This story is packed with emotions

With a diploma in civil engineering, writer-director Lakshmi Dinesh came to Bengaluru in search of a job. Living near Kanteerva Studio piqued his interest in films. Dinesh talks about his journey into the film industry and his take on the emotions attached to the different kinds of love that are explored in his directorial debut,

Half Mentlu

'


Inroads into Sandalwood
I am from the village Jogidoddi in Ramanagara taluk. I did a diploma in civil engineering before coming to Bengaluru in search of a job. I used to write poems, and living near Kanteerva Studio, I became interested in films and wanted to be a lyricist. I entered the film industry as a lyricist, but when I saw directors at work on the sets, I was drawn towards directing. I observed how they worked and did my diploma in direction. I worked as an assistant

director

on eight films, and when I knew that I had enough experience, I thought it was time to turn director with Half Mentlu.

Based on a real story
The story of Half Mentlu is 100% real. It is based on a real incident that took place back in 2010. I observed what happened with a particular person for 3-4 months. I thought that he was an interesting character and wanted my first film to be based on him. The film explores the emotions in various kinds of love, such as a mother's love, the love towards a girl, love in friendship, etc.

Love, but from a distance
Apart from one fantasy song, there is no physical intimacy between my lead actors,

Sandeepa

and Sonu Gowda. Throughout the movie they talk to each other, and even fall in love with each other, from a certain distance. The movie is completely based on their emotions and there is no physical aspect involved. But people will be able to connect with them and the story will touch their hearts. They will leave theatres wanting a woman like Sonu and a man like Sandeepa in their lives.

From friend to assistant director and lead actor
Sandeepa is a friend and was initially only supposed to assist me. I wanted to cast a newcomer as the male lead since I thought that the movie would not work with an established actor. I initially planned on casting someone else, but when I observed Sandeepa's body language and dialogue delivery, I thought that he was perfect for the role.

The curiosity behind the title
There is a lot of curiosity around the name of the movie. People in the movie think that Sandeepa's character is 'half mental', so the movie's title is actually from the audience's perspective. It is only in the climax that people will get to know if he really is 'half mental' or not.