The latest film to create a buzz in Kannada cinema is Adi Lakshmi Purana (ALP). One, it brings together an unusual cast — Radhika Pandit and Nirup Bhandari; two, the film is directed by Priya V, who has earlier worked in Tamil cinema and has assisted Suhasini and Mani Ratnam. And, three, the film happens to be Radhika’s first film after marriage (she is married to Yash) and motherhood.

Based in Chennai, Priya , has earlier directed films such as Kanda Naal Mudhal produced by Prakash Rai and Kannamocchi Yennada produced by Radhika Sharath Kumar.

Produced by Rockline Venkatesh, ALP marks Priya forays into Kannada cinema. The film will be released on July 19.

Priya takes a short break during the editing and speaks to Metroplus in an interview peppered with loads of laughter

Edited excerpts

Could you tell us more about ALP?

It is an entertainer. The film looks at how easy it is to get your hands on drugs and its effects on youth. Apart from the drug angle, the film also features a romance between an undercover cop and a girl who works in a travel agency.

How did the pairing of Radhika Pandit and Nirup Bhanadari come to be?

I met Yash sometime ago and narrated the story to him. He liked it. I had seen Radhika’s work and loved how she acts and wanted her to be part of ALP. I had also seen Nirup’s Rangitaranga in Chennai and liked the film and his work. I decided to bring them both together. He has the right look for an undercover cop.

Where did you draw your inspiration from?

The story has been in my mind for a long time. I see a lot of myself in Lakshmi — her family, mannerisms, all have a bit of me in it.

Lakshmi is plump like me, in fact, I am a lot plumper. How she handles situations, especially the complex about her weight is what helped me build her character. I think as women we all face these issues.

And Nirup is this almost perfect guy you hope to meet.

Tell us about working with Mani Ratnam...

That was a long time ago, I have been independent for quite some time now. It is only when you step out on your own that you realise the value of working with a master like him.

When you are on your own is when you tend to recall the manner in which he writes, directs and thinks. You pick up as you go and realise you apply a lot of things you learnt there in your own work.

What is that one thing you learnt from him and still carry with you?

Being on time always. That is the first thing I learnt from him.

The second is his passion for cinema. No matter what he sees in real life, he tends to see it cinematically and tries to incorporate it into a story.

What about Suhasini?

She is a live wire. I aspire to be like her but have not been successful. In fact, she is the one who helped me start off my career and brought me into films. I had worked with her ages ago for a television series with a small role.

Watching a woman direct was my inspiration. After working with them for while I branched out and made a couple of Tamil films.

Both were light like ALP.

I tend to lean towards the lighter side of life. Life is too short to be sad. I think we should try and spread a little happiness around and on screen.

Did you ever think of making ALP in Tamil?

No. Because, the moment I saw Radhika, I knew I had to make it in Kannada with her playing Lakshmi. She is so subtle in her performance.

Being a woman director in today’s time...

Is great. The world of cinema has been kind and respectful. I have never faced any condemnation.

I have never experienced gender discrimination. Once you are on the spot, gender does not come in but everybody is busy finishing the shoot.

However, I feel proud to be a woman. I also have a woman DOP, Preetha. She too is sailing along perfectly.

Any more Kannada films in the offing?

Definitely. I am enjoying working here and would love to be a part of Kannada cinema too.