Golden Star Ganesh's "Pinaka" film is being shot on a grand set; Produced by People Media Factory, the film is directed by Dhananjay

Produced by Vishwaprasad under the banner of People Media Factory, choreographer Dhananjay's debut directorial venture and Golden Star Ganesh starrer 'Pinaka' is going on in full swing. A big set has been erected on six acres of land for the film near Nelamangala. The set is the set of an empire called Devagiri 500 years ago. A city has been built and a statue of Ardhanarishwara is erected in the middle. The shooting has been going on for the last 32 days and will continue for another 15 days. Since this set plays an important role in the film, the makers have kept the set a secret. Apart from the cast and those associated with the film, there is no easy entry for outsiders here. After introducing the entire city to the media, director Dhananjay sat down to talk to the crew.

"We have been shooting for the last one month amidst rain, sun and wind. Before that, the construction of the set went on for two months. The set has been produced by Santosh Panchala and team. We shot the post-war scenes today. For the last one month, 800 people have been working every day. We are shooting here and sending the footage to Hyderabad. The graphics work is going on continuously," he said. 'Pinaka' means a protector, he says, adding, "It's a film about the legacy of a watchman. The film is slated to hit the screens next year. This is not something that is done under pressure. Every small scene takes a lot of time. I had worked with Ganesh as a choreographer. I have a good relationship with them. It's a pleasure to work with him. Their contribution to this film is great. The producers are together at every step, this is not my only film. It's a team film," said director Dhananjay.

Vijaya, who is supervising the production, said, "It was my brother's (Vishwaprasad) wish to do a film with Ganesh. When it was decided to do a film with him, there was no story either. We are trying a different kind of film for Ganesh," he said, adding that his production house is working on a factory model. Of these, 43 have been released and seven are ready for release. 20 films are at different stages. Ganesh insisted that Srinivasa Murthy should be roped in for the role of Rajguru in the film. Speaking on the occasion, veteran actor Srinivasamurthy said, "After 'Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi', my bond with Ganesh has strengthened. He said you have to do this film yourself.

The producers came up with the conclusion that something different should be done when they came, says Ganesh, adding, "They are making me do this kind of a role because I can do it. The producers are involved in every scene. Within two days of the shooting of the film, producer Vijayamma was screaming. When asked what it was, he said only 600 junior artists had come, 800 should have come. You should be happy that if you go down, the money will be saved. But, they are not like that. It is because of him and director Dhananjay that this set has to come to this level. He stopped for four to five months and put up the set. Dhanu is making such a big effort in his first film itself. I also had a question as to how they could do it. But here he has taken a hundred per cent. There are four cameras on the set every day. Out of 32 days, 64 days of work has been done," he said. Talking about his role, he said, "It was a very enjoyable role. I believe that if I am happy, the audience will also be happy. It's a different kind of cinema. It's a different kind of film in my career. I will try my best to make it a reality.' Still, my Kannada dialogues are being appreciated by everyone. I am happy that my Kannada words have been appreciated especially by Bhojaraja. Veteran actor Honnavalli Krishna, Ravindranath, cinematographer Karam Chawla and others were present on the occasion.