From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Mar 10: A proposal for the comprehensive development of the State-owned Sri Kanteerava Film Studios in Bengaluru is awaiting the approval of the State Government.

The proposal has been submitted to the State Government and hopefully the funds will be allocated in the forthcoming annual budget for the year 2015-16, Ms Vijayalakshmi Urs, Chairperson of the Sri Kanteerava Studios Ltd announced in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Speaking at a discussion on the development of the Sri Kanteerava Studios, she said the entire objective was to ensure that the film makers of Karnataka took up film production in the State. ``We want to create the necessary infrastructure facilities and thereby encourage the film-makers to concentrate only on Karnataka,’’ she said.

Pointing out that the Sri Kanteerava Studios Ltd was completing 50 years, she said efforts were underway to construct a golden jubilee building, a museum and a suitable memorial for T S Karibasavayya, who worked for the development of the Kannada film industry.

A film maker must be provided with all the facilities under one roof, she said and mentioned that a 40 kva solar power generation plant was being set up to ensure that the film production activities did not suffer due to sudden power failures or any other drawbacks including voltage fluctuations. A purified drinking water unit and a well-equipped canteen to meet the requirements of the film crew and other technical and support staff is also planned, she said.

Ms Vijayalakshmi Urs said the State Government has been asked to issue an official order to approach the Sri Kanteerava Studios for permission for any outdoor shooting in any part of Karnataka as a pre-requisite. “We will also ensure that the film makers were not made to run from pillar to post or face any other difficulties after getting the necessary permission,’’ she said.

Karnataka Film Academy Chairman S V Rajendra Singh Babu underscored the need for patronising the State-owned Sri Kanteerava Studios by making use of the facilities. All the film producers, directors and others involved in film making must support the State’s efforts and thereby help local talents, he said.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Thomas D’Souza warmly appreciated the hard work and self-less contribution of T S Karibasavaiah for the development and growth of Kannada film industry and welcomed the efforts of Ms Vijayalakshmi Urs to commemorate his memory.

Noted Kannada film producer Bhama Harish and several other film and TV personalities participated in the discussion.