Music composer-director Ravi Basrur was exposed to Yakshagana as his primary source of entertainment while growing up in his hometown. As time passed and he transitioned to modern forms of media like radio, TV, and eventually films, he observed that Yakshagana artistes were often relegated to supporting roles or used as mere props. This prompted him to contemplate how those outside the coastal region could appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Yakshagana. This led to the inception of Veera Chandrahasa about a decade ago, a unique project by Ravi Basrur aiming to bring Yakshagana, a folk dance form from Coastal Karnataka, into the mainstream media. The movie, shot entirely in the Yakshagana style, combines historical narratives with captivating Yakshagana performances, as explained by Ravi.
In his quest to showcase the inspiring tale of Veera Chandrahasa, Ravi delved into extensive research and consulted Yakshagana veterans to understand the various versions of the story. Utilizing five cameras and providing ample space for the artistes to perform, they conducted a thorough trial shoot to capture the essence of the play. As Yakshagana performances do not allow for retakes and require a continuous flow of energy, Ravi ensured that the artistes remained vibrant throughout the filming process.
Ravi's fearless approach to filmmaking is evident in his willingness to experiment, as seen in his previous project "Girmit," a commercial film featuring child actors and renowned voice artists. He expressed his desire to share his cultural roots with audiences, prioritizing cultural preservation over concerns of success or failure in the film industry.The late Puneeth Rajkumar, along with Yash and Radhika Pandit, is embarking on a new venture alongside Veera Chandrahasa. Reflecting on a dream he had 12 years ago for this film, he explains that due to budget limitations, it couldn't be realized until now. Having earned money from previous films, he decided to invest in this project. He expresses his desire to use his directorial work to connect with audiences and highlight the rich culture of Karnataka, particularly the traditional art form of Yakshagana. His goal is to create films without the pressure of commercial success, emphasizing the importance of following one's passion and creativity. The film features a large ensemble cast of 500 artistes, who demonstrated incredible patience during the filming process. The team worked diligently from noon until the early morning hours using oil torches for lighting, resulting in vibrant colors in the trailer.
