Kannada actress Roopa impresses with directorial debut

Bangalore, June 19 (IANS) Popular Kannada actress Roopa Iyer's debut directorial venture "Mukhaputa", which deals with the problems of young children suffering from HIV, has been applauded by the film fraternity.

Veteran film director D. Rajendra Babu, actress Sumithra, cameraman H. Ramachandra, Satish of HIV/AIDS Foundation and well known lyricist Jayanth Kaikini have applauded Roopa for her effort to present a bold subject to the people who have misconceptions about HIV patients.

Satish, who has treated more than 15,000 HIV patients in the state, said that despite his attempts to create awareness about the disease among the people, he has not been able to reach out to a large number of people.

"I'm happy that Roopa has made a good film that is certain to have an impact on the people. What Roopa has achieved in 'Mukhaputa' is much more than hundreds of seminars and awareness campaigns. I hope the film clears people's misconception about the disease," said Sathish.

Rajendra Babu said: "I had chosen Roopa Iyer to act in my films. But I never thought she had so much talent in her to direct a socially relevant film with such sensitivity. I think experienced directors have to learn a lot from this gutsy lady who has shown that she can be different and yet make a touching film."

Actress Sumithra felt that Roopa Iyer has shown way to young women film directors to take up novel subjects.

The film was premiered Monday and Roopa plans to release it all over the state shortly and said it will also be dubbed in thirteen other languages.