<p>Naganna, known for directing period films, is convinced Kurukshetra, released on Friday, will expand the horizons of the Kannada film industry.</p>.<p>The ace director spoke from a Hyderabad studio to Metrolife. “The film has already caught the attention of pan-India audiences,” he says.</p>.<p>Naganna, who began his career as an associate to director KSL Swamy in Jimmy Gallu (1982), is known more recently for Kotigobba, O Premave and Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna.</p>.<p>In an exclusive interview, he spoke about the much-awaited Kannada mythological, and this week’s big release.</p>.<p><strong>What kind of Kurukshetra is this?</strong></p>.<p>It’s our own Kurukshetra, about the 18-day battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, told differently.</p>.<p><strong>How is it is different?</strong></p>.<p>Tales from the Mahabharata have entertained, enthralled, instructed and enlightened Indians for thousands of years. The Mahabharata is a wide canvas and provides many possibilities. It may be viewed from the perspectives of Krishna, Arjuna, Bhishma, Karna.... Our film looks at the Mahabharata essentially from Duryodhana’s viewpoint.</p>.<p><strong>Many films and TV series have done the Mahabharata. Why should audiences watch your film?</strong></p>.<p>In the history of the Kannada film industry, we haven’t had a single film on the Mahabharata.</p>.<p>Ours is the first attempt to make a film out of the epic. It is impossible to narrate the entire story in three hours. It’s like a wedding feast.<br />It may have hundreds of items, and you can still ask why a specific dish isn’t available. Though the film deals with the Mahabharata war, it tells many stories.</p>.<p>I don’t know why everybody is debating whether Duryodhana is a hero or villain. I want the audience to see and decide for itself whose story we are attempting to unravel.</p>.<p><strong>Is there a message in the film?</strong></p>.<p>Kurukshetra is connected with the Bhagavad Gita. There is everything in the Gita. It’s about life and after-life. It’s also about conflicts, perceptions and right and wrong. Kurukshetra comes out with a solid message for the contemporary world.</p>.<p><strong>Why was the project delayed?</strong></p>.<p>A week before we ended shooting for the 2D format, we decided to produce it in 3D. We shot the film separately for the 2D and 3D formats.</p>.<p>Hence, it took as much time as it would for two films. Moreover, we needed every artiste in every scene. Post-production in 3D is tedious. That is why the project dragged on.</p>
<p>Naganna, known for directing period films, is convinced Kurukshetra, released on Friday, will expand the horizons of the Kannada film industry.</p>.<p>The ace director spoke from a Hyderabad studio to Metrolife. “The film has already caught the attention of pan-India audiences,” he says.</p>.<p>Naganna, who began his career as an associate to director KSL Swamy in Jimmy Gallu (1982), is known more recently for Kotigobba, O Premave and Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna.</p>.<p>In an exclusive interview, he spoke about the much-awaited Kannada mythological, and this week’s big release.</p>.<p><strong>What kind of Kurukshetra is this?</strong></p>.<p>It’s our own Kurukshetra, about the 18-day battle between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, told differently.</p>.<p><strong>How is it is different?</strong></p>.<p>Tales from the Mahabharata have entertained, enthralled, instructed and enlightened Indians for thousands of years. The Mahabharata is a wide canvas and provides many possibilities. It may be viewed from the perspectives of Krishna, Arjuna, Bhishma, Karna.... Our film looks at the Mahabharata essentially from Duryodhana’s viewpoint.</p>.<p><strong>Many films and TV series have done the Mahabharata. Why should audiences watch your film?</strong></p>.<p>In the history of the Kannada film industry, we haven’t had a single film on the Mahabharata.</p>.<p>Ours is the first attempt to make a film out of the epic. It is impossible to narrate the entire story in three hours. It’s like a wedding feast.<br />It may have hundreds of items, and you can still ask why a specific dish isn’t available. Though the film deals with the Mahabharata war, it tells many stories.</p>.<p>I don’t know why everybody is debating whether Duryodhana is a hero or villain. I want the audience to see and decide for itself whose story we are attempting to unravel.</p>.<p><strong>Is there a message in the film?</strong></p>.<p>Kurukshetra is connected with the Bhagavad Gita. There is everything in the Gita. It’s about life and after-life. It’s also about conflicts, perceptions and right and wrong. Kurukshetra comes out with a solid message for the contemporary world.</p>.<p><strong>Why was the project delayed?</strong></p>.<p>A week before we ended shooting for the 2D format, we decided to produce it in 3D. We shot the film separately for the 2D and 3D formats.</p>.<p>Hence, it took as much time as it would for two films. Moreover, we needed every artiste in every scene. Post-production in 3D is tedious. That is why the project dragged on.</p>
