Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (CLP)
Mangaluru, Aug 30: The audio and trailers of the much-awaited Tulu movie 'Jai Tulunad', produced by Dubai-based NRI entrepreneur Frank Fernandes, were released in a befitting ceremony at Abhiman Residency in the city.
The audio CD was released by Sushma Manmohan Malli, MD of Abhiman Residency, MLA of Mangaluru South J R Lobo and former minister Nagaraj Shetty. The movie has six songs, including ones sung by noted playback singer Dr S P Balasubrahmanyam.
Shivasharan Shetty, director of Namma TV channel and builder Arun Mendes launched the trailers of the movies.
Addressing the gathering, Frank Fernandes said, "I respect all religions. I believe in humanity and for me humanity is my first religion. Even though I was abroad for 39 years, I never forgot the culture and heritage of Tulunadu. My first movie was 'Kazar' in Konkani, and even though it was not a big success, I still took up two Kannada films and thereafter this Tulu film. Everywhere I go people have showered their love. I have learnt many things through failures. Falling is not a failure - failing to rise again is the actual failure. I hope that this movie achieves success." In his address, he also recited a number of Shlokas.
Nagaraj Shetty said, "Tulunadu is a holy land. People born in Tulunadu shine across the country. People from different castes and religions live here with harmony."
Lauding Frank Fernandes, Shetty said, "He has immense knowledge of the entire Tulunadu, especially about its history. I wish all success to the film. From last two years many Tulu movies have been released which is a good sign for the Tulu industry. Tulu culture has to shine in the state, nation and internationally too."
J R Lobo thanked Frank Fernandes and team for taking up the initiative to make this Tulu movie and said, "Tulu people have excelled in various fields all over the world. Currently Tulu movies are trying to showcase the culture and tradition of Tulunadu like Malayalam films. I wish all success to the movie. Let this movie be an inspiration and motivation for others to make more films."
MLA Mohiuddin Bava said, "The perfect gift for Frank Fernandes on his 64th birthday would be if we all watch the film in theatres and make it a superhit. He has conveyed the message that Tulunadu is a land where Hindus, Muslims and Christians live together as one, for which I really thank and appreciate him."
Kannada music director Rajesh Ramanath, who has given the background score for the movie, spoke in Tulu and said, "I have been working in the Kannada film industry from many years working and it was my long-cherished dream to be part of a Tulu movie. I thank director Praveen Thokottu for this opportunity and wish all success to the movie."
Actor Avinash Shetty who plays the male lead in the film said, "I thank my family and friends for being the fuel of my life and helping me become what I am today. We have worked very hard for this movie and I hope that it breaks all records. We need everyone's support."
The 64th birthday of Frank Fernandes was celebrated by cutting a cake. The dignitaries on the dias also felicitated him. The cast and crew of 'Jai Tulunad' were also honoured.
Co-producer N G Shivanna Nandihalli welcomed the gathering. Naveen Shetty compered the programme.
Scintillating performances by 'Sizzlers' dance crew enthralled the gathering.
A J Shetty, director of the movie Praveen Thokkottu, Prakash Pandeshwar, actress Sonal Monteiro, actor Naveen D Padil, former mayor Shashidhar Hegde and others were present.
The film, produced by Frank Fernandes and directed by Praveen Thokkottu, will release in September end. Co-producers of the film are S G Shivanna Nandihalli and Ali Nisar Ahmed. The story has been written by Devi Puttur and the dialogues by S S David and Praveen. Music has been scored by James Architect.
Avinash Shetty and up-and-coming star Sonal Monteiro are the lead actors of the film while Deekshitha Acharya plays an important character. Navin D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Bhavya, Swatik Shankar, Nayana Grahan, Alisha Andrade and Manmohan Rai are also part of starcast. Frank Fernandes, Sarojini Shetty, Sai Prashanth D S, Shivanna Nandihalli, Jagadish Shetty, Ravi Gokak, and Byndoor Meese Gopala will also appear in the film.