Special subsidy for good movies based on literature mooted

The Karnataka government has been providing subsidy of Rs 10 lakh each to 50 movies of good taste every year. A committee appointed by the government identifies the movies for the subsidy. If the draft policy is approved by the State cabinet, from next year onwards five movies based on literary works will get Rs 15 lakh each.

However, the language of the literary work has not been specified. The draft policy states that the movie should be based completely on a literary work. This means to say partial adoption of any literary work will not qualify a movie for the subsidy. In addition it should be a movie of good taste.

The policy defines the movie with good taste as one which does not glorify crime, obscenity, anti-social activities and rakes up communal feelings.

Literary awards
The Central government has been awarding special awards for film critics and those who write books on films. The State government has decided to introduce similar awards in Kannada industry too from the next year.

The draft policy says the author and publisher of book, selected for the award, get Rs 20,000 in cash and a silver medal each. If more than one book is selected for the award the amount will be divided equally among the winners. Similarly, a film critic will get the annual award, which carries Rs 20,000 in cash and a silver medal.

A collection of articles, reviews published in periodicals will be considered for the award. Those interested have to apply for the award before March 31 every year.
The policy has been circulated among film personalities and different wings of the Kannada industry for objections and suggestions, if any. This will come into effect after the government approves it. Recently, Information Department Secretary Jayaramaraje Urs held a meeting with representatives of film industry to finalise the policy.

The government has been offering subsidies in different categories to support the industry. All Kannada movies, including remakes enjoy 100 percent exemption from entertainment tax. Annually 50 films of good taste get subsidy of Rs 10 lakh each. Besides, two films meant for children get Rs 25 lakh each, four movies based on country’s pre-independent history get Rs 25 lakh each and those films that have won national awards get Rs 15 lakh each.

Every year the government extends 23 awards, including the best three Kannada movies of the year. A committee of eleven members will be constituted every year to identify the winners.