Ajith-starrer, dubbed into Kannada, releases Friday

Commando, a dubbed Kannada version of Tamil blockbuster Vivegam (2017), is slated for release on August 31.

The film industry in Bengaluru has over the decades opposed dubbing into Kannada, saying it will wipe out movie production here. Metrolife contacted many in the Kannada industry, but they refused to talk about dubbed films, saying the matter was in court.

Some Kannada groups are in favour of dubbing: they believe