Malayalam director Senna Hegde on why Anurag Kashyap’s Rifle Club would be his first and last acting stint

During an OTTplay interview, Avihitham director Senna Hegde opened up about his acting stint in Anurag Kashyap-Aashiq Abu's Rifle Club, which he swears is his first and last attempt.

Senna Hegde, with Anurag Kashyap at Rifle Club sets

Noted Malayalam filmmaker Senna Hegde announced his next film, titled Blood-y, even as his latest release Avihitham was running in theatres, winning appreciation from critics. But did you know that the director of the National Award-winning Thinkalazhcha Nishchayam has also worked in front of the camera, that too with the likes of Hindi filmmaker-actor Anurag Kashyap. The film is Rifle Club, helmed by Aashiq Abu, a film with an ensemble cast in its truest sense.

Senna Hegde on Rifle Club

When OTTplay recently caught up with Senna Hegde for an interview, the director opened up on his acting stint, which he swears is his first and last attempt.

“Initially, I thought it was a joke. Then it turned out to be a serious thing. I just thought I will visit them and see what it is all about and once I got there, they held me hostage and I had to do that role,” says Senna Hegde.

Also read: Avihitham director Senna Hegde: I really don't know how to get people to the theatre | Exclusive

While admitting it was indeed one of a kind experience, the director said that he is not looking forward to more such stints. “That’s not my cup of tea. It was more of a greedy decision, such a big star cast - who’s who of Malayalam industry were there. Look at the cast and technical crew too, music - Rex, cinematographer - Aashiq again, and top writers ( Syam Pushkaran, Dileesh Karunakaran, and Suhas) of the Malayalam industry. And actors, it is like a huge cast. Set designer, Ajayan Chalissery of Manjummel Boys. It was like a big deal. There I made a lot of friends. It was good times.” he recounted.

Helmed by Aashiq Abu, the 2024 Malayalam film Rifle Club featured a huge cast with the likes of filmmaker-actor Dileesh Pothan, Anurag Kashyap, Vani Viswanath, Unnimaya Prasad, Darshana Rajendran, Surabhi Lakshmi, Vineeth Kumar, Vijayaraghavan and Suresh Krishna. Popular Rapper Hanumankind also made his acting debut with the film. Senna Hegde played Chittappa, an aide of gangster Dayanand Bare (Anurag Kashyap).

When asked why Aashiq Abu approached him for the role, Senna Hegde said that he was as clueless as the viewers.

“Honestly, I don’t know. They wanted the character from the border area. Kasaragod-Mangalore area - somebody who could speak Tulu, Malayalam.”

The film revolves around a Rifle Club in Wayanad which gives refuge to a young couple who cause the death of a gangster’s son. When the gangster and his men turn up at the club, it sets up the stage for the ultimate showdown.

Senna Hegde’s Avihitham

On the other hand, Senna Hegde’s latest film Avihitham, which released in theatres on October 10, is in running theatres. The latest film tackles the taboo topic of illicit affairs in a small Kerala town.

The filmmaker, known for his Kanhangad brand of films, says that he just wanted to make one movie.

“My life goal was to make one film and this is my sixth, I have overachieved. Hopefully, I will get to direct more,” Senna Hegde signs off.

FAQs

Q. Where to watch Rifle Club on OTT?

A. You can watch Rifle Club on Netflix. Aashiq Abu's film featured an ensemble cast, with filmmakers-actors Dileesh Pothan and Anurag Kashyap, Senna Hegde, Vani Viswanath, Unnimaya Prasad, Darshana Rajendran, Surabhi Lakshmi, Vineeth Kumar, Vijayaraghavan and Suresh Krishna.

Q. Where to watch Avihitham?

A. You can watch Avihitham in theatres. Currently, there is no word about its OTT partner.

Q. Who is the director of Avihitham?

A. The director of Avihitham is noted filmmaker Senna Hegde.

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