Ganesh Kasargodu new kannada book 'Off the Record'

Only journalists are in a position to set right the bad tongues in the kannada film industry if often told by people in the cinema industry. (download kannada songs here).

Now one such is silencing the bad tongues. The medicine is given by renowned kannada journalist Ganesh Kasargodu. From his book `Off the Record'. What is told for him not to write in the last three decades by kannada film industry people all such are off the record all these days is on the record now.

Who called Dr Rajakumar `Mini Hitler', who is responsible for Shanker Nag's death, 67 years Kulla Dwarakish love marriage, Rekha Das marriage story, Pooja Gandhi love affair, Is Kodlu Ramakrishna a Manirathnam, Upendra, Ragini, Ramu, Udayakumar grand children letter, CV Shivashanker tried to commit suicide, who called film journalists as `Bas....s' are all part of this `Off the Record'.

What was secret with senior journalist Ganesh Kasargod is now in book (Off the Record) format is going to kick up a row? This kind of book in kannada cinema journalism is for the first time. (Download kannada songs, video here)

Top 10 kannada films of 2010

Here is our choice of top 10 films from the Kannada film industry for the year 2010. The movies were chosen based on their box office ratings, the profit and the performances.

Aaptha Rakshaka

Director: P.Vasu
Producer: Krishna Prajwal
Cast: Dr. Vishnuvardhan, Vimala Raman, Sandhya, Bhavana, Avinash
Music: Guru Kiran.

Kannada film Aaptha Rakshaka directed by P.Vasu is a sequel to Aaptha Mithra starring Dr. Vishnuvardhan
and Soundarya. The film went on to become the biggest hit in the Kannada film industry. Dr. Vishnuvardhan died fifty days before its release.

Dr. Vishnu`s performance in the two different roles, Vasu`s interesting script and Guru Kiran`s
composition of `Chamundi Thaayi Aane` are the highest points of this Kannada film. (Download free songs,
Video, MP3 here)


Jackie

Director: Soori
Producer: Ms. Parvathamma Raj Kumar
Cast: Puneet Raj Kumar, Bhavana, Rangayana Raghu
Music: Hari Krishna.

This Kannada film was released on October 14 and within fifty days of the release the film was declared
a block buster hit. The combination of Power Star Puneet Raj Kumar and director Soori along with the
superb music composition of Hari Krishna and fantastic lyrics of Yogaraj Bhat helped in increasing the
box office appeal of the Kannada film.

The technical values of the film were at its peak thanks to the cameraman Sathya Hegde. Three songs of
the film `Ekka Raja Rani`, `Shiva Antha Hoguththidhe` and the title song became the biggest audio hit
two months before the film's release. Puneet's fights and dance sequences are the biggest attractions. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)

 
Super

Director: Upendra
Producer: Rockline Venkatesh
Cast: Upendra, Nayanthara
Music: Hari Krishna

The fact that kannada actor Upendra returned to direction after a gap of nearly ten years created a big
hype for this untitled film even before the release. The audio which was released two weeks before the
release also was an instant hit. Upendra's innovative direction, his dialogues and lyrics were much
appreciated by the fans.

The songs `Sikka Patte Ishta Patee` and `Kaayi Kaayi Uppina Kaayi` are big hits. The kannada film which
has been sold to all distribution areas for a good profit is also raking in huge revenues for the
distributors. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)

 
Krishnan Love Story

Director: Shashank
Producer: Uday Mehta
Cast: Ajay, Radhika Pandit
Music: Sreedhar Sambhram

Shashank`s Krishnan Love Story was a much expected kannada film. Fortunately for its producer Uday Mehta, Shashank did not disappoint anybody and the net result was that the film ran for one hundred days in a few centres of the state.

Ajay and Radhika Pandit delivered superb performances. The cinematography by Shekhar Chandra and music by Sreedhar Sambhram were much appreciated. The songs `Santheyalli Nintharoonu` and `Thumba
Aaramagidhdha` were ruling the charts for a long time. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)


Pancharangi

Director: Yogaraj Bhat
Producer: Yogaraj Bhat, Subramanya
Cast: Diganth, Nidhi Subbaiah.
Music: Mano Murthy

If one kannada film can become a big hit just because of the fantastic dialogues and the lyrics, then you can give the example of Pancharangi directed by Yogaraj Bhat. The lyrics for the `Lifeu Ishtene` and
`Pancharangi Haadugalu` were extremely popular, perhaps even more than Mano Murthy's music composition.

