Director Hemanth M Rao asserts that the Kannada film industry has struggled to produce blockbusters in the past two years following the success of his 2022 film. He highlights the challenge of attracting audiences to theatres and the lack of support for Kannada films in Bengaluru multiplexes and OTT platforms. Rao emphasizes the need for unified industry leadership to address these issues and propel the industry forward. In an interview with Bangalore Times, the director reflects on the industry's leadership crisis, his commitment to making Kannada films, and his efforts to engage audiences. He questions the industry's reliance on big stars to drive film production, stressing the importance of a collective industry voice for progress. Rao advocates for a shift towards supporting emerging talents and fostering a collaborative industry approach for long-term success."We do not have our own OTT platform. Hemanth suggests that the government, along with industry representatives, should work together to address this issue. Regarding the lack of support from producers, Hemanth explains that for many, filmmaking is seen as a gamble rather than a primary source of income, leading to a lack of interest in regulating the industry. He also highlights the issue of television channels offering low payments for Kannada films, with a discrepancy between production costs and what is being offered. He emphasizes the need for unified leadership to tackle challenges such as piracy. Hemanth also addresses misconceptions around defining commercial success in cinema, emphasizing that any film that turns a profit should be considered commercial. He stresses the importance of making films that are financially viable without aiming for unrealistic box office numbers, advocating for sustainable business strategies in the industry."Films that resonate with us are the foundation of our film production journey. Last year's release of Aachar and Co contributed to this movement, adding a unique perspective. For filmmaker Hemanth, creating a movie is akin to diving blindly into a pool. He describes the filmmaking process as immersing oneself into an endless whirlpool, full of unknown depths. Hemanth's approach involves delving deep into the world of the characters he creates, striving for audience connection. He draws inspiration by interacting with real people, weaving their essence into his narratives. This artistic voyage allows him to explore new horizons, much like a child in a world of endless possibilities. Hemanth enjoys infusing his stories with vibrant colors, believing that color carries cultural and subconscious significance. However, he acknowledges that a film cannot solely rely on visuals; a compelling narrative is essential to engage the audience. According to Hemanth, sound and color serve as supplementary elements to captivate viewers and maintain their focus throughout the cinematic experience.