Sep 13, 2026 2:00pm IST
Srini On ‘Birbal Trilogy: Case 2’ and ‘A for Anand’: ‘I Do Not Carry The Success Of My Previous Film Into The Next One’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Kannada actor, writer and director Srini is returning with the sequel to his 2019 cult crime thriller “Birbal Trilogy – Finding Vajramuni.” Titled “Birbal Trilogy: Case 2,” the film is set to release next month. Meanwhile, Srini has also begun work on his next directorial, “A for Anand,” starring Shivarajkumar, with filming scheduled to begin next month. In an exclusive interview with Variety India, Srini reflects on the success and legacy of the first “Birbal” film, what audiences can expect from the sequel and why keeping a film’s budget under control is crucial.
“Birbal Trilogy: Case 1 – Finding Vajramuni” was released in 2019. You wrote, directed and acted in it. While it did well at the box office, it was appreciated more when it dropped on OTT. What are your thoughts on it?
I would attribute the film’s popularity largely to OTT platforms. As it was available online during the COVID period, people across states watched it. They shared their thoughts on social media, which helped spread the word. I think that was one of the major reasons for its wider reach.
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With several big-budget films underperforming, how important is it today to keep a film’s budget under control?
It is extremely important. Apart from the creative aspect, I think the director should focus on the economics too. Understanding that will help you recover your costs and reduce the risk that comes with the business. Maybe this way, a filmmaker can recover 70 to 80% of the film’s budget, leaving only 20% as the risk factor. That would make most production houses more willing to take that risk.
You last acted in ‘Ghost’ three years ago, and now you will be seen in the “Birbal” sequel. Why didn’t you consider any acting assignments between the two?
Since I am a director and writer myself, I look for a strong script. I do not want to accept films just for money, because trust matters a lot. Gaining the audience’s trust is very difficult, and once you lose it, they may not come to theatres for your films again. Whether as an actor or director, the priority should be to build and retain that trust through quality work. Even if that means doing fewer films or taking more time, I believe it is better to focus on good films and preserve that trust.
There appears to be a mixed reaction to sequels, with many of them not living up to expectations. What is your opinion?
That usually happens because the first film creates a lot of curiosity and expectations. Very few sequels truly live up to that. It depends on understanding the circumstances, knowing the audience, and finding the right way to build on the original subject. For me, this is more like a new case. I treat every film as a fresh film and start from zero. I do not carry the success of my previous film into the next one, because we have to bring the audience back to theatres and create that excitement all over again. Starting from scratch helps me stay focused. I do not look at it simply as a sequel; I see it as a new project.
What can we expect from advocate Mahesh Das in this version?
I think audiences loved the character for his quirky approach to solving problems, and we have carried that forward. This time, Mahesh Das faces more challenging situations, with each problem resolved in a distinctive and engaging way.
What can you share about your film after ‘Birbal Trilogy: Case 2’?
I am directing my next film, “A for Anand,” with Shivarajkumar sir. We will begin shooting next month. This is my second film with him after “Ghost.” Shivarajkumar sir himself is producing this movie. It is a family entertainer involving a lot of kids and focuses on our education system. He is playing a commercial comedy character. It is a new genre for both of us.
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