The dialogues written by Yogaraj Bhat was also much liked by the class audience. Diganth and Nidhi
Subbaiah gave good performances. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)



Eradaneya Maduve

Director : Dinesh Babu
Producer: Rajeev, Suresha
Cast: Anant Nag, Sudharani, Prem, Jennifer.
Music: Jayapal.

This kannada comedy film directed by Dinesh Baboo which was made on a shoe string budget was a surprise hit which even gave a big competition to big films. Anant Nag and Suhasini Maniratnam delivered strong performances, while the comedy by Sharan was enjoyed by the audience.

The film ran for fifty days and had a good run in many of the multiplexes. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)



Veera Parampare

Director: S.Narayan
Producer: Ms. Bhagyavathi Narayan
Cast: Sudeep, Aindrita Ray, Ambareesh
Music: S.Narayan.

S.Narayan came back with a bang with Veera Parampare, an action oriented sentimental drama featuring
Rebel Star Ambareesh and Sudeep. Narayan's dilaogues made a good impact as much as Ambareesh and
Sudeep's fantastic performances. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)

Naanu Nanna Kanasu

Producer: Prakash Raj, B.Suresha
Director: Prakash Raj
Cast: Prakash Raj, Amoolya, Sithara
Music: Hamsalekha.

Naanu Nanna Kanasu is a remake of the Tamil film Abhiyum Naanum which was directed by Radhika Mohan. This was Prakash Raj`s debut as a director. The movie ran for 125 days. The strong collections for the film came in multiplexes, though it did not run too well in the interiors. Prakash Raj and Amoolya's

performance and Hamsalekha's music composition are the highlights of the film. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)



Porki

Director: M.D.Sridhar
Producer: Datta
Cast: Darshan, Praneetha
Music: Hari Krishna

Porki is the remake of the Telugu hit Pokkiri directed by Puri Jagannadh. The Kannada version had
Darshan in the lead role. Though the distributors made money, the producer claims that he had to sell
the film on deficit. Darshan's star appeal and Hari Krishna's music were the attractive elements of the
film. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)


Prithvi

Director: Jacob Varghese
Producer: M.D.Babu, Raj Kumar
Cast: Puneet Raj Kumar, Parvathy Menon
Music: Manikanth Khadri.

Prithvi starring Power Star Puneet Raj Kumar was sold for fancy rates to distributors which ensured huge
profits for the producer. Though a couple of them lost money, the film did get lot of appreciation from
class audience. The film's story revolved around an honest Deputy Commissioner who tries to control
illegal mining. Since the issue had political overtones the film was also the focus of many politicians
of the state. (Download free songs, Video, MP3 here)....

Kannada film Mylari release got delayed

Kannada film actor Shiva Rajkumar’s 99th film Mylari deferred after it fails to reach the Censor Board.

Shiva Rajkumar's 99th kannada film Mylari will not release this Friday as planned earlier. The R Chandru-directed flock had a frantic shooting schedule and post-production to meet the date, but it proved too late. At the last minute, the Censor Board officials did not watch the film on Monday. The kannada movie was finally censored on Wednesday and got a U/A certificate. Free download kannada film Mylari sogs here.

Undeterred, the film's producer, KP Srikanth, says the film will get one more week for publicity. (Free kannada film Mylari pictures)

Meanwhile, Mylari has lived up to its hype, being one of the selected kannada films this year that was sold outright to distributors in all territories. Sources said the producer had already made profits. Of late, distributors are picking up films for distribution only on commission basis. Shiva Rajkumar, at 99, is still rocking. (Free download kannada MP3 here)

Kannada film Director Chandru is thrilled as well. “Rajkumar said he was very happy with the new look I had given in the film and the fact that the film has garnered such hype,” he said. Besides, Chandru has signed the actor for his next two projects.

Is Endhiran kannada film Hollywood remake?

The uncanny resemblance between Upendra’s 2002 sci-fi film and Rajinikanth’s latest has tongues wagging in Kannada filmdom.

The latest revelation about Endhiran, the costliest Indian film that has Rajinikanth playing three characters in the film, has people agog in the Kannada film industry. The whispers going around say that the film could be a lot more similar to Upendra’s Hollywood than anticipated.

