Music composer-director Ravi Basrur was raised in a town where Yakshagana was the primary source of entertainment. As he transitioned through various media forms like radio, TV, and eventually films, he noticed how Yakshagana artists were often underutilized in mainstream media. This realization prompted him to embark on the unique project, Veera Chandrahasa, about a decade ago. This upcoming directorial endeavor aims to introduce the traditional folk dance form of Yakshagana, popular in Coastal Karnataka districts, to a wider audience. The movie is entirely shot in the Yakshagana format, combining historical storytelling with captivating performances.
Ravi Basrur's meticulous planning involved extensive research and collaboration with Yakshagana experts to ensure authenticity. The film's narrative centers around the transformational journey of Veera Chandrahasa, inspired by the zero-to-hero archetype present in Yakshagana tales. During production, special care was taken to maintain the artists' energy levels, as Yakshagana performances demand continuous expression of emotion without retakes. Ravi's primary goal is to preserve and share his cultural heritage through innovative storytelling, rather than focusing on commercial success.
Ravi's previous work, Girmit, showcased his willingness to experiment by featuring child actors in a commercial film. Despite the challenges, Ravi remains committed to promoting and celebrating his culture through his cinematic endeavors.The late Puneeth Rajkumar, along with Yash and Radhika Pandit, are embarking on a new project with Veera Chandrahasa. Puneeth shared that he had dreamed of this film 12 years ago, but due to budget constraints, it couldn't take off then. Now, having earned money from his previous films, he has decided to invest in projects close to his heart. With a successful career as a music director, Puneeth wants to use his directorial ventures to share the rich culture of Karnataka with a wider audience. He emphasizes the importance of Yakshagana, an art form passed down through generations with rare vocabulary, and aims to showcase its grandeur to more people. Puneeth aspires to create films without succumbing to the pressures of commercial success, focusing on connecting with audiences and staying true to his vision.
The entire film was shot with the help of a 'panju' instead of cinematic lighting, resulting in vibrant colors in the trailer. The introduction scene features around 500 artists, showcasing their incredible patience and dedication. The artistes would gather at noon for rehearsals, followed by costume preparations, taking around two hours to get ready for filming. To streamline the process, each Yakshagana performer had a dedicated makeup artist, ensuring continuity in their appearance. Shooting would commence at 7 pm and wrap up by 6 am, capturing the essence of the art form in a unique and visually striking manner.
