engineering days, with a roommate from Kurnool, that I discovered more Telugu films, including gems like Vedam. This experience made me realize that films like Vedam can resonate well, even beyond the commercial genre.”
Looking at his film choices, he has been someone who strives to explore new territory with each project, creating a broader market through some films and then delving into experimentation with others.
“I consider myself a storyteller both on and off-screen, aspiring to build a diverse portfolio. In the past decade, I refrained from directing to establish a strong presence as an actor. Now, I plan to return to directing and writing, having accumulated a wealth of stories to tell. I have a team of writers, and I am a writer myself. If a script aligns with my profile and journey, I’m inclined to pursue it. I’m also open to opportunities like working with someone of Hemanth Rao’s caliber.”
Going ahead, Rakshit shares that he feels a greater sense of responsibility to create films that resonate with a global audience. “Historically, Kannada films didn’t expand beyond regional markets as other South Indian films did. Fortunately, we’ve started exploring new horizons, and with quality content, we can tap into more opportunities. We need more filmmakers to contribute to Kannada cinema’s growth.”
Unlike ASN and 777 Charlie, which had a pan-India appeal, Sapta Sagaralu Dhaati caters to a niche audience. The makers have relied on word-of-mouth and organic growth to build buzz among their target viewers, taking a different approach to ensure the producer’s saftety.
The talented star, who will next be seen in a classy gangster story Richard Antony, followed by an OTT project based on Afterlife, and Punya Koti in the works as a two-part project, signs off sharing, “As an actor, I am open to doing a straight Telugu film, but as a filmmaker, I believe I need a deeper understanding of the Telugu language, including its literature and folklore.”
