Bridge over troubled waters

Rajita

One of the most talked about films on the floors in Kannada is H2O.

The Rs 80 million film has been in the making for two years -- but that is peripheral. The real reason for the buzz lies in the story.

The film stars superstar Upendra and Prabhu Deva. Both are in love with the same girl.

Another love triangle? Yes. Only, the girl's name is Cauvery, Upendra (who also directs the film) plays a Kannadiga and Prabhu Deva plays a Tamilian. In other words, the story 'metaphorically' hangs its emotional hook on the acrimonious debate between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu relating to the Cauvery waters.

The story has been set in two border villages, on either side of the river. The clash between the two male leads and its resolution is the crux of the story.

The controversy is whether Upendra or Prabhu Deva gets Cauvery in the end. After all, Cauvery is a very emotive issue for the peoples of both states, so such questions cannot be treated lightly.

Thus, there is even a suggestion that two endings have to be shot -- Upendra getting the girl for the Kannada version and Prabhu Deva winning Cauvery in the Tamil version.