'Kanti' about love despite a border dispute

Movie Review

Film: "Kanti"; Director: Bharat; Producer: R.S. Srinivas, Company Productions; Cast: Murali, Ramya, Mumthaaz; Music: Guru Kiran.

"Kanti" has been shot intensively in Belgaum, a town of Karnataka involved in a long border dispute with Maharashtra besides having a language problem that crops up occasionally to disturb its peace.

"It is an issue-based story with an interesting love angle. But my narration has a commercial aspect," says young Bharat who has written the story and screenplay of the film.

"The film will be entertaining as well. If people get entertained and feel strongly about the message of the film, I would be happy."

Bharat says his first directorial venture will be visually rich as he has put the focus on ambience.

This will be the second film for young hero Murali, who had a big launch in the S. Narayan-directed "Chandra Chakori", last year's runaway hit.

Already a sought after star, he says the story and characterisation impressed him. He just followed the instructions of the director and enjoyed shooting for more than 40 days in Belgaum. The film was shot with the participation of thousands of junior artistes and local people.

The heroine is Ramya, who is credited with two big hits, "Abhi" and "Excuse Me" and has been drafted into Telugu and Tamil films.

This is her fourth Kannada film. "My three earlier films were successful and my performance in each was liked," she says.

She plays the role of a Marathi girl in love with a Kannada boy. "I am happy that there is a good message for people," says Ramya.

Guru Kiran's audio was released two months ago and the songs have been received well. Two of the song sequences have been shot in Switzerland. There is also a song sequence featuring Mumthaaz.