Interestingly, while the new film is produced by superstar Darshan -- though the credit is officially given to his mother Meena Toogudeepa -- the actor isn't the film's leading man. Prem, young hero of the hugely successful Nenapirali, is.

Ramya, the heroine, has become a sort of lucky mascot in the world of Kannada cinema, having delivered five hits in the last 15 months. Also, the family connection does not end with Darshan's mother. Dinakar, his brother who has been an assistant to directors like MS Rames, makes his directorial debut with the film.

When the director was asked why he picked Prem when the producer is a superstar, Dinakar replied that it was Darshan who suggested Prem's name. "He said the role suited Prem better."

Dinakar then decided he was going to make the film with a group of youngsters. Harikrishna, assistant to many music directors, debuts as music director in his own right here. Venus Murthy is the cameraman. "I wanted to give a break to some youngsters who had worked as assistants, like me," said Dinakar.

Jothe Jotheyali is the opening line of a very popular Kannada song. Asked about the title, Dinakar pointed out that it also means "taking steps together. It means that, if we match our steps, we can solve any problems we encounter."

The film deals with two youngsters who love each other and marry after getting a go-ahead from their parents. They soon find that their marriage is not working out though, and is on the verge of a break-up. Both realize they have to save their marriage at any cost, and this is the crux of the story.

Darshan is confident of his brother's abilities. The superstar says his primary aim is to get his family's production unit rolling. "I will be part of the films produced by the company only if the story suits my image. Otherwise, I want the unit to produce films featuring other artistes."

Text: R G Vijayasarathy