Actor Chetan to play 'colourful and corrupt cop' in '100 Crores'

Chetan says he believes in the adage 'content is key'

Actor Chetan, popular for his role in Kannada films like Aa Dinagalu, Birugaali and Noorondu Nenapu, will make his debut in the Telugu film industry with 100 Crores, the first look was unveiled recently. Being made in Telugu and Kannada, this bilingual crime thriller will see Chetan play the role of a policeman for the first time. The shooting for the film is complete and Chetan describes his role as a colourful and corrupt officer. In an interview with DH Showtime, the actor talks about how he got interested in the script, the excitement of learning a new language and more.

100 Crores is your Telugu debut. What prompted you to accept the script?

I have always believed in the adage 'content is key'. This is more true now than ever after the advent of OTT platforms. In fact, the pandemic has afforded people the access to films of all languages at their fingertips. They will only venture to theatres if the movie is truly 'worth it'. I am excited to be working in Telugu for the first time in a film that is also releasing in Kannada. The script has fresh, compelling content, which drew me to it right off the bat.

Tell us about your role and whether it challenges the performer in you?

Along with the script, my favourite aspect of this film is my role. I play a colourful, corrupted cop -- Inspector Gandhi -- in this bilingual crime thriller. In my decade in the Kannada film industry, I've had the chance to play a myriad of interesting roles but never anything as vibrant as this one. It's my first time playing a police officer as well.

Did you have to undergo any special training for this film?

A month before shooting began in Hyderabad, we had preparatory workshops which helped me familiarise with the scenes and get into the skin of the character. Also, I got a chance to work on the Telugu dialogues since the language is new to me. I am happy that my role as a “dirty” police officer, although grey in nature, is likeable and dynamic which will hopefully capture the attention of the audience.

How are you coping with adjusting to a new language?

Art transcends linguistic and regional barriers, so I am thrilled that this movie is being made in both Telugu and Kannada. During shooting, I have to say lines in both the languages which is both challenging and fun. I am interested in learning Telugu in the coming days as I believe it is an actor's responsibility to familiarise with the language of performance.

How is it shooting during the pandemic? Were you able to perform without fear?

Yes, the pandemic has made the shooting process complicated. Masks are worn by all cast and crew on the sets throughout the shooting process (except for the artists who are in front of the camera). Even a place like Ramoji Film City near Hyderabad which is always open for public visits is now restricted to cinema teams only because of coronavirus. I do see lots of shooting taking place in all languages over the past few months, which is a positive sign for film industries and audiences.

Which projects in Kannada are ready for release?

Ranam, my next release, is set to hit the Kannada theatres this year. I essay the role of a farmers' activist who is modelled after the international revolutionary Che Guevara. Ranam is a gripping, action pot-boiler with commercial ingredients as well as social relevance. In this time of agrarian discontent, Ranam has a truly Indian theme that will connect to audiences across the spectrum.