Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar interview: ‘America America 2’ steps out of the original’s shadow

It’s been close to three decades since America America (1997) hit the screens, and I remind Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar of the impact the film had on Kannadigas. The movie contrasted the romanticised notion of America as the ultimate aspiration with the emotional isolation experienced by Indian migrants in the US. I tell him that his powerful analogy that compared one’s country to a mother convinced people to stay in India, encouraging them to value native roots and traditions.

Chandrashekhar had something to say in opposition: “During my interactions with Indian-Americans at airports, several told me that my film inspired them to envision a life in America. They were perhaps captivated by the country’s geographical beauty and impressed by the economic opportunities it offered.

The filmmaker has dissected America America so deeply over the years that he understands there is no single way to measure the film’s impact on people. The only truth that remains constant is that America America is a classic. “That is exactly why I have waited three decades to use the film’s title,” he says of his upcoming movie, America America 2, billed as a spiritual sequel to the 1997 blockbuster.

“This is a story suited for today’s times. The movie isn’t a continuation of the original film. If I had to make a sequel, I could have plunged into it long back. I had everything on my plate — production support, artistes, and creative energy,” he clarifies. Chandrashekhar hopes that America America 2, adapted from Sahana Vijaykumar’s novel Kshame, will tame the arrogance that comes with the original’s classic status and, in doing so, stand on its own. The movie, set to release on September 11, stars Shanvi Srivastava, Pruthvi Ambaar and Nirup Bhandari in lead roles.

Pruthvi Ambaar and Shanvi Srivastava in ‘America America 2’.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The veteran director isn’t fixated on the core idea of America America. He understands that Indians’ perception of America has changed. It is no longer seen as a sole path to success or a better life. But he also points out how people’s beliefs can be fluid and change over time. So where would the characters from the original film be today? Bhoomi (played by Hema Prabhath) and Surya (Ramesh Aravind) return to India in the climax of the movie. While Surya is firm on finding success and happiness in India, Bhoomi returns to her motherland with him out of deep respect for their friendship.

“Suriya might grow immensely affluent and decide to think of a future in the US. Bhoomi might look at the corruption around her and choose to return to the US. For her, living with dignity in a country where she has to constantly fight for her identity may be preferable to living in her own country, where she feels exploited. The bottom line is that people’s ideologies and priorities can change with time.”

Shanvi Srivastava and Nirup Bhandari in ‘America America 2’.
| Photo Credit:
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

America America 2 is shot primarily in Seattle, a deliberate decision by the director in response to criticism the first film received. “In this film, I didn’t have the pressure to show the entire US as I had with the first film. Back then, Disneyland and the Golden Gate Bridge were viewed with awe. Today, these places within reach for Indians. Also, critics dismissed my film as a travelogue, failing to recognise the themes it explored. This time, America America 2 focuses on the aspirational mindset of a woman, and Seattle, a major global technology hub, was the perfect backdrop for the story.”

Like its predecessor, America America 2 is a love triangle, once again narrating the story from the perspective of its female protagonist. I ask why there are so few stories told from a female perspective in Kannada cinema.

ALSO READ: Director Nagathihalli Chandrashekar explains what is unique about Kannada film ‘India vs England’

“In my films, I consciously give a voice to female characters. In Undu Hoda Kondu Hoda (1992), the heroine questions her prospective groom about his educational qualifications and career plans. Amrithadhare (2005) is named after the female lead Amritha (played by Ramya). Even in the climax of America America, people expected Bhoomi and Surya to get married. I wanted to stress that marriage isn’t a solution for a woman. The film shows healthy friendship between a man and a woman is possible.”

Chandrashekhar adds that female actors must be open to character-driven roles. “Several popular female actors refused to play the lead in America America 2. I wish they would get the courage to play mature characters instead of being insignificant in ‘mass’ vehicles led by male superstars,” he explains, saying Shanvi has given a committed performance in America America 2.