Kannada Film Industry needs more novel-based films to return to golden age: S.V. Rajendrasingh Babu

Bengaluru: Film director S.V. Rajendrasingh Babu expressed his opinion that for the Kannada film industry to return to its golden age, more films based on novels are essential, as such adaptations have historically proven successful.

He was speaking at a ceremony held in Bengaluru on Saturday, organized by 'Prajavani' in collaboration with Veeraloka Prakashana, where prizes were distributed to the winners of the 'Ugadi Drama Writing Competition'.

Rajendrasingh Babu remarked that the Kannada film industry is in need of good stories. He noted that the stories provided by 'Prajavani' are unparalleled. "Many films like 'Gejje Pooje', 'Edakallu Guddada Mele', 'Antha', and 'Hombisilu' were based on stories published in 'Prajavani' and 'Sudha' magazines. While technology has advanced significantly now, the film industry is facing a shortage of quality stories," he expressed with concern.

He reminisced, "There was a time when the Kannada film industry was rich. The Indian film industry would await to acquire the copyrights of its screenplays. When 'Antha' was released, 17 producers were waiting for its copyright. That film was based on a story published in 'Sudha' weekly."

"The Kannada film industry is surviving in the ICU. The story is the soul of a film. 85% of novel-based films have been successful. Therefore, the Kannada film industry must return to the world of novels," he asserted.

Actress Jayamala praised the initiative, stating, "Parvathamma Rajkumar used to read novels and adapt them into films. Novels have also contributed to the success of Rajkumar's films. 'Prajavani' newspaper is the voice of the people and an ambassador for the cultural world."