'There is a lack of good thriller movies'

Catchy storyline

Kannada director Hemanth Hegde, who is known for movies like ‘Nimbe Huli’, is all set to direct a thriller called ‘Mathomme Shh’. The director, who has done his fair share of comedy films, is excited to explore a new genre. 

Ask him why he ventured to make a thriller and he says, “There is a lack of good thriller movies in Kannada. This movie is a heartfelt one, full of emotions and suspense.” On why he made the shift to this genre, he adds, “I got bored of making comedies. I consider myself a versatile person who has the ability to do all kinds of films.”

Talking about thrillers, he says, “A good movie should make the audience sit up in their seats and hold their attention till the end. This isn’t the usual suspense or thriller film that people make…we are using a different format.”

What attracted him to the story of ‘Mathomme Shh’? “I was always fascinated by Upendra’s thriller ‘Shhh!’. I wanted to make a film called ‘Shhh! 2’ but someone had already bought the rights to that. Since I really wanted to use the name ‘Shh’, I decided I would name the film ‘Mathomme Shh’,” says Hemanth.

Talking about the story, which he wrote, he says, “The movie has a very good understanding of the characters and people. All the people are normal; it’s not exaggerated or sleazy. In fact, it’s a family-oriented script because there are people who would like to take their children to the movies.”

Hemanth will also be acting in the film, which stars Jayaram Karthik and Vijay Surya in the lead roles. “I play the character of a Coorgi businessman who owns a plantation and has been through a lot in life. There are many complexities to the role.” On the role Jayaram plays, he says that there are many shades of grey, which the actor is well-suited to portray.

While the shooting is yet to begin, the locations have already been decided upon. “We will do most of our shooting in Coorg and Sakleshpur. We have located large bungalows that still have the old-world charm. The movie will showcase traditional Kodava costumes, at the same time, there will be clothes that will make a fashion statement with the viewers. It is a combination of the traditional and modern,” he sums up.