Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 30: The proof that a good film has the potential to hold the attention of film lovers was seen in the national award winning Kannada film 'Nanu avanalla avalu' which moved the audience to tears. The film was released for the first time at Alankar talkies in the city on Thursday October 29.
The film release was organized by WhatsApp reader's friends, Udupi to promote art films, to increase the habit of watching films at the theatre and to eliminate false views on transgenders.
The film actor Sanchari Vijay and producer Lingadevaru visited the city the same day.
The film producer Lingadevaru interacted with the audience after the first show. He aimed to impart the right message and to change people’s opinions on transgenders.
He added that he was inspired by Vidya, a transgender and an emerging Tamil film director.
He aims to erase the false notions of art films made for commercial purpose and winning national awards.
Many of the viewers shared their opinions after watching the film on how society should treat mangala mukhis and stressed on the need for reservations to be included in the constitution towards this group of people.
Nagma, a transgender, opined that it was a touching movie. She remembered her past and the difficulties she encountered.
Sanjeeva recalled wearing dresses in his childhood. Parents could not understand his true feelings. One day he was beaten by the public due to their wrong interpretation.
Lingadevaru was himself witness to transgender atrocity. He had lots of questions and tried his best to answer them through this film.
He quoted, "I am not a social reformer, but a film maker. I can create awareness by producing emotional films. I can sensitize the feelings of people. Finally it is for the audience to decide the position of transgenders in society. I like to touch the hearts of Kannadigas rather than finding answers to their questions."
The producer said that he has no faith on people’s prejudices on third gender nor their acceptance. The present system does not allow changes to be introduced.
The transgenders still live in pathetic conditions at Mumbai, Pune, Kadapa and so on. The present scenario must change and respect must be shown to them.
He added that even in the era of social media they could not do much in this direction.
The film has great demand and so there is no problem regarding its earnings, but unavailability of theatres has hampered their progress in reaching the villages. He has not done anything to promote his film so far.
Nearly 80 transgenders took part in the film and 42 transgenders viewed the film.
Manjunath Kamath, an organizer, speaking to media said, "This awareness movement is just the beginning. It describes the exact interest of the audience towards Kannada art film. Friends has decided to contribute the money earned from the day's two shows as a lump sum to at least one transgender in Udupi, who wants to pursue higher education.