Hari Anand is a Kannada movie director. His latest project is Holidayz with a very fresh cast and crew. Holidayz is set to release sometime in May. In the meantime I got a chance to interview him.

When did you decide that you wanted to be a director and why?

Well it’s very interesting story. Will surely reveal when I become a successful director.

If not a director, then what would you have chosen as a profession?

I would have opted to work as journalist or an editor.

Your first movie, Holidayz, is based on some real life incidents. Can you brief on that.

It’s not entirely based on real life incidents. And again I’ve made few changes as it should suit the story. In fact it was possible to make two to three movies by this one story. I’ve merged few real life incidents together to make Holidayz.

The whole cast consists of fresh talent. The freshness can obviously be seen in the invitation poster. Can you tell us about cast.

The film has a dozen youngsters including Rajesh Krishnan. It is an interesting mix of models and wannabe stars. The Holidayz gang sees Bhavana Rao (Gaalipata fame). Akanksha Bhat, Manasi, Nishik and Shantipriya are the other girls. Among the boys, Ravindra (a software engineer by profession who acted in couple of serials), Raghu (35/100) and Rakshith Shetty (Nam Areal Ondina) join Rajesh Krishnan while Ravi Prakash, Amrut Rao and Chethan hope to make it big here. Anant Nag, Umashri, Neenasam Ashwath, Jai Jagadish are the seniors.

The 14 year old lyricist. How did you come across her.

When I approached lyricist Hrudaya Shiva to write a song for Holidayz… looking at the enthusiasm towards the fresh talents we had, he mentioned about Shalini. Then I called her to have a look at her work..gave the situation. In fact more than five – seven times I wanted her to edit the lyrics. But that girl never got disappointed. And finally the song ‘Summanendu’ female version shaped out.

Who inspired you to be a film director?

All those good directors who made wonderful movies.

You are debuting with a fresh cast. Would you like to make a film with superstars like Ganesh and Puneet Rajkumar?

If I find a suitable role for them that suits them, then why not?

You have started a new trend of actively interacting with movie fans and getting their opinions and implementing some of their ideas. What prompted you to start this?

Since I used to maintain official online fan clubs I thought why not for our own movie, we start this trend.

Your opinion on the role of internet in movie promotion.

I feel networking sites is all about reaching out to larger fan base since fans come up with new ideas & suggestions online. Through discussion boards,we get to know what you are expecting from our movie.

Many have don’t have much time for TV these days, details about the movies online is more effective than advertising on the small screen. As all of us, most youngsters check networking sites regularly, we don’t watch TV as much as we surf the net. So we’ve thought of reaching to you through this effort in a different way. By this effort we’ll be able to update the details of the movie virtually 24/7.

From the blog, we came to know the song recording has started. Can we expect a peppy youth album?

Of course, you can expect the unexpected as well. haha..

Internet piracy is something which is affecting all movie industries. What should be done to curb piracy?

If you come up with any ideas for that do let me know.

Today, we are seeing brainless commercial entertainers which attain huge success due to superstar power. Would you compromise the script for success.

I can make few small changes if it is really required, unless I’m sure that the changes what I make doesn’t effect the storyline or movie. Or else a big NO… In fact at the initial stages one producer wanted me to make change the storyline to give more importance to the hero than the story. I politely denied. And I’m happy that we found a person who can relate to our thoughts and ideas.

Some movies are getting dubbed from Kannada to other languages. Your take on that.

As per I know only few movies got dubbed that too only for satellite telecast not for theatrical release. It’s a nice feeling recently that few Kannada movies are being remade in other south Indian languages. It’s a good sign. I’d love to dub Holidayz rather than going for its remake.

Any interesting event in the movie shoot so far?

There are many interesting events that happened right from the beginning and I’m sure there will be many more interesting things to happen during the shoot as it’s gonna be a fun filled journey.

Would you like to remake any old movies. If so, which one?

Well, that quite interesting one. Have to think about it. But I prefer to for a fresh subject than remaking an old movie.

What was the last movie you watched and how did you like it?

HOLiDayz!!! Of course in my mind. It was good. Rest everything depends on execution and people’s verdict.

Would you like to direct movies in other South Indian industries?

Why not? If the actors in other languages are ready to work with me, I’ll surely consider.

Thank you for spending your valuable time with us. Wishing you all the best for your venture.

Thank you so much!