
Director Hemanth M. Rao believes that the Kannada film industry is facing a crisis, with a lack of blockbusters in recent years and a decline in audience attendance at theatres. He emphasizes the need for a united front to address these challenges and advocate for the industry. In an interview with Bangalore Times, he discusses the leadership vacuum in the industry, his commitment to Kannada cinema, and the struggle to capture audiences' attention. Rao calls for a more collaborative and inclusive approach to address the industry's issues, citing the success of Telugu and Tamil cinema as examples to follow. He highlights the importance of nurturing new talent and working collectively to overcome the current obstacles, including the lack of support for Kannada films on OTT platforms.We do not have our own OTT platform. It is important for the government and industry representatives to work together and address this issue. Regarding the lack of support from producers, Hemanth explains that many see filmmaking as a gamble, as it is not their main source of income, leading to a lack of interest in industry regulations. He also highlights the issue of TV channels not offering fair payments for Kannada films. According to him, the distinction between commercial and art films is becoming blurred, emphasizing that any film that sells tickets and turns a profit is a commercial success. He believes there are misconceptions around the idea of what constitutes a commercial hit and stresses the importance of making financially viable films without unrealistic expectations of massive box office returns.Films that resonate with us are what led us to embark on our filmmaking journey. Reflecting on our recent project, Aachar and Co, we see how it contributed to this movement," he explains. Hemanth compares making a movie to diving into a pool without knowing its depth. It's like navigating an unknown world and striving to convey it authentically to the audience. He values forging a strong bond with the characters he creates to ensure the audience connects with them too. Hemanth enjoys immersing himself in the process, drawing inspiration from real individuals and places. For him, filmmaking is a captivating adventure, akin to a child exploring a candy store.
Hemanth elaborates on his deliberate use of colors in his films to evoke certain emotions and cultural associations. He emphasizes that while colors can add depth to a story, they should not overshadow the narrative itself. They should serve as a supplementary element to engage viewers and prevent distractions, ensuring the audience's full attention is on the film.