Nagathihalli creates suspense over Vishnu's role

Bangalore, March 30 (IANS) Writer-turned-director Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar has created a furore in the Kannada film industry by dropping hints that his next film will feature a very different Vishnuvardhan.

Guessing games are on about the role superstar Vishnu will play in 'Mathaadu Mathaadu Malligai'.

Still basking in the success of 'Amrutha Dhaare', Nagathihalli is busy giving finishing touches to the script of his new film, which will go on the floors in August and is produced by K. Manju.

With his penchant for springing surprises, Nagathihalli had earlier introduced a five-minute, high-voltage sequence featuring Amitabh Bachchan in 'Amrutha Dhaare', which had Dhyaan and Ramya in the lead roles.

Before he ventured into the films, Nagathihalli was a popular name in the Kannada literary field and was known for his short stories. He dabbled in poetry and essay writing as well.

It was well-known actor-director Suresh Heblikar who introduced him to showbiz - he roped him in to write dialogues for his films and there was no looking back for Nagathihalli after that. Very soon Nagathihalli was directing his first film 'Undoo Hoda Kondoo Hoda' with Anant Nag as the hero.

After that he directed a children's film, 'Kotreshi Kanasu', which won several national and state awards and went on to churn out successful movies like 'America America' for producer Nandakumar and 'Nanna Preethiya Hudugi' for some of his NRI friends in the US.

'Amrutha Dhaare', however, has been his biggest hit so far. Whether 'Mathaadu Mathaadu Malligai' repeats the same success story remains to be seen. The suspense about Vishnu's role has certainly heightened the hype about the film.