S Shyam Prasad
Kannada cinema, also known as Sandalwood, is witnessing a refreshing trend. In recent weeks, several content-rich films by debutant directors have been generating significant buzz, proving that audiences crave good stories regardless of star power or hefty budgets.
These films, including “Shakhahaari,” “Kerebete,” “Blink,” and “Somu Sound Engineer,” have garnered attention solely on the strength of their narratives. Despite a lack of big stars or extensive promotions, positive word-of-mouth and social media enthusiasm have propelled them forward.
“Shakhahaari,” directed by Sandeep Sunkad, set the tone. While the initial box office response was lukewarm, the film quickly garnered glowing reviews. A sustained online campaign by audiences and social media influencers followed, resulting in a successful 25-day theatrical run and even an overseas release.
This pattern repeated itself with “Blink,” a sci-fi thriller by Srinidhi Bengaluru. Despite a modest opening, exceptional reviews and a thriving word-of-mouth campaign led to a significant increase in screenings across Bengaluru and Karnataka. From a mere eight shows on opening day, the film climbed to 35 shows in its second week and a commendable 82 shows by week three.
Following suit, “Kerebete,” an action drama by debutant director Rajguru starring Gowrishankar, experienced a similar trajectory. The film witnessed packed houses in its second weekend after a slow opening. “This is becoming the norm for good films without established stars,” said Gowrishankar. “Audiences are coming to theaters based on positive reviews and word-of-mouth, not just opening weekend hype. It’s also encouraging to see fellow Sandalwood celebrities supporting our films. This combined effort is attracting audiences, proving once again that good content is king.”
This shift in audience behavior is a positive sign for Kannada cinema, demonstrating a willingness to embrace strong narratives irrespective of star presence or budget.
