The other Karnad

Girish Karnad needs no introduction. An actor, director, playwright... Karnad has enriched everY field he has worked in. But have you heard of Kari Karnad? This man is a director whose cinematic expression found instant rapport with the audience. He is a shishya (once removed) of Hamsalekha! Still didn’t get who this Karnad is? It is none other than Yogaraj Bhat, whose Mungaaru Male reiterated the belief that a strong script is essential for a film’s success. Hamsalekha fondly called Bhat as Kari Karnad, making the comparison in an affectionate manner. But to claim that title, Bhat needs to fulfill at least two requirements. One, he should pen plays. Two, he should act in films!

Revenge without bloodshed

This film’s title inspires visions of gang wars and mindless violence. However, Machcha, as its director Dhananjay Kundapur alias Dattu says is nothing but the ‘nick name’ of Maheshchandra. The film is a story of a youth taking revenge against his enemies but without bloodshed. Hard to believe? But the script took eight months to complete and the director had to wait for a producer for three long years! The film has Bangalore boy Jeevan and Sarika Jain in the lead. Sarika can however claim seniority as this is her third film! She has acted in Chellata and Kadala Mage as well. In a pleasant departure from Gandhinagar tradition, the producers pegged the budget at Rs 2.6 crore! Hope these software engineer gets a good account of the money. The film will have six songs sung by Sonu Nigam, Sunidhi Chouhan, Hariharan, KK, Rajesh Krishnan and Nandita. These songs will be shot across Karnataka, the director informed. Apart from this, the film will have 87 characters in all. Among them will be Rebel Star Ambarish, who is related to the hero while a Bollywood heroine will be putting in a special appearance. For more details, watch this space.

Car seva

Actress Nandita Das who is busy directing a film will in all probability be acting in a Kannada film again. The talent powerhouse who made her debut here in Kavitha Lankesh’s Deveeri will probably star in Tabbali, says director Loki. The film also marks the debut of Akashjit, son of villain Satyajit who has now graduated to comedy and support roles. The storyline is interesting, at least for Kannada buffs.

A gang of thieves who specialise in stealing cars get more than what they had bargained when they find an infant in the car they steal. The good-at-heart guys resolve to reunite the baby with its parents. Meanwhile, they need someone to look after the baby and Nandita Das in all probability will be the caretaker. Meghana Bhagavathar who was last seen in Right Aadre is the heroine. Krishnakumar is the cameraman.