Mangalore: Short Kannada Film Shot in City Bags Jury Award
Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Mar 12: A Kannada short film shot within the city limits has received the jury award at the ‘3rd Palapitta National Short and Documentary Film Awards’ organized in Kareemnagar, Hyderabad.
‘Nadamrudanga’, the short film directed by A V Jayaraj, tells the story of a poor Brahmin’s desire to rise to great heights. Jayaraj is now settled in Panambur.
The one-hour movie brings out the superiority of caste and the various socio-economic distinctions that are prevalent in Indian society.
Made on a budget of Rs 4 lac, the film was completed in just five days time. Renowned actors like Ramesh Pandit, Usha Bhandary, and Aniruddha, as well as theatre artistes Laxman Mallur, Jeevan Ullal, and Harish Rao, are part of the cast.
“The word Brahmin also has the meaning has the meaning ‘poor’ as it has been in existence from ancient times. These people who are spiritually-rich, have to depend on teaching and priestly duties for their living”, says Jayaraj.
The poor Brahmin’s son wants to get an education, but the father’s failure to secure a loan means that the son has to join his father in earning a livelihood, though unwillingly.
The father plays the ‘Mrudangam’ as a means of forgetting his difficulties, while the son hates it. One day, the son leaves home after destroying the musical instrument.
The complexities of life are in the spotlight in this film which also depicts the tragedies of dreaming larger than life.
Director Jayaraj, an amateur artist, has also written the story and screenplay for the film. Rana Prathap is the cameraman while Shreedharachar wrote the dialogues, with music by Shashi Kovai.
The art direction by Ramadas Sasihitlu, which is the main attraction of the film, has come in for special mention by the jury.
With the recognition the movie has received, Jayaraj wishes to telecast his film in the state and for Kannadigas around the world. But he is not sure if this dream of his will come true. He can be contacted at avjayarajan@yahoo.co.in.