Director Hemanth M Rao reflects on the challenges facing the Kannada film industry, which has not seen a blockbuster in two years despite the success in 2022. The lack of audience engagement and support for Kannada films in multiplexes and OTT platforms is a concern. Hemanth emphasizes the need for united leadership within the industry to address these issues. In an interview with Bangalore Times, he discusses the industry's leadership crisis, his commitment to making Kannada films, and the importance of a collaborative industry voice. He questions the expectation for heroes to carry the burden of producing more films and advocates for a collective effort to drive positive change in Kannada cinema."We do not have our own OTT platform. The government and industry representatives should collaborate and take a unified stand on this matter," said Hemanth regarding the lack of support from producers. He mentioned that producers see filmmaking as akin to gambling since it is not their main source of income, leading to a lack of interest in industry regulation.
Hemanth also pointed out that TV channels offer inadequate payment for Kannada films, often as low as a fraction of the production budget. He emphasized the need for leadership to address issues like piracy, citing the quick availability of films on platforms like Telegram soon after release.
Discussing the blurred lines between commercial and art cinema, Hemanth highlighted that any film making a profit should be considered commercial. He expressed frustration at the misconception that commercial success means grossing hundreds of crores, emphasizing the importance of sustainable business practices in the film industry. He stressed the need to focus on creating quality cinema to attract a wider audience, rather than aiming solely for blockbuster hits.Movies that resonate with us are the ones we aim to create. This was the inspiration behind our venture into film production. Reflecting on our recent work, such as Aachar and Co from last year, it has contributed significantly to this artistic journey," he reflects. Describing the filmmaking process, Hemanth compares it to taking a blind leap into a pool. He notes, "Filmmaking is akin to diving into unknown depths and navigating through an infinite whirlpool. Delving into a film project means immersing yourself in an unfamiliar world, striving to comprehend it and ultimately convey it authentically to the viewers. I prefer crafting narratives where I establish a profound connection with the characters, expecting the audience to also form a bond with them. Prior to conceptualizing characters, I engage in extensive travel, meeting real individuals to draw inspiration for characters from real-life experiences. It's a thrilling journey that allows me to explore fascinating locations, akin to a child in a wondrous environment."
Regarding his deliberate use of colors in his filmmaking, Hemanth shares, "Color holds significance in everyone's life, embodying cultural and subconscious meanings. This is why I enjoy experimenting with color schemes in my work. However, relying solely on vibrant colors in a film may alienate viewers who seek a compelling narrative. Therefore, sound and color should serve as complementary elements to maintain audience engagement and prevent distractions. Leveraging all available tools is essential to captivate viewers' attention throughout the cinematic experience."
