Image Source: Arjun Lewis Instagram Pic Credit: Vivek Gowda
Arjun Lewis is all set to make his directorial debut with “Lungi”. He has directed the film along with Akshith Shetty. Arjun hails from Mangaluru and has been crazy about films since he was a kid. In conversation with newskarnataka.com, Arjun speaks about his journey:
‘Mungaaru Male’ craze
If there is one film in the last decade that prompted audiences to go back to watching Kannada movies in theatres, then that film is undoubtedly “Mungaaru Male”. The 2006 blockbuster film also inspired Mangaluru boy Arjun Lewis. A film buff since a young age, Lewis loved the film and decided that he should be a part of projects like that.
Engineering days
Although Lewis pursued his studies in engineering, his love towards filmmaking was evident right from the start. His college friends, as well as his Maths lecturer Murali, encouraged him to concentrate on making films. His lecturer even urged him to quit engineering in order to go and make a name in the film industry. That was when Lewis decided to leave for Bengaluru.
Bengaluru Days
After arriving in Bengaluru, Lewis decided not to follow the trend of becoming an assistant director. He wanted to learn more about screenwriting as that is the heart of any film. Despite facing a lot of struggles in Bengaluru, Lewis’ passion for films ensured that he survived.
Mentors
“I consider V Manohar and Suni of ‘Simple Aagond Love Story’ as my mentors. Manohar taught me to write lyrics in accordance with the tune of the song. Suni supported me and gave me a chance to write a song for his directorial film ‘Chamak’,” says Arjun. He has written lyrics for 10 songs in Sandalwood so far.
Short film journey
“I worked on two short films. They were not up to the mark. But I learnt a lot from them. I got a good team as well. Akshith had come to play a role in my second short film. We became friends and thus started our journey. We formed a great team with short films. We have used the same technician for ‘Lungi’ as well. Rijo John, Prasad K Shetty, Manu and Rakshit Rai have worked in this film,” says Arjun.
‘Lungi’
For this film, Arjun and Akshith decided to work on a new subject. When they were travelling together, Akshith thought of an idea about how people would react if a man enters a mall while wearing a lungi. Arjun loved the concept and decided to work on a screenplay on those lines. They met Mukesh with the script and impressed him. He then gave them the green signal for the project. Akshith was supposed to direct the film and Arjun was to handle the screenplay and dialogues. However, Akshith felt that if Arjun directs the film along with him, then it will be more efficient. Therefore, Arjun pitched in as a director.
Casting
“Akshith Shetty and I decided that we will cast newcomers for the film. As it is based in Mangaluru, we needed actors from this region, as they could speak in the accent perfectly. Mukesh Hegde felt that his son Pranav would be perfect for the lead role. We met with Pranav and felt the same. He underwent acting classes. We decided to cast Ahalya Suresh and Radhika Rao as the female leads. Popular actors from the state’s coastal belt Prakash Thuminadu, VJ Vineeth, Karthik Varadaraju, Deepak Rai Panaje and Roopa Vorkady are also part of the film,” he said.
The message of ‘Lungi’
“Lungi” is a romantic comedy, but it also has a great message. “Normally in India, we see parents having a fixed aspiration. They either want their children to join a certain industry or go abroad. In this film, we want to show how a youngster needs to come up with something on their own. We have not made a preachy film, but have conveyed whatever we want in a humorous way,” said Arjun.
Arjun’s future plans
As of now, Arjun is concentrating on “Lungi”. He has some writing assignments as well and is also working in Sooraj Shetty’s upcoming film “Non-Veg” as a writer. Arjun also intends to direct a film next year.
“Lungi” is all set to release on October 11 across Karnataka.
