Transforming books into movies can provide new viewpoints to Kannada film industry: Gurudatha Ganiga
Adapting literary works into films is a tried-and-true approach that filmmaker Gurudatha Ganiga believes the Kannada film industry should revisit, especially today, amidst the dearth of meaningful cin...
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Adapting literary works into films is a proven strategy that filmmaker Gurudatha Ganiga suggests the Kannada film industry should reconsider, particularly given the current lack of significant cinema. Ganiga, who is working on bringing Purnachandra Tejaswi's "Jugari Cross" to the screen, believes that this method is crucial in sustaining Kannada cinema. He points to the '70s and '80s era where Kannada films were deeply rooted in the local ethos. During this time, filmmakers such as Puttanna Kanagal successfully adapted novels, leading to widespread popular appeal. This period marked a golden age for Kannada cinema, with a strong emphasis on preserving cultural heritage.

Ganiga argues that Kannada cinema has veered away from its distinctive narratives in an attempt to follow broader national trends, resulting in a loss of unique identity. He suggests that by refocusing on stories that reflect the region's rich cultural fabric, Kannada cinema can establish a stronger connection with audiences. Drawing a comparison with the success of Malayalam cinema, which stays true to its local stories, Ganiga advocates for a return to storytelling that celebrates Karnataka's literary and cultural legacy.

He emphasizes that adapting novels not only enriches the cinematic landscape with deeper, more authentic narratives but also serves as a means of preserving Kannada literature and culture. By committing to more on-screen adaptations of Kannada novels, Ganiga envisions a revitalized Kannada cinema that remains faithful to its origins while progressing with the times.Gurudatha Ganiga's connection to his literary roots traces back to his school days, when he was deeply impacted by Purnachandra Tejaswi's novel "Jugari Cross." The book became a favorite of his in Kannada literature and greatly influenced his creative vision. This influence carried over into Gurudatha's filmmaking endeavors. Despite being set in the fictional town of Malnad, "Jugari Cross" beautifully captures its essence in a subtle manner. Many filmmakers have expressed interest in obtaining the rights to adapt this novel, recognizing its potential. Gurudatha feels grateful to have received permission from Tejaswi's daughters to fulfill his filmmaking dreams.