Jackie is first Kannada film shot in Namibia: Puneet Rajkumar

Powerstar Puneet Rajkumar has already completed the shooting for director Suri's Kannada movie Jackie with actress Bhavana and is now busy promoting the film, which will release on 14th October. The king of Sandalwood spoke exclusively to Oneindia about the shooting of Jackie and his other upcoming films. Here are the excerpts of Puneet Rajkumar interview.

What made you sign the movie Jackie?
Usually, I look for good script while signing a movie. Jackie has a wonderful story. Moreover, talented director Suri is working on it. These two factors made me accept this movie.

Is there any message to audience in Jackie?
Generally, audience will find lots of messages in a movie and these messages will be based on the experience of a viewer. Likewise, Jackie has also got a few small messages. But intentionally, we haven't worked out on any particular message in the script.

Jackie team was said have a very tough time shooting in Namibia and Austria. What would you like to comment on it?
We can't call it a tough time. We had chosen a few locations in Namibia, which were difficult places to go there. Taking 30 technicians and shooting equipments like crane to these places was really a hilarious task. Moreover, we had to delay shooting for two days due to heavy rain fall in Austria. But it was really wonderful experience. I'm really happy that Jackie is the first Kannada film to be shot in Namibia and Austria.

How was your work experience with Bhavana and Suri? Do you have any particular experience to share with your fans?
I had really wonderful time with Bhavana and Suri on the sets of Jackie. There are several incident, which I will remember forever. Everyday was a new day for me. Every moment on the sets was exciting moment for me.

You have sung the song 'Edavatta Aitu...' What made you to sing this song? How is the response for the music?
Actually, director Suri and my brother Raghanna (Raghavendra Rajkumar) told me that I have a peculiar kind of voice, which will suit the song 'Edavatta Aitu..' and they urged me to sing it. I just tried it out and it came out really well. I'm very happy that the music of Jackie has got overwhelming response.

What would you like to say about Yogaraj Bhat's lyrics and Harikrishna's music for Jackie?
It's amazing combination. There is no need to talk about their work. They have proved their talents many times. Almost all Kannada audience have enjoyed their works. Now, they have made the Kannada listeners feel the music.

The distribution rights of Jackie are said to have been sold for more than Rs. 10 crores. What would you like to say about it?
I'm an artiste and I don't have any information about distribution rights of Jackie. You need to ask this question to Raghanna.

How many theatres Jackie is releasing in? When are you going to release it overseas?
I don't have idea about number of theatres. Probably, we will release the film overseas after two weeks of its release in Karnataka. We've got good market for Kannada films in US, UK, Dubai and Singapore. We will plan to release Jackie first in these countries.

Almost all your movies are successful at the Box Office. What is the secret behind this?
It's purely script and technicians. Besides good actor and actress, a movie needs good technicians and script. As I said earlier, I first see the script and technicians, who I am going to work with. This is the secret behind the success.

What is your take on remake films? Are they boon or bane to Kannada film industry?
I don't mind acting in remake movies, if the story is good. I support remakes because I think that the way of presenting things on screen is important and not remake or straight movie. Apthamitra and Yajamana are the best example for it.

What are your upcoming movies?
I'm going to start shooting for the remake of Naadodigal, which will probably be launched on Oct 18. Besides me, Yogish, Srinagar Kitty and Radhika Pandit are also playing lead roles in this untitled movie. I've another movie with Yogaraj Bhat. The director is currently writing the script for the film and it will take time to go on floors.

You are promoting Manappuram and Nadini Milk. How is the opportunities in Ad industry for Kannada celebrities?
So far, I've done three commercial ads. I don't have much idea about ad industry. Now, I've to look for new commercials, which will suit my personality.

Do you have an account in social networking website?
No! I don't have an account in any social networking website. I don't like to have one. I hardly spend time on internet.

Your message to your fans?
Please watch all Kannada films in theatres and encourage us. Take care of your health.