BHAGWAN MAHAVIR ROAD: Representatives of Kannada cinema discussed a host of problems on Tuesday. They were participating in an event organised at Vartha Bhavan as part of the Bengaluru International Film Festival.
Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy President S V Rajendra Singh Babu and filmmakers N R Najunde Gowda, Ramdas Naidu and Suresh Heblikar participated in the discussion.
The state government and the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce came in for criticism for not leading from the front on the promotion of Kannada cinema.
On the poor visibility of Kannada films in the state, Babu accused exhibitors of misusing the entertainment tax benefit offered by the government. "The tax-free facility, which we thought was a boon, has become a curse for the Kannada industry. Our tax authorities are showing ignorance and this way, exhibitors are claiming 100 per cent tax benefit for other language movies as well," he said. He added that complaints from the industry have fallen on deaf ears.
The exorbitant rents demanded by exhibitors was another issue. "They are killing the Kannada film industry by charging heavy rents. Other states follow a rent-sharing pattern.... I was shocked to hear from a few directors that theatre owners are asking for a full settlement before releasing the film," Babu said. He added that the Film Chamber of Commerce has been a mute spectator to such unreasonable demands.
Nanjunde Gowda said technological advances have sidelined the importance of good storylines.
"Today, filmmakers are giving so much importance to the making that they don't have a grip on the story. Filmmakers should focus on human relationships," he said.
There should be a strategy to reach all sections of the society, he added.
Meanwhile, film critic Subrahmanya claimed that multiplexes, with their high ticket rates, have closed their door to the common man. “Though a few months ago, Information Minister Roshan Baig had taken up the matter and promised to regulate the entry fee in multiplexes, nothing has been done,” he said. A majority of those present supported a reduction in multiplex ticket rates on the lines of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh — around `120 per ticket.
Rajendra Singh Babu said after BIFFEs, he would prepare a proposal with new film policies and send it to the government. “My first proposal will be for 330 Janata Talkies to be set up all over Karnataka. Other issues will also be taken up.” he said.