Udupi: Trend-setter Kannada movie to feature differently-abled in lead role

Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Mar 10: With a view to bring the differently-abled to mainstream media and inspire them, a differently-abled man will, for the first time, play the lead role in a Kannada movie.

Addressing a press meet here on Saturday March 9, president of Federation of Physically Handicapped Associations Wilfred Gomes said that the movie will be produced by the association.

The movie, to be made with a budget of Rs 40 lac, will be shot in the serene locations of the coastal region, Kodagu and Chikmagalur districts. The shooting is slated to begin in the second week of April.

He further said that the Federation has a fund of Rs 40 lac to bring out the movie, and an appeal will be sent to the government to release the same.

The movie, titled 'Mooka Manasu' will feature differently-abled Jagadish Bhat from Udupi in the lead role.

Gomes said that television and cinema have so far alienated the differently-abled. "The movie is aimed at changing this trend and bring forth the hidden talents of the differently-abled to the mainstream. The film will focus on the struggles of a differently-abled man, his feelings, emotions, the discrimination faced in society, and how he copes with them all.

Apart from the lead actor, three other differently-abled persons have been cast in the movie, Gomes said.

Sadananda Udupi is the director of the movie, and has also written the story. The music has been composed by Vikram.

Krishnamurthy Acharya, Vishu Shetty Ambalpady, Sadananda Udupi and Jagadish Bhat were present.