Director Suni had been on actor Vinay Rajkumar’s radar for some time, but fate seemed to conspire against their collaboration until 2023. It was during this window of opportunity when Suni found himself with some free time and a burning desire to craft a new cinematic endeavor. Armed with a story penned by writer Prasanna, Suni was on the hunt for the perfect leading man. Fate intervened when he stumbled upon an image of Vinay amidst a crowd. Instantly, it dawned on him that he had discovered the ideal protagonist – someone who effortlessly embodied the role of a typical Chikpete resident, a boy next door.
Recalling the moment Suni approached him with the script for “Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe,” Vinay couldn’t contain his excitement. What struck him most was the script’s charm, blending romance, comedy, and familial emotions seamlessly. It was, in Vinay’s eyes, the complete package. Reflecting on Suni’s perception that he epitomized the simplicity of the character Athishay, Vinay felt honored. To him, the role resonated because Athishay needed to be someone the audience could connect with, a feat Vinay believed he could accomplish effortlessly. Athishay’s character, as Vinay elaborated, thrived on nurturing relationships, be it with his father, portrayed by Rajesh Nataranga, his mother, played by Aruna Balraj, or numerous others in his life. An aspiring music director under Sadhu Kokila’s tutelage, Athishay’s aspirations were straightforward – to bask in the world of music and to find his soulmate. Unlike conventional expectations, Athishay’s quest for love was devoid of predefined criteria; he sought someone who resonated with the rhythm of his heart.
“Ondu Sarala Prema Kathe” marked Vinay’s return to the spotlight since “Ananthu vs Nusrath.” While he had a string of releases in between, they slipped under the radar, overshadowed by a lack of promotion and swift OTT transitions. However, 2024 promises to be a prolific year for Vinay, with two more films, “Pepe” and “Andonditu Kaala,” primed for release shortly after his brother Yuva Rajkumar’s debut hits theaters.
