By It’s Time to Create Stories That Truly Resonate with Audiences: The Cast of Manada Kadalu on Relatable Cinema and Their Journey
The lead actors of Kannada film director Yogaraj Bhat’s latest project, Manada Kadalu, have been actively engaging with audiences across Karnataka. Sumukha, Anjali Anish, and Rashika Shetty, the three newcomers, are going the extra mile to introduce themselves personally to potential viewers. From dancing on the streets to organizing public performances, they are making every effort to ensure people know about their film, which is set for release on March 28.
Understanding that audiences are reluctant to visit theatres, the trio believes that filmmakers need to create more relatable content. Manada Kadalu is an emotionally engaging film, offering a mix of adventure, drama, and romance, designed to connect with both younger audiences and older generations. “We believe this story will resonate with people, which is why we are personally inviting them to experience it,” the cast shared during their visit to the Bangalore Times office.
Sumukha pointed out that actors like Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, and Shankar Nag were beloved because their roles felt authentic. Over time, he believes, that connection has diminished as films have moved away from relatable storytelling. He expressed his preference for directly interacting with people on the streets rather than merely posting promotional videos on social media. This approach, he said, provides a more personal and fulfilling way to engage with the audience.
Anjali Anish reminisced about how older films centered around themes of love, peace, and family, whereas modern films often focus on revenge, hatred, and larger-than-life narratives. However, she acknowledged that a shift is taking place, with more filmmakers breaking away from the conventional formula. As an actor, she finds this change refreshing and exciting.
For Sumukha, working with Yogaraj Bhat has been a dream come true. Having started his career as an actor-director-producer in Physics Teacher, transitioning to a major production house under Bhat’s direction was a significant leap. He described Bhat as ambitious and praised the production house for its supportive environment. Coming from a non-filmi background, Sumukha emphasized how challenging it is to establish oneself in commercial cinema. He considers Bhat his mentor and has gained valuable insights from him.
Anjali Anish shared that she initially aspired to work as an assistant to Yogaraj Bhat but was instead encouraged to pursue acting by the director himself. She landed a role in Padavi Poorva, a film produced under his banner, before finally securing a part in Manada Kadalu. She regards this opportunity as a dream come true and is thrilled to be one of Bhat’s heroines.
Rashika Shetty expressed immense gratitude for debuting under a director of Bhat’s caliber. She hopes to collaborate with him again, possibly in a sequel to Manada Kadalu.
Discussing Bhat’s female characters, Anjali praised his ability to craft hardworking and ambitious women without attaching negative stereotypes. Her character, Anjali, is an archaeologist who enjoys drinking but is never judged for it. Instead, she is portrayed in a fun and engaging manner, reflecting the complexities of real women.
Rashika plays a cricketer and a tomboy in the film. She highlighted the unique and powerful bond between the two female leads, emphasizing how their friendship is one of the most beautifully depicted relationships in recent times.
Sumukha described Bhat’s storytelling as novel-like, filled with rich character exploration rather than simple plot progression. He admires the director’s ability to blend different elements seamlessly into his narratives.
According to Anjali, Manada Kadalu offers a refreshing perspective on youth-centric films. It accurately portrays the emotions of different generations, from old-school romance to the confusion and infatuation common among Gen Zs. She believes this relatability will make the film appealing to a wide audience.
Rashika agreed, stating that the film captures the complexities of love and friendship, making it easy for today’s youth to connect with the characters.
Sumukha added that Bhat’s deep understanding of emotions ensures the film is not just another youth-oriented story but a thoughtful exploration of modern relationships. Given that Bhat has two Gen Z children, Sumukha believes he has an authentic grasp of their experiences. Contrary to the perception that Gen Zs are always confused, he argued that they have clarity, while it is the world around them that remains uncertain.
