Kannada cinema was applauded across the globe in 2022 with films like KGF: Chapter 2, 777 Charlie and Kantara creating waves not only in India but overseas as well. With the inclusion of the Kannada film industry on the global map, it is imperative to point out a shift in the dynamics of the film industry. If you have been following the industry, you would notice that earlier Kannada films would focus on stories from Dakshin Kannada (South Karnataka) while Uttara Kannada (North Karnataka) dialect was used for comic relief. There were rarely any films that narrated a story with characters from North Karnataka as protagonists.
However, that trend seems to be changing now. Filmmakers are now narrating stories from North Karnataka, with the dialect being spoken by more characters in films. Two of the six Kannada films released in the last week have had North Karnataka settings. The first of them was Karataka Dhamanaka which was marketed as having a North Karnataka flavour during its promotions. Starring Shiva Rajkumar and Prabhu Deva, the film tells the story of two con men.
Sentenced to imprisonment for theft and fraud, they unexpectedly earn a reputation for resourcefulness and ingenuity while behind bars. Impressed by their transformation, the jailer decides to grant them parole, sending them to his hometown of Nandikoluru, a fictional town located in northern Karnataka. The plot is creative and unpredictable and peaks with well-timed comedy, delivered with a North Karnataka flavour.
The second film is Somu Sound Engineer which was released today on March 15. Set in North Karnataka, Somu Sound Engineer delves into the dynamics of the father-son relationship, while also imparting valuable lessons about the significance of cherishing moments with family. Director Abhi Basavraj seamlessly incorporates the rural backdrop into the theatrical experience, providing audiences with an authentic portrayal of life in a typical North Karnataka rural setting.
With this thematic shift becoming evident, we can expect to see more films set in North Karnataka in the future.
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