The audio release of Mandakini had a cathartic effect upon our Karnataka Kulla Dwarakeesh, who was in the mood to give an outlet to his emotions and deny his image as ‘remake director’.

Justifying his remake (Apthamitra) of Manichitratazh, a movie which was made in Malayalam decades ago, he said he had to work hard to suit the script to the present generation and denied being a ‘copycat’. He recalled how he had worked to change Vishnuvardhan’s old get up such as the peta, mush and tried to give him a new look.

Quoting some of his original movies such as Dance Raja Dance, Kalla Kulla, Mayor Mutthanna and others, he said that he is not a complete remake director. He made sure that even if he remakes, he does not cheat the government in paying taxes.

Speaking about the good old days, when film-makers were not rich enough and had to struggle hard for their daily bread, he appreciated the present day film-makers. Today, money is pouring in from all the corners and the unity among film-makers is commendable, he added.