Das CH
Das CH
In recent times, the Sandalwood film industry has found itself entangled in a web of controversies, primarily centered around the alleged overshadowing of Kannada films by those from other languages, cleverly packaged as Pan India Projects. Directors like Prashanth Neel and actresses Rashmika Mandanna and Aashika Ranganath, all products of the Kannada film industry, have experienced soaring success in other regional cinemas. However, their triumphs have given rise to debates about whether the Kannada film industry is receiving its due recognition, especially when these stars gain prominence outside Karnataka.
One significant incident that fueled this debate was the fate of the Kannada Pan India Project “Ghost,” featuring Shiva Rajkumar. During Dussehra 2023, the film encountered hurdles that led to the postponement of its Telugu version. This incident sparked discussions about the allocation of screens, with emphasis placed on ensuring that Kannada films receive equitable representation alongside releases in other languages. Movies like “Leo,” “Tiger Nageswara Rao,” and “Bhagavanth Kesari” were part of the dialogue, highlighting the need for a fair distribution of screens for Kannada cinema.
As the industry grapples with these challenges, a prominent figure in Sandalwood, Darshan, has stepped forward to voice his stance on the matter. With his upcoming film “Kateera” slated for release on December 29th, 2023, Darshan conveyed a strong message asserting the significance of Kannada cinema. He emphasized, “This is our Kannada cinema, and this is my own land. Why should we be scared of other films releasing in clash? Instead, they’re the ones who should be scared.” This bold statement from a Kannada star indicates a collective sentiment within the industry, asserting the need for recognition and fair competition on home turf, despite the looming presence of big-ticket releases from other languages, such as “Salaar” and “Dunki.”