Hollywood, kannada movie, directed by Dinesh Baboo, was written by kannada actor Upendra, who also played a triple role in the film. The film had Upendra playing a scientist’s (Anant Nag) assistant. The scientist creates an android resembling Upendra to help him win over a girl. The girl is charmed by Upendra’s brother (Upendra again) The android falls in love with the girl and tries to eliminate Upendra. In the end, the android gives up its life trying to save Upendra. (Download free songs and wallpapers)

The speculation about the resemblance of the two films started after it was revealed that in Shankar’s Endhiran Rajinikanth plays both man and the robot. With the latest news that he plays three characters, the chorus has grown and discussions on Internet forums have reached a feverish pitch.

Dinesh Baboo, who directed this kannada flick Hollywood, says, “I can’t comment on similarities as I have not seen Endhiran. But people here are telling me that whatever has been revealed about that film closely resembles Hollywood. If it is so, it will be a rich man’s Hollywood; ours was a poor man’s make. In our kannada film, the android also creates another robot resembling the heroine to fool Upendra. So there are two robots apart from the hero playing three roles.” A real monkey played an important role in Hollywood and till now Endhiran does not seem to have any animal playing a role.

Ishwarya kissing scene with Rajanikanth (Free download more pictures and wallpaers)

Kannada actor Upendra had earlier said that while he was working on the film, he had heard that Shankar was also planning a film themed on robots. According to Upendra it was only when Shankar told him that his film would be delayed that our Kannada star continued with his project. But eight years later, rumours have built up again. Australian actress Felicity Mason was the leading lady in Hollywood.

Superstar Rajanikanth's second daughter soundarya marriage pictures

Rajinikanth's younger daughter Soundarya tied the knot with Ashwin, a city-based entrepreneur at a traditional ceremony.

Superstar Rajanikanth's second daughter married (For pictures see below) in a grand ceremony in chennai's raani maiyyammayi choultry. Central minister P chidambarm, Jayalalitha and many cine artists, industrialists attended the Rajanikant's daughter marriage ceremony.

Aswin kumar is the son of famous real estate businessman Ramkumar. Soundarya wearing kanchivaram saree, looking beautiful.

Rajinikanth keeps it traditional and doesn’t forget to invite friends from the old days.

Soundarya Rajinikanth’s wedding at Rani Meyyammai Hall in Chennai on Friday, as expected, was a lavish affair. The venue was packed by 7.30 am.

The guests included leading directors, politicians, actors, friends from Bangalore and family of the bride and the groom, Ashwin Ramkumar, a Stanford graduate. Clad in a white shirt and a dhoti, the actor was his usual poised self. A yellow turban was tied around his head as he performed the wedding rituals as per the Vedic and Tamil Brahmin traditions. Soundarya changed from a green silk saree into a red nine-yards saree for the ceremony. The menu included traditional dishes of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, the poli being in Karnataka style. Around 3,000 guests were present for breakfast, while more than 5,000 had gathered for lunch.

Following the formal engagement on Thursday, there was a reception. Guests included actors Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Sridevi. Another reception was held on Friday evening.

Kannada actor Indudhar committed suicide

Kannada actor Indudhar and his wife Hema have committed suicide at their Jayanagar residence by hanging from the ceiling fan while his wife body was laid on the bed. Major twist in Hema indudhar's deadh was, according to police, Indudhar might have killed his wife Hema first and then he has hanged himself to the ceiling fan.

Indudhar is said to have written four death note, in which he has mentioned that financial problems are not responsible for their death. But their neighbours claim that the couple used to quarrel often and they have heard their shouting many times. In one letter he mentioned that since they didnt get expected success they are committing suicede.

Basically, Indudhar was an engineer, but attracted by the colourful world he debuted in Kannada films with the movie Shruthi. He was close to kannada actor Vishnuvardhan and acted with him in major hit 'Nishkarsha'.

He also acted in several television serials like 'kunkuma bhagya, savyasaachi, mahayagna. He is popularly known for his performance in movies like Annayya, Nishkarsha, AnukoolaKobba Ganda and Shruthi. His wife Hema was a costume designer. She was desperate to become a director while her husband wanted to produce her movies.

