Now, Kannada filmmakers have a 'beehive' of stories to choose from

Filmmakers will soon have easy access to the best of Kannada literature, ready to be adapted for the silver screen. The Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy is launching ‘Jenugudu,’ a collection of stories and novels in Kannada, for producers and directors to convert into films.

“We want to promote the local flavour of Karnataka and the essence of our state’s culture through movies. Kannada movies should have an identity of their own,” said chairman of the academy Rajendra Singh Babu.

A committee of writers, academicians and journalists have shortlisted 100 stories and novels in various genres such as romance, thrillers and historical dramas. Later this month, the project will be officially launched by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The names of the books and stories will be announced at the function.

“Interested filmmakers and producers canapproach the academy and we will give them synopses. We will facilitate talks with the writer. Very often writers get cheated and do not get fair payment. The academy will ensure that their interests are protected and will help them with legal agreements,” Babu said.

The committee consists of members such as writer and former chairman of Karnataka Nataka Academy Dr K Marulasiddappa, chairman of Kannada Development Authority Prof S G Siddaramaiah and literary critic and writer M S Asha Devi.

“There was a misconception that there are no good stories in Kannada to be made into movies. Films from other languages are often remade in Kannada. Each member of the committee has suggested books and short stories which they have read. The primary criterion is that it should be a good story from a literary perspective. We also looked for progressive content,” Marulasiddappa said.

Stories and novels by award-winning writers such as U R Ananthamurthy, Kum Veerabhadrappa and Devanur Mahadeva are part of the collection. The project is ongoing and more stories will be added to the collection.

Kannada film director Sumana Kittur said, “Sometimes, it is difficult for a filmmaker to adapt literature to films because they don’t know whom to approach for rights. Kannada literature is a vast ocean with several good works and this project will give directors easy access to it.”