After the success of his 2022 nationwide hits, Director Hemanth M Rao has noticed a concerning trend in the Kannada film industry. For the past two years, there has been a lack of blockbusters, with audiences showing little interest in watching Kannada films in theaters. This has led to Kannada cinema being sidelined in multiplexes in Bengaluru, and OTT platforms reluctant to acquire Kannada films. Hemanth believes that the industry needs a unified and strong voice to address these challenges. In an interview with Bangalore Times, the director discusses the leadership issues within the industry, his filmmaking approach, and the struggle to capture audiences' attention. Hemanth, a native of south Bengaluru, is committed to making Kannada films and has no intention of venturing into other industries. He emphasizes the importance of collective action in representing the industry and suggests that the focus should shift from expecting big stars to make more films to fostering a sense of community. Reflecting on the progress in Telugu and Tamil cinema, where younger talents are making an impact, Hemanth stresses the need for a similar shift in the Kannada industry. He believes that united efforts are necessary to address challenges such as the lack of OTT support for Kannada films.We do not have our own OTT platform. It is necessary for the government and industry representatives to collaborate and take a unified stand on this matter.

Regarding the lack of sufficient support from producers, Hemanth explains that for many producers, filmmaking is akin to gambling as it is not their main source of income. This lack of interest leads to a disinterest in regulating the industry.

Hemanth also points out the issue of inadequate payment for Kannada films by TV channels. Despite being made on a budget of Rs 1.5 crore, TV channels offer as little as Rs 10-20 lakh. This lack of leadership results in a fragmented voice within the industry.

There are misconceptions surrounding the definition of a commercial hit, with Hemanth emphasizing the blurring lines between commercial and art cinema. He stresses that any film that sells tickets and makes profits should be considered commercial. His films have all been financially successful, debunking the belief that commercial success equates to making hundreds of crores. Hemanth advocates for making quality cinema to attract more viewers, rather than aiming for unattainable financial goals. He believes in playing a sustainable long game in the industry.Films that resonate with us inspire our filmmaking journey. According to Hemanth, the process of creating a movie is akin to diving headfirst into the unknown. He views filmmaking as an immersive experience where one delves deep into the subject matter, striving to capture it authentically for the audience. Hemanth emphasizes his strong connection to characters, seeking inspiration from real-life encounters to shape his on-screen personas. This personal approach adds a touch of adventure to his creative process, allowing him to explore diverse settings and emotions with enthusiasm. Furthermore, Hemanth explains his deliberate use of colors in his films, noting their cultural and subconscious significance. He believes that colors can enhance storytelling but must complement a compelling narrative to engage viewers. By utilizing various elements such as sound and color, filmmakers can captivate audiences and maintain their focus throughout the film.