However, Kannada film industry has been shocked by the death news of the couple. Especially, actors like Tara, Jaggesh, Girija Lokesh and Srijan Lokesh have express deep regret over their death. They say that Indudhar was very friendly and he had also got good acting talents and his death is an irreplaceable loss to Kannada films.

Sandalwood's T-20 cricket competition

Just a few days ago Tollywood's T-20 cricket competition organised by the Telugu film artists association was a big hit. Four top stars of the Telugu film industry Chiranjeevi, Balakrishna, Venkatesh and Nagarjuna headed four cricket team's which played three matches on June 13 at the Lal Bahadur stadium to mobilise funds for the Artists Association to create a fund for the ailing film artists.

Now, there will be a Sandalwood T-20 Cricket Competition named the Dr. Raj Kumar Cup which will be organised by the Kannada film Dancer's association. The matches starts on July 25 at the Kanteerava Stadium. The practice sessions have already started with Super Star Upendra practicing with his fellow artists and technicians. He will soon have to fly to Dubai and then to London to participate in the final lap of the shooting of his directorial venture Super. The practice sessions were held on Sunday and Monday in the central college grounds in Central Bangalore.

Other kannada artists who had participated in the practice schedules included Diganth, Shrujan Lokesh, Vijay, Ajith, Tarun, Tarun Sudhir, Chethan, producer Anaji Nagaraj, director Shivaprabhu and director Murali Mohan. Kannada film actor Dhruv who is a record holder for acting as a hero in a film despite being physically challenged was seen coaching all the film artists.

A cultural programme has also been organised in the evening which will be represetned by all the leading stars.

Ramya-Yogish starrer kannada film 'Loose Maada' has same story as 'Sukumaara'?

Kannada Actor Yogish always dreamt of sharing screen space with his favourite kannada star Ramya. And his dream came true when kannada director Prakash Mahu offered the film, Loose Maada opposite the actress. Yogish is a fan of Ramya’s in real life and that he would be playing a similar character in the film generated a lot of hype.

However, Prakash Mahu, who claims to have also written the story seems to have a competitor in the form of actor Karthik (brother of actress Sindhu Menon). Karthik’s debut kannada film Sukumaara was announced two years back. Half way through the shooting, the producer of Sukumaara backed out and gave the rights to Karthik.

According to Karthik, Prakash was part of the project and has been pestering him for the rights of the story. “I have the rights and I am trying my level best to complete it. Prakash has been calling me to give away the rights to the story. I do not want to because this is my film and I have suffered so much for it. Ironically, he offered me the villain’s role in the film. How can he announce a film with my story?” says Karthik.

When Karthik questioned his intentions, Prakash sent him a message which read: “Karthik wait till 14th of this month, we will come to u and take rights, without ur rights I wont do the film, ok? and ur going to do that roll (sic) also.”

When Karthik hesitated, Prakash sent another message asking him to watch movies Fanatic (English), Kurubana Rani (Kannada) and Maayavi (Tamil) which he says have similar storylines. “Then why does he need the rights to my film? It is because the script is a sure success. The worst was when he sent a SMS saying he is asking the rights for ‘humanitarian consideration’,” says Karthik.

Prakash Raj Mahu, however, says he sought only a few points from Sukumaara. “Writer K Nanjunda had worked for Sukumaara. When I approached him for my film, he said the story is similar and I can ask Karthik if he will give the rights. I offered Karthik Rs 5 lakh to take some interesting situations from his film. He demanded Rs 8 lakh and later said he wants to complete Sukumaara on his own. I am ready to pay. Otherwise, I have enough matter for my film,” Prakash said.

Mimicking mungaru male seen cost the life

Mimicking a daredevil Kannada film stunt scene shot at the famous Jog Falls has cost the lives of tourists, particularly youth, in recent days.

The hit kannada film Mungaru Male, starring Ganesh, has a scene atop the falls area shot from a British bungalow. The actor, while romancing his girl, leans by bending his body to see the falls, and subsequently attempts a stunt of climbing down with the help of branches to show his love for the girl.

When the scene was shot there was no rain and the rocky area was not slippery.

With monsoon enhancing the splendor of the falls, tourists have been flocking to it. And young tourists are trying to emulate Ganesh’s stunt. The top of the falls gets covered by moss and becomes slippery, posing a risk to life. Heavy winds add to the danger.

