Hoping to VIN' some kudos

He is among the few third generation actors in the industry. From the legendary Rajkumar family, this handsome huduga is ready to release his second film soon, which promises to be an entertainer, hoping that his fortunes will change after his debut tanked at the box office.

Vinay Raghavendra Rajkumar the grandson of Kannada thespian Dr Rajkumar, and son of versatile actor and singer Raghavendra Rajkumar wants to make a mark with this. With two powerful uncles — Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar and the heartthrob of Sandalwood — Century Star Dr Shivarajkumar, this Rajkumar is right on the money. Vinay speaks exclusively with Bengaluru Chronicle as his second venture Run Antony inches towards release, and much more.

After his debut movie Siddhartha, Vinay Rajkumar has opted to change genres, breaking away from the usual masala movies, to an unusual love story with a thrilling background that is being directed by first-timer Raghu Shastry. This also marks the entry of another grandson of Dr Rajkumar — Guru Rajkumar, who is Vinay Rajkumar’s brother, making his debut as producer for the prestigious banner Sri Vajreshwari Hospitalities.

“After Siddhartha, I was keen on trying something new. Fortunately, I met the director over a cup of coffee, who impressed me with the story. Later, it was my father who liked the concept. Even my brother Guru Rajkumar, has turned full-time producer for this one, and most of all, the majority of the Run Antony team comprises of young talent. It was a great experience to learn while working,” says Vinay Rajkumar.

The team has provided a great opportunity to talented technicians with two cinematographers Karam Chawla and Manohar Joshi capturing the best visuals while the new Khan brothers, have in their block editing, given the audience a very crisp experience.

“With young talent working both on and off the screen, the response has been amazing even before the release. Almost everyone who has seen the trailer of the film has been appreciating its quality. The other strong pillar in Run Antony is the amazing script. It is a love story with an unusual thriller as a backdrop, and I have never come across anything like this before. It is a huge change for me. Even my father and my uncles were impressed with the subject, and enhanced it with suggestions,” he says.

The actor who portrays the role of a Roman Catholic boy, reveals that he did a lot of homework, learning about a Roman Catholic’s life and attitudes. “I am so sure that this film will be appreciated, it is a perfect mix of Western and Classic nuances, in terms of music, script and quality — it is an edge of the seat experience. I have literally run all over Bengaluru for the shoot, and onlookers kept wondering why I was being captured running. It was a great experience,” he adds.

Before running off, Vinay says that Run Antony will remain close to his heart, as it helped him learn an actor. He is also thrilled about sharing the screen with Dynamic Star Devaraj Sir. Run Antony releases soon.

A couple of highs
Vinay Rajkumar’s parents Raghavendra Rajkumar and Mangala Raghavendra Rajkumar, on Tuesday celebrated their 28th marriage anniversary.  Raghavendra Rajkumar, in a heart touching post on Facebook thanked his better-half on their special day:

“I thank God for giving me a wonderful wife —Mangala. She is my wife, and everything to me, my mother, sister, daughter — my driving force, and my Goddess, She, and her parents supported me in my bad times, especially during the past three years when I was affected by a stroke, paralysing my left side. She served me with such dedication. What else can I ask for. Thanks Mangala for bearing with me.”