Film subsidy: Notice to information Dept

Producer had moved court over non-adherence to rules

The petitioner, Priya Hassan, a Kannada film producer and actor had moved the High Court challenging the Information department’s decision denying her subsidy for her film ‘Jambada Koli.’

The petitioner had applied for a subsidy of Rs 10 lakh for the year 2008-09 along with 89 other Kannada films. 

However the committee to decide the subsidy, headed by Siddalingaiah, well known writer and President, Kannada Book Authority, did not include the movie in the list. 

The panel chose only 35 films, of which two were adult films and another film ‘Aa Dinagalu’ selected for subsidy had a U/A (universal and adult) certificate.

Counsel for the petitioner, H Pavana Chandra Shetty, submitted that the selection norms to identify good films for subsidy had been flouted and pointed out that the petitioner was extremely talented as she, apart from paying a lead role in the film, had been the script writer for the film and also written the screenplay for it.

“The story is her own and she has been the producer for the film, which ran to packed houses for 100 days.  It has a meaningful message to donate organs. But it has not been considered by the committee. This is the first time in the history of Kannada film industry, a woman has played many roles in making a good film and deserves the subsidy,” Shetty said.

Justice Mohan Shantangowdar, who heard the matter has ordered notice to Information Department and has sought details regarding the process of selection for subsidy.