Anant Nag relives his Kasargod childhood

Friday’s release ‘Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale Kasaragodu, Koduge: Ramanna Rai’ holds a special place in Anant Nag’s heart. The film traces the struggle to keep open a government Kannada school in Kasargod.

It also delves into the importance of preserving and promoting the language and its culture.

Anant, who hails from the region on the Karnataka-Kerala border, went back in time during the shoot, and relived his childhood experiences.

What he told Metrolife:

What got you to sign the film?

The story is set in Kasargod. I grew up in Anand Ashram which is in Hosadurg near Kasargod. This film brings back a lot of memories.

Could you tell us about your character?

My character is a jack of all trades but master of none. He can take on the role of teacher, advocate and criminologist. He can talk on just about any subject.

How was it working with director Rishab Shetty?

He has had this theme on his mind for more than five years. Thanks to his efforts, the story is profound, complex, entertaining and humorous. The subject is socially, culturally and educationally relevant today. He has produced the film along with his friends and worked on the script for more than a year.

How did the shooting go? What did you enjoy?

It was wonderful to work with children. Being a child at the age of 70 was an enjoyable experience. Rishab had trained some of the children for six
months. I am thrilled because I got a chance to be a child again.

Thoughts on the title...

Kannada film titles are usually short. This is unusual and gives people a clear picture of what the story is about.

What title means

‘Sarkari Hi. Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu. Koduge: Ramanna Rai’ means ‘Government Senior Primary School, Kasaragod. Donated by Ramanna Rai.’

Tailored for him

Director Rishab Shetty had Anant Nag in mind when he wrote the script.“I couldn’t really think of anyone else for his character,” he told Metrolife. Anant’s character, with multiple dimensions, takes forward the crusade to preserve Kannada schools and promote the language, Rishab says.