The closet of challenging star Darshan family Manoj’s third Film ‘Garden’ went on the floors on Thursday at Dakshina Shiradi Sri Saibaba Temple and Datta Peetha situated on Magadi Road at Kammasandra.
Directed by Arya Mahesh, ‘Garden’ is about cleanliness, beauty, and health of our cities depend on the sweat and sacrifice of countless workers. Rising before sunrise, working in the morning chill, under the scorching afternoon sun, and even in the rain—they are the pourakarmikas (civic workers) who carry out their duty sincerely. If they did not clean up the garbage we throw, the sewage that clogs the drains, and the litter scattered across the streets, what would be the state of our cities? There are endless stories to tell about the condition and struggles of these civic workers. Now, a film called ‘Garden’, which aims to portray their lives, has been launched in a grand manner.
Under the direction of Arya Mahesh and starring ‘Takkar’ fame Manoj, ‘Garden’ will come alive on screen. On the muhurat day, the first look poster was unveiled. Interestingly, the hero’s face was not revealed. Instead, a still showing him standing with clenched fists, back facing the camera, with elements like the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) building and its seal placed prominently, gave away the backdrop. At first glance, it clearly hints that the story revolves around Bengaluru’s garbage disposal system and the mafia operating around it.
At the launch event, chief guest Dinkar Toogudeep clapped for the first scene. He said, “Manoj is like a boy from our own home. He has immense love for cinema. I’ve heard the storyline of this film. Director Mahesh has written a role that feels tailor-made for Manoj.” He added, “After Covid, the film industry has changed. People watch films from all over the world now. They only accept unique storylines. My recently completed ‘Dharani’ had such a theme, and now ‘Garden’ also sheds light on Bengaluru’s untold stories. There’s a strong emotional element in it too.”
Director Arya Mahesh said, “Once again, I’ve taken up a real-life based subject. In Bengaluru, dumping yards are often referred to as ‘Garden’ – Since most of the film deals with the garbage disposal issue, I’ve titled it ‘Garden’.
The film will feature two heroines in important roles. Anu Prema and Sonam Rai will be seen alongside Manoj. Anu Prema said, “This is not a regular hero-heroine kind of story. My role is very unique.” Sonam Rai added, “I’ve been away from films for two years. But I loved the role Mahesh sir narrated to me, so I decided to return with Garden.”
Producer G. Muniraju said, “I was a co-producer for director Mahesh’s ‘Bombu Saavari’. This time, I’m producing ‘Garden’ completely under my banner.”
At the media briefing, cinematographer Munjane Manju, stunt director Violent Velu, choreographer Tagaru Raju, and editor G. Girish Kumar were present. The muhurat function also saw the presence of noted lyricist V. Nagendra Prasad, Mulbagal MLA Samruddhi Manjunath, Royal S.R. Anil Kumar, Hasiru Sene state president Kodihalli Chandrashekar, P. Moorthy, and others who extended their wishes.
Produced under the banner of M.R. Cinemas by G. Muniraju, Garden will go on floors by the end of this month or early October.