'This role gave me a real high'

Experimentation is not new in Sandalwood. But the latest Kannada release, ‘Octopus’, has also got it right. The science-fiction movie  not only entertains but also does well to provoke people to think hard about a lot of things, including the meaning of human existence itself.

Actor Tilak, who essays the role of an investigating officer in the film, is understandably proud. He recalls that during the shooting of the film, he always felt a certain rush whenever he slipped into the cop’s uniform.“I didn’t have to make any extra effort. I only had to wear the uniform and the rest of the emotions and dialogues would just follow. This role gave me a real high,” confesses Tilak.

He has also changed his look for the film. “I’ve grown a moustache and I’ve had to work on building my stamina,” he states. He’s glad that the Kannada film industry has begun exploring subjects that are unusual in form and content. And there are producers who are willing to put their money in such projects and risk it.

“The Kannada film industry is open to experimenting with all kinds of subjects and that’s why we now have a film like ‘Octopus’ which, doesn’t say anything, in the face but has captured a lot of things happening around us. With this, the Kannada film industry, will be coming of age,” he adds.

‘Octopus’ has the right blend of everything — sentiment, entertainment and some brilliant action sequences, quite unlike the usual stunts and bloodshed.

“We have experimented with techniques of cinema and tried to create something different,” says. Talking about his experience, Tilak says that the changes and transformation that take place in every person’s life has been captured in ‘Octopus.’ 

“The audience can understand what’s happening. It’s a lot like what happens in our lives. What appealed to me the most in this project, is the soul of the script. The subject is strong and hard-hitting,” he narrates.

Tilak, who is currently holidaying in Singapore,  says that he’s definitely missing out on all the feedback and people’s reaction after the release of ‘Octopus’. “But, I am positive that this film is the beginning of many such interesting projects to come,” he adds.

He will return to the City, only to resume shooting for the projects he has in hand, “I am working on multiple projects at the same time. This tight work schedule has its positive and negative effects. Positive because it teaches you how to excel under tremendous pressure and negative because it leaves you with very little time for yourself,” he adds.