Since the release of the kannada film, five youths have lost their lives trying to imitate the scene. Two girls from Chitradurga — one a lecturer — and two youths from Bangalore have fallen victim.

Some failed to heed the warnings of fellow tourists and paid a heavy price, suffering grievous injuries.

The Sharavathi river flowing through the lush forests and hilly terrain provides a feast for the eyes enhancing the beauty of the falls with water falling from a height of 800 feet.

The beauty and grace of the falls should be enjoyed from the opposite direction where there are a number of attractive locations. The top portion of the area blocks the view and prevents firemen from trying to rescue those trapped in the rocky area, officials said.

Concerned with the increasing number of accidents, the authorities are taking preventive steps. But many fail to heed warnings.

Many organizations have urged the Jog management authority, that controls the area, to put up a permanent barricade to prevent visitors from entering the falls area.

Bollywood Movie Kites blacked out in Karnataka

Hrithik Roshan’s most awaited film Kites has been banned from exhibition in Karnataka by the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) for violating local industry norms.

Last week we got a funny SMS saying Kites movie banned because KFCC thinks its a remake of kannada film 'Galipata'!!! Now it actually banned.

KFCC, the Kannada cinema industry’s apex body, has directed exhibitors not to screen the movie, which is releasing today. The diktat has been issued by KFCC president Basant Kumar Patil as the distributors, Big Cinemas, had made preparations to release the movie in 46 theatres as against permission to screen in 24 specified halls.

“As per norms of the KFCC, non-Kannada movies can be released in only 21 theatres. The distributors approached us and requested us to relax the norms and grant permission to screen in 24 halls. We agreed. But now, they are releasing it in 46 theatres. Besides, they are also planning to screen it in another 10-12 theatres. Rules can’t be different for different people,’’ Patil said.

He said the distributor’s action had affected Kannada movies which are running now and those set for release on Friday — Vijay starrer Shankar IPS and Nagathihalli Chandrashekar’s Nooru Janmaku. “Due to Kites, Prakash Rai’s Naanu Nanna Kanasu has been removed from theatres and the two films set for release on Friday have no halls. Who will protect our films?’’ Patil fumed.

He said he had directed the exhibitors not to screen the film. “If they screen this film now, we will not allow them to screen any more later,’’ he warned.

State awards for 2009-10 for kannada film industry

Kannada film makers made a beeline to the Information Department on Wednesday, the last day to submit their films for the state film awards for 2009-10. In fact, out of the 50 or so films vying for the awards, about 25 entered the fray on the last day, according to Mahantesh, superintendent of the film section at the Information Department.

In the last three years, more than 100 Kannada films have been released each year. But remake films are not considered for awards. So, the actual number of films competing for the awards is less than half of those released. Tulu, Konkani and Kodava films also compete for the awards.

NOW OR NEVER

In the past, submission of films for the awards received after the cut-off date has led to controversies. Only a gazette notification by the government will enable submission after that. In the last couple of years, a strict schedule had kept the controversies away. But on Wednesday, Information Department officials were grappling with the late rush and could not provide the accurate number.

HAPPY TOUTS

‘Censor’ Shivu and Arjun, two Sandalwood regulars, were busy helping film makers who had come to submit the forms. The ‘form’ was bulky. Film makers had to submit an official letter signed by the producer or the proprietor of the production house, 15 copies of the lyrics, 15 copies of the synopsis of the film, 15 copies of the song details, censor certificate and details, a censor script (which includes the shot description as well) and proof of release along with a Demand Draft of Rs 5,770. This had many producers fumbling. Shivu and Arjun rescued them with necessary help for a fee of Rs 3,000 per application.

Inevitably, there was confusion. Both the producer and director of kannada film Eddelu Manjunatha arrived with separate copies of submissions. Finally the producer’s (Sanat Kumar) application was filed.

First DVD film in Kannada - Kami-Swami

‘Mimicry’ Dayanand has completed directing a kannada video film, Kami-Swami, a comic take on the sex scandal involving Paramahamsa Nithyananda. Master Hirannaiah and television artiste Venkatadri, Prakash and Sagar are among the cast. The DVD will hit the market in the next two days.

