Adapting literary works into films is a strategy that filmmaker Gurudatha Ganiga believes the Kannada film industry should revisit urgently in the current scenario of lacking profound cinema. The filmmaker, who is gearing up to bring Purnachandra Tejaswi’s novel "Jugari Cross" to the screen, emphasizes the essential role that this approach plays in sustaining Kannada cinema's legacy. Looking back at the glory days of the ’70s and ’80s, Gurudatha highlights how filmmakers like Puttanna Kanagal successfully adapted novels that resonated with audiences, grounding the industry in Kannada ethos. He asserts that Kannada cinema must rediscover its unique narratives to maintain its cultural identity rather than following broader national trends blindly. By embracing novel-based adaptations, Gurudatha envisions a rejuvenated Kannada cinema that remains loyal to its origins while progressing with the times. He aims to contribute towards this vision by committing to adapt more Kannada novels for the screen, seeing it as a way to keep Kannada literature and culture vibrant in the industry's future.Gurudatha Ganiga attributes his deep connection to literature to his school years. He reminisces about the impact Purnachandra Tejaswi's novel, Jugari Cross, had on him when he first encountered it in class 9. The book became one of his favorites in Kannada literature, significantly shaping his creative perspective. Gurudatha carried this passion with him into his filmmaking endeavors, drawn to the novel's portrayal of the beauty of a fictional town in Malnad. He expresses gratitude for the opportunity to obtain the rights from Tejaswi's daughters to bring his filmmaking vision based on the novel to life.