He left his well-paid job to pursue his love for cinema. Arjun Kaje has acted in a number of Kannada and Tulu films. He loves writing and has penned interesting stories. Currently he is working on a web series as well. The actor-director tells us about his film Rerun and his other films…

 How did you arrive at the story of Rerun?

I was working on several scripts during lockdown. The house you see in the film belongs to my grandfather. I was in my grandfather’s house and this time loop concept struck my mind. These doors and windows in the house looked very retro. This thought remained with me for many days. As I was working, this story on time loop came to my mind. This is how I wrote this story.

Tell us about your journey into short films?

I have acted in the Kannada film Ondu Motteya Kathe. It was a small role. I was working in Bengaluru then. Eventually I quit and started acting in Tulu films. I have been a part of many Tulu films after that. ‘Aare Marler’, ‘Karne’, ‘Yero Ullerge’ are some of them. I have even acted in ‘Rahu Kala Gullige Kala’. Some new films are yet to release in which I have acted.  During lockdown I have penned many stories.

What were you looking to convey with this movie?

Nothing actually. It is an abstract thought that crossed my mind. It is a dream and reality coinciding. And this is running in loops.

What roadblocks did you face, when you made Rerun?

It was not a huge challenge. The cinematographer was my cousin. I told him the concept and he was ready to work on this. We started the shoot the very next day. We haven’t used any lights. It was all shot in natural light. We used to wait for the natural light that we were looking for.  The film was shot in two days.

Have you drawn inspiration from real people for the characterizations in the film?

No. It is all fictional.

Tell us about your lead cast and technical team?          

I was the lead actor in this. Direction was also by me. My cousin Keerthan Kaje who is a dentist did the cinematography and editing.

 Rerun’s music makes a huge impact. Tell us more about it?

We picked the music from Youtube. I was looking out for this kind of music and this particular piece went well with my concept.

Any unforgettable or cherished memory associated with this film?

When the second character was running towards the door, the cinematographer had to handle the camera and the door. Everytime we shot it was not coming up to our expectations. And my elder brother’s daughter was with us when we were shooting. She would smile seeing us act and we would burst out laughing.

Tell us about your future projects?

We are planning for a web series. I am almost done with the scripting. This will start rolling by December.

Which film-maker has been a strong influence on you and your style of film making?

I learn from many actors and directors. I watch movies of all genres and I don’t find inspiration in one particular actor. Kichcha Sudeep has inspired me heavily. I learn a thing here or there from all. When I watch a movie and if I happen to like it I watch it many times and analyse it. I go into the minutest detail.

If you got the opportunity to remake a classic, which one would that be?

Well classic, I don’t know, but I would love to remake the Malayalam film Kumbalangi Nights. For some reason I happen to love that movie. I think I have seen that film more than 15 times. It is an amazing film.

Tell us your opinion about Fillum and how it will help the upcoming filmmakers?

I love the way you guys check on the content before taking up a film on Fillum. You are focusing on stories and that is your big plus. People also love watching films with good content. I think this is a great concept.

 Rerun is now playing on FILLUM App

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