I am expecting a National Award for ‘Manalo Okadu’: RP Patnaik

Published by rajeshe092eb6a68

RP Patnaik, the actor-director of 'Manalo Okadu', says that his movie questions the egoism and holier-than-thou attitude of media men.  As the film gears up for a Nov 4 release, he talks about the subject, etc.

Common people suffer because of media:

Our film questions the media ecosystem.  Most of the media men are egoistic. That affects the society negatively.  Because of this holier-than-thou attitude, the common man suffers.  We have depicted certain real-life incidents.  For example, the incident of some media houses claiming that Venu Madhav had died, is referred to.  The false reportage affected Venu Madhav a lot, so much so, he met the Governor to say he might be in danger.  Such false reporting was also seen in the case of MS Narayana.

The subject: 

I am playing a lecturer by name Krishnamurthy.  What he lost because of the media and how he fights back, forms the crux.  It's not a satirical drama.  It's not like I want to act for the sake of it.  Only if I feel the character suits me, do I go for that.  I have played this character because I felt I look like a commoner.  I couldn't have found a better artiste to portray this common man's character.

There was a worry:

I bothered about whether my film will pass through the Censor Board, but never did I worry about the prospect of the media criticising my movie.  However, the Censor Board members appreciated me for making a gutsy movie.  I recently arranged a preview for a few people I know.  They told me, 'So far, you made good movies.  This time, you have made a great one.'  I am confident that many media representatives will appreciate me after watching 'Manalo Okadu'.

A complete entertainer:

'Manalo Okadu' has all the right ingredients – family emotions, entertainment, sentiment, suspense.  Those who liked my 'Broker' will like this movie.

A remake is in the offing:

I have many friends among journalists.  I did take their opinions and experiences into consideration while writing this movie.  I have been observing the media for some years.  Talks are on to remake the movie in Kannada.  Sai Kumar has expressed a wish to play my character.  It's not decided whether I will direct the remake.  Gali Jarnardhan Reddy is going to produce the Kannada version.

Expecting a National Award:

Sunitha has rendered a song for 'Manalo Okadu'.  I am expecting a National Award for her.  After listening to the song, Balu garu (SPB) too said the same thing.

What next?:

Three stories are ready.  I am mooting to make a movie on the medical mafia.  I will decide whether to go ahead with the decision after the release of 'Dhruva'.  If I get the right story and feel that I should music-direct it, I will definitely do so.