It will be on the lines of the audio CDs made popular by Dheerendra Gopal and other artistes a couple of decades ago. Kami-Swami will be the first direct-to-DVD film in Kannada. The film was shot in just over three days. “We worked on the script for the last four weeks. It is updated and there is a line in which the swami’s character says, ‘I had consensual sex with a woman. But there are people who have raped their friend’s wife and are roaming freely outside.’ It is not just about swami bashing. We have included every current issue possible,” says Dayanand who has also written the script.

“We are not trying to encash the issue. I could have just made this as a programme for a television channel. But we are trying to promote this as the first DVD film in Kannada,” said Dayanand.

Is kannada film Prithvi is produced by Kumaraswamy?

The anti-BJP and anti-mining angle in kannada movie Prithvi triggers rumours in Sandalwood that H D Kumaraswamy is the film’s benami producer.

Afew months ago, the audio album of Devanahalli, a film based on the land mafia around Bengaluru International Airport, had lines that hit out at the Deve Gowda clan. Interestingly, the film was ‘presented’ by BJP minister and Bellary mining lord B Sriramulu.

The film’s songs had references to a ‘maha mantri’ and his relationship with ‘Radhavva.’ It was not lost on the listener that it was a reference to HD Kumaraswamy and actress Radhika. Another song referred to Deve Gowda’s statement that he would rather not be born in Karnataka. These were seen as the mining lord’s attack on JD(S) politicians through a film.

If the buzz in Sandalwood is to be believed, former chief minister HD Kumaraswamy has hit back with another film at the Bellary mining bigwigs. Last week’s release Prithvi, which has Puneeth Rajkumar in the lead, is the first film to directly refer to the ill-effects of mining and indirectly lampoon BJP politicians. Though Ram Babu is the producer of the film, rumour mills have it that HD Kumaraswamy funded it.

What makes it sound plausible is the fact that till its release, it was not revealed that the film was about the mining in Bellary. The shooting was done in Vishakapatnam instead of Bellary to keep things under wraps.

“I have heard that Kumaraswamy wants to see the film. But I have no contact with him. There are people in Sandalwood who say that he funded the film. Why should he? He is a producer himself and could have made the film himself. I have nothing against the mining politicians. I know about them only by reading about them in newspapers and seeing them on television,” said Ram Babu.

In Prithvi, the protagonist is a district commissioner who fights the misdeeds of mining lords of Bellary. More than a masala movie, it goes on to make references to many politicians. A minister is shown giving everyone visiting him ‘ganga jala.’ People watching the film exclaim Krishnaiah Shetty, knowing well the Cabinet minister’s penchant for distributing water from the Ganges during festivals.

In another scene, the same character says that despite doing politics wearing a ‘chaddi’ (RSS shorts) for 40 years, he has to listen to outsider mining lords with money and that miners become MLAs and threaten to dislodge their own chief minister. Throughout the film, mine owners are depicted as the villains and the cause for all ills of Bellary.

“Many people have told me that if the film had been released before the BBMP elections, the BJP would have lost 25-30 seats. But, I have nothing against any political party,” says Babu.

Sources say that it made sense to hide the fact that the film was on the controversy surrounding iron ore mining and politics in Bellary. “A film allegedly based on H D Kumaraswamy and actress Radhika, Mukhyamantri I Love You, is caught in legal tangle and not released. Someone could have brought a court stay on Prithvi before its release, if its subject was known,” said a Sandalwood producer.

Babu says that he did not reveal the story as it would have meant giving up on the curiosity about the film.

Kannada film makers are testing promotion of new films online first

Until recently it was only television grab of Kannada film songs and trailers that were available on YouTube. Not anymore. Increasingly technology savvy directors are premiering promos and songs of their films on YouTube rather than on television. Online has become the new testing ground.

The two yet-to-be released kannada films, Krishnan Love Story and Naanu Nanna Kanasu directed by Shashank and Prakash Rai respectively premiered on YouTube recently. “The idea was to bombard audience from everywhere. The promos were first put up on YouTube as there are a large number of audience updating themselves there. On the very first day there were hundreds of comments. This is a very good response and the interaction of these potential audience creates the necessary buzz for the film,” Prakash Rai said.

