Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare, as the title suggests, delves into the vibrant and tumultuous world of student life. Directed by the talented Arun Amuktha, this action thriller is centered around 18-year-olds, presenting a new-age masala film that intricately packages the essence of youth—its emotions, aspirations, and struggles. “It is an action thriller revolving around 18-year-olds. It is a new-age masala film. Right from the colour scheme, to the mood, music and actors, everything has a youthful ring to it. I have packaged youth and their emotions in my film,” says Arun.
Arun Amuktha, who originally debuted in the film industry in 2013 with Loosegalu—starring Sri Murali and Akul Balaji, and where he was credited as Arun Kumar—explained his name change over a call from his home in Nagarbhavi. “Amuktha is my daughter’s name,” he shared. “I changed my name from Arun Kumar to Arun Amuktha to honor her and carry her with me.”
The film, Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare, is both written and directed by Arun and is produced by Subramanya Kukke and Shivalinge Gowda AC. Released under the banner of Variety Creations on July 19, the film’s music is composed by Vijeth Krishna. The cinematography is divided between Kumar Gowda and Arun Suresh, covering different segments like the songs. The promising cast includes Manoj Vivan, Manasvi, Bhavana Appu, Amar, and Prashant Sambargi.
Prashant Sambargi, a recognizable name in the Kannada film industry, adds substantial depth to the film by playing a pivotal role as a cop. Prashant has garnered attention not just as an actor, but also as a distributor, financier, and a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada. He is known for sharing outspoken views on controversial topics within the industry, making headlines frequently.
Sharing insights from his modest background, Arun hails from the small village of Chikkamalali in Davangere, with a population of just 300 people. “We had no internet or newspaper. The village is at a dead end and there is nothing beyond where we live. We come from an agricultural background. Life was tough. I had to come to a relative’s home to pursue higher studies. One day I decided to come to Bengaluru to seek a job,” he reflects.
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Arun, a literature graduate, is not only directing but also distributing Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare through his company, Amuktha Creations. The inspirations behind choosing a youth-oriented narrative are two-fold: the commercial appeal and the relative scarcity of films centered on teenagers. Arun elaborates, “Films are made for audiences in three categories—mass hero fans, youth, and family. As I could not rope in a big star, I decided to cast Chand Shetty in the lead. He fit the role to the T. He makes his debut as a lead actor in this film. He may not be a mass hero, but is a popular rapper and playback singer. He is a good bet from the commercial angle.”
Chandan Shetty, known for chart-topping songs such as ‘Karabuu’ from Pogaru, ‘Top To Bottom’ from Gaanchali, and ‘Yaariva Yaariva’ from Darbar, won Bigg Boss Kannada in 2018. Interestingly, Arun mentions that Chandan was the last to be cast. “For the lead, I was not getting the right fit till I met Chandan and then everything fell into place,” Arun explains. The director was in search of someone who, while being a known name, didn’t have an overwhelming screen persona. “I did not want that screen persona to overwhelm the character we had in mind for the lead. Chandan was cast as he fit all the requirements. Though he is making his debut as a lead actor, I was surprised by his acting skills. Chandan’s character has a speech impediment, is a game designer, and can change his voice.”
Reflecting on the start of his journey in the film industry, Arun recounts his days working at a small canteen at the Bangalore City Railway station. It was there that he encountered a junior artiste, whose tales of the film industry painted it as a dream place with prospects of free food on set. “At that time, I was struggling to get a square meal and it was the dream of getting a full meal that drew me to a film set,” recalls Arun. His journey from a set boy to an assistant director, working under film and television actor-director-producer Sunil Puranik, marks his rise in the industry. “Sunil has always encouraged me and I cast him in my film, he plays a politician in Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare.”
Arun’s own acting stint includes the Kannada film Jindaa, starring Devraj and Meghana Raj, and directed by Mussanje Mahesh. The compelling storyline and youthful energy of Vidhyarthi Vidyarthiniyare make it a notable addition to the Kannada film industry, promising to engage and captivate audiences across different age groups.
