The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : The new ‘M’ factor in Kannada cinema

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 25, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

The new ‘M’ factor in Kannada cinema

K.N. Venkatasubba Rao

Three films starting with ‘M’ set for release in July
They’ve gained a curious importance in cinema circles

BANGALORE: Gandhinagar, the Mecca of Kannada cinema, is riding high on the success of the latest Kannada hit “Mungaru Male”. Apparently inspired by the film’s title — its first letter to be precise — three more films are now slated for release in July, all with titles beginning with “M”. But whether the strategy will steer the filmmakers to similar success remains to be seen. It could eventually be a sheer stroke of luck.

The release of T.N. Sitaram’s “Meera Madhava Raghava”, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhara’s “Mathad Mathad Mallige”, and Jaggesh’s “Manmatha” has gained a curious importance in Kannada cinema circles, hitherto known for its conveniently orthodox, radical and even rabid outlook in terms of pure business. After all, the runaway success of “Mungaru Male” had set a new trend in Kannada cinema.

Mr. Sitaram has been a proclaimed radical ever since he first played the role of a young socialist unleashing his fury against the establishment in the late P. Lankesh’s film “Pallavi.” Although his film “Mathadana” based on S.L. Byrappa’s novel drew flak, his television serials “Maaya Mriga”, “Manvantara” and “Mukta” not only brought revolutionary changes in the outlook of a section of television serial viewers but also a perspective change in Mr. Sitaram. He may not completely attribute his success to the “M” factor as an ace director of television serials. But does he have a definite answer as to why he chose a commercial title for his film that does not go with his elitist public image?

On the other hand, despite his over two decades-old literary and tinsel career, Nagathihalli Chandrashekhara has not made it clear whether or not he believes in what Gandhinagar believes. Being a workaholic, it is said, he too has many successful films, including “America America” and “Amritha Dhaare”, and popular television serials to his credit. Although his choice for the title, which begins with “M”, was reportedly at the behest of his producer, he has obviously chosen the title “Mathad Mathad Mallige” from a popular folk song.

“Manmatha”, directed by a newcomer Rajesh Fernandes, has generated a lot of expectation among Kannada film buffs after Jaggesh’s superb performance in Guruprasad’s “Matha.” In “Manmatha”, Jaggesh plays the role of an ugly young man shunning his populist image. The “M” factor here is said to be the result of both belief and an inevitable irony.

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