“I wanted the feedback of the audience before going to television. There are a variety of comments, some negative also. I will get to know why people would like to see this film. Is it because of Ajay, Radhika or the director. We can stress on what is liked in future promotions elsewhere. There are five songs but on YouTube one or two of them will be viewed more. These particular songs will be promoted more on television. The comments by the audience is better than asking my friends to watch and give me feedback. They usually say it is good as they don’t want to hurt me,” says Shashank.

Ullasa Utsaha starring kannada acotr Ganesh has been delayed for a few months now. This seems to have created a big audience for it online. Songs of this film are so popular that on YouTube they have seen hits nearly 20,000 each.

Many Kannada films has no TV channels to buy them

It is not just the theatre goer who is abstaining from watching Kannada films. TV channels which were buying the satellite rights and providing an outlet are now playing hard to get.

While the satellite rights of some kannada films are cracking the roof, there are many Kannada films that no television channel is ready to purchase. The last three years have witnessed an unprecedented number of Kannada films being made and released. Three of the four times that 100 Kannada films have been released in a calender year, have been in the previous three years.

Until recently, it was a norm for television channels to pay an advance even before the film was completed. Many producers even utilised the advance money paid by channels to complete their films. But things have changed rapidly. “Some private television channels have completely stopped purchasing satellite telecast rights of films. Those who are buying are opting only for films with stars and those which have already proved to be a hit at the box office,” says Sudheendra Venkatesh.

STARS PREVAIL

While films of stars like Puneeth rajkumar, Darshan and Ganesh have been fetching Rs 1 crore and above for sometime now in the satellite telecast market, Shiva Rajkumar’s films have also started fetching Rs 1 crore and above. His film Bhagyada Balegara was reportedly purchased for Rs 1.25 crore. But it is Puneeth Rajkumar who tops the list. His films are bought for between Rs 1.5 to Rs 1.75 crore for broadcast.

LOSERS WEEPERS

“There are about 30-35 films made in 2009 that have no takers. Producers of these films are unable to convince any television channel to buy the satellite rights of these films. Also, there are films from the previous two years that have no takers. Most of these films were made by newcomers with a new cast,” Nagendra Rao.

This is a far cry from the heydays when a kannada film with all newcomers like Orata I Love You managed to rake in Rs 38 lakh as satellite rights. Mr Garagasa, which was made on a shoestring budget got Rs 55 lakh for its producer. The money was more than the budget of the film. This was because the film was a box office hit.

UNSOLD INVENTORY

Middlemen who buy satellite rights and then resell the same to television channels are sitting on a huge pile of unsold films. Mahesh Kothari, one of the leading middlemen, says that there are at least 60 films which are stuck in the market with no takers. “New television channels buy all kinds of films because they need software. We had three new channels that were buying films. Now they are looking for quality films and not quantity software. So small films have no takers today. Some of the 60 films that are stuck are not even complete because they were started with the hope of making money through satellite rights for their completion,” Kothari says.

With the only assured returns for a film drying up, many newcomers have packed their bags and are leaving Sandalwood. After three consecutive years of 100 plus releases, the numbers are expected to come down to the earlier levels of 60-70 films in 2010.

Veteran kannada actress Dr B Saroja Devi and others honoured

'I want to see Kannada cinema Artists Association coming up soon and sit in one of the rooms before my life comes to an end' – Said veteran actress Dr.B.Saroja Devi addressing the mammoth attendance of the Film fraternity when she was felicitated after receiving the honor she received from government of India that is Life Time Achievement award given on the occasion of diamond jubilee of Indian Independence celebration.
The actress urged all the 28 divisions of the Kannada cinema industry to be always united and not to go to media with their problems.

Dr Devi honored her two close friend's actress Kanchana and Krishnakumari on this occasion and spent some memorable moments of yesteryears with actress Kanchana on the dais.

The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has made immaculate arrangements to honor the 15 achievers that coincided with the diamond jubilee year of Kannada cinema.

Dr.B.Saroja Devi, Dr.K.S.Ashwath, Dr.Srinath, Girish Kasaravalli, Umasri and Basanthkumar Patil for international recognition to 'Gulabi Talkies', Madhu Bangarappa for receiving the national integration Nargis Dut award for 'Kallarali Hoovagi'.

Best children film 'Care of Footpath' award recipient director Master Kishen and producer Srikanth, best social relevant film 'Kada Beladingalu' one of the producers Ramachandra, director Lingadevaru, best regional cinema 'Koti Chennaiah' director Anand P Raju and producer Dhanraj were honored with a shawl, silver plate, jasmine garland and fruit basket.

