Controversial film 'Masti' launched

After much protests by the literary circles as well as the Kannada activists regarding keeping the name 'Maasti' to a rowdy sheeter's film, producer Ramu has accepted to change the name of the film and Saturday during the muhurath, Ramu has asked excuse for hurting the sentiments of lakhs of people all over the state. The new name of the film is expected shortly.

Upendra and Shivarajkumar during Masti muhurath

Upendra and Shivarajkumar during Masti muhurath

Previously many prominent writers had condemned of keeping the name 'Masti' because it was an insult to the Jnanapeeth Award winner late Maasthi Venkatesh Iyengar who was fondly known as Maasthi. By Friday evening itself, many prominent writers had warned producer Ramu, director Shivamani and hero Upendra to change the name of the film before the muhurath or face consequences.

But neither Ramu nor Shivamani cared much about it. Finally Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists stormed the Kanteerava studio on Saturday where the muhurath of the film was held and held protests. They urged Ramu and Shivamani to change the name of the film immediately. When they did not heed to their requests, some went violent and tore the posters of the film. Some even did not allow actor Upendra to enter Kanteerava's campus. The activists even tried to manhandle Ramu and Shivamani. But police gave the needed protection to both of them.

Shivarajkumar convincing the activists

The situation came to control when actor Shivarajkumar and KFCC president H D Gangaraju who were the chief guests of the occasion intervened. They adviced and convinced the producer and director about changing the name of the film. After that Shivarajkumar addressed the gathering about the change of the name. After this, the activists left the studio with a big smile on their faces.

Later speaking to the media persons, "I don't want to hurt the sentiments of the people. That's why I have decided to change the name of the film. The new name will be announced shortly. This is will be a big project. We are planning to shoot for nearly 100 days for this film. Apart from Bangalore and Hassan the film will be shot in Mantralaya. Recently no film has been shot there. We are going there after a long gap," said Ramu.

Shivamani felt sorry for what all had happened before the commencement of the shooting. "I have directed more than 20 films. But never in my career I have used a cheap gimmick to promote my film. The film is nowhere related to Maasthi Venkatesha Iyengar. The film is loosely based on the life of Maasti a Malasri and Ramu

rowdy sheeter who ruled the underworld in the 80s. That doesn't mean I am provoking or glorifying rowdism. The film has a good message in itself," said Shivamani.

Upendra admitted that he didn't know the title of the film. "When Ramu and Shivamani narrated the scripted, the title was not finalized yet. So, I didn't know the title. I didn't expect the title would create furor among the people. We didn't do it intentionally," confessed Upendra.

Boston based Indian actress and heroine of the Tamil film 'Cinema', Farheen is cast as the female lead opposite Upendra. Apart from Upendra and Farheen, Shashikumar, Doddanna, Umashri, Ponnambalam will be seen in this film. Shivamani has himself penned the story, while Malavalli Saikrishna is in charge of the script. Gurukiran is providing the music for the film.