UNI

Bangalore, Jan 19: The State government has decided to construct six or seven multiplexes in the Jayanagar Shopping Complex which has also housed the Puttanna Kanagal theatre. The discontinuance of films in the Puttanna Kanagal theatre which has now become a temporary police station shed had become controversial. And many top film producers and film directors making artistic films were seeking the revival of the theatre activities for giving some space for the release of Kannada films.

Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that the state government has now decided to construct a commercial mall which also houses around six to seven multiplexes. Kannada films will be given preference in these multiplexes, Kumaraswamy said in a chat with the film journalists.

Speaking to reporters in the pooja function of "Meera Maadhava Raaghava' directed by noted tele personality T.N.Seetharam held on Monday, the Chief Minister said that he expected the film industry to speak in one voice about anything concerning the film industry.

The state government is interested to introduce a new film policy which comprehensively covers all the segments of the film industry. He said the policy would be a reality shortly. 'The discussions with various segments of the film industry will start, says Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.

"We are on the job and I have told the film industry representatives to present their set of recommendations and their opinions to us. I have also discussed this issue with Ravichandran who was on the dais along with me today and he also felt that a new policy is needed wherein there should be a way for conflict resolutions. The existing policy is already ten years old and a new policy is necessary in the context of the progress made in the last year. Now it is the digital age where in new inventions and improvisations have taken place. We need to look into all these things when the new film policy is formed.

When asked about his pet project of creating a separate colony for film workers in the existing film city complex at Hesaraghatta, the Chief Minister said that the discussions have been completed with the Bangalore Development Authority officials.

"we are looking at the cost factor because with the existing rates it is impossible for the cine workers to purchase houses at affordable costs. How to achieve an economic break even by offering sites at cheaper rates for the workers is now being worked out' he added.

The Chief Minister said that he will be starting the production activities for his film "Hejje' to be directed by S. Narayan or any other film this year only.