Techie back from US to make Kannada sci-fi film

Ajay Sarpeshkar, director of Kannada science-fiction film ‘Mysore Masala’, grew up in Malleswaram. An engineering graduate from UVCE, he moved to the US and worked in Houston for 15 years before he realised film-making was his true calling.

He has quit his cushy job to direct Mysore Masala, which he has written as well. In an interview with Metrolife, he talks about his dream project.

Why a sci-fi film for your debut?

Science and the universe have always fascinated me. The question of who we are and what we are doing here has always been on my mind. Science fiction
helps answer that question.

And why is it called Mysore Masala?

My wife came up with the title and it felt right because the film has many things. There’s adventure, mystery, drama and love. It is a spicy mix and I thought the word ‘masala’ fits perfectly. And why Mysuru? That’s because heritage conservation is close to my heart. I have always been irked by people relieving themselves on the side of the road and on old relics in Mysuru. In my own entertaining way, I am trying to create heritage awareness.

What does the film celebrate?

It celebrates life, the beauty of our existence and the freedom that humanity has in thought and action. We are the only species that can think and reason. The film is an ode to how amazing the brain can be. At the same time, it throws light on how minuscule we are compared to the vastness of the universe.

What is the most challenging part?

With an experimental budget, I know that I can’t compete with Hollywood films, but I keep things realistic. The technology shown in the film is based on real technology being used today, and relates to detection of gravitational waves and astronomical physics. We have adapted it to cinema.

You have a stellar cast.

I have been choosy. All the actors on board are very intelligent. I had Anant Nag sir in mind when I started writing the story and he was impressed with the script. Prakash Belawadi is brilliant and has co-authored the screenplay with me.

For the character of a space scientist, I wanted an independent, strong and science-loving person, which is what I have found in Sharmiela Mandre. Samyukta Hornad is also someone fascinated by the universe, and I found Kiran Srinivas very intelligent.