T.S.Nagabharana was not present to receive the honor was he was away in United State of America. The attendance at this gala function of KFCC was big. Smt.Parvathamma Rajakumar, KCN Chandrasekhar, Protima Devi, Sumithra, Bharathi Vishnuvardhana, Shruthi, Mahender, Hema Chaudhary, Girija Lokesh, CVL Shastry, former ministers Rani Satish and Leeladevi R Prasad, information department bureaucrats KVR Tagore and Vishukumar, Hamsalekha, Srinivasamurthy, Shivaraj, Jai Jagdeesh, Ramkumar, KCN Mohan, Padma Vasanthi, KFCC members and office bearers were present at the memorable felicitation ceremony.

Nimma kannada filmnalli punch line ideye?

PUC... Please You See;
Mad Love... It Never Ends;
Baazi... Guts Idre Bets;
Shivamani... Dandam Dashagunam;
Neenyaare... The Part of Breath;
Bindaas... No BP, Be Happy.

Sounds interesting? You’ll find these tag lines on kannada film posters all across Gandhinagar — the hub of action in Sandalwood.

So how did the trend start? “When I made Samrat, starring Vishnuvardhan, I had added a line, ‘It’s not just a film, it’s an experience,’ below the title of the kannada film. It clicked with my audience,” director Naganna informs us. “And the craze caught on,” he adds.

Even kannada actor Upendra didn’t expect the punch line of his superhit directorial (he also acted in it), A — Buddivantarige Maatra (for intellectuals only) — to attain cult status. “I had just started out in the industry; so the film didn’t boast of big names. The only way to attract the audience was by giving the film an unusual title,” explains Uppi. So he named it A to arouse curiosity. “But I was also worried that fans may mistake it for an adult film!” So, Uppi added the punch line, Buddivantarige Maatra, “so it also prepared them for the unique reverse screenplay I had adopted in the film,” he explains.

Industry watcher Vijayasarathy says tag lines play an important role in communicating the feel of the film. “Since most Kannada film buffs — the masses — do not access the Internet or read newspapers, they rely on posters to find out more about a film,” he adds. And it also promotes a film, says actor and filmmaker, Ravichandran.

Kannada Director Yograj Bhat agrees that the catchline of his blockbuster venture Mungaru Male — Hani Haniyalli Prem Kahani — had a huge impact. “It continues to be a talking point even a year after its release,” he says. “In fact, it was originally meant to be the title of the film.”
Says Ravichandran, “When I added the line ‘One and Only’ to the title of my film Ekaangi, my fans loved it.” “I have been coining punch lines for all my films,” says director Prakash. “I gave the caption, Colours of Love, for my film Milana, since the film was about the various stages of love. In my upcoming flick Vamshi, I’ve given the tag line Destiny’s Child. It conveys the crux of the story,” he says.

The recent hit Moggina Manassu has the tag line Pisu Pisu, Gusu Gusu. It also comes with a disclaimer, ‘A special film for girls,’ and ‘Viewing this film may be injurious to boys’ hearts.’ These lines were penned by its director, Shashank. “In south Indian films, it’s usually the directors who come up with punch lines. It’s only in B-town that they have a special team for such marketing stunts. If you have captions in English, adondu levelle bere,” he says.

SandleWoodBuzz FAVOURITES

Duniya… Yaar gori melu yaak satru antra bareyalla

Nanda Loves Nandita... Paatakalokadallondu mohabbat

Teru... Horatre jaatre, nintre charitre

Preethi Yeke Bhoomi Melide... A new philosophy

Kutumba... A violent family story

Jogi... A feel that never ends

Heegu Unte... Garments duniya sutha

Kashi... From village

Hubli... When God is silent, he’s violent

Rajeev... Nobody has invented a condom for their gun

Boss... Always mass

Maadesha... Blood for blood

Sandalwood in Hollywood

The Kannada film frat is currently in the US to attend the annual AKKA celebrations. We spoke to Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar and he told us they were having a good time, in firang land. BTW, there’s also Tara, hubby Venu, Uppi and wifey Priyanka and Guru Kiran who’re keeping the Kannada flag flying high in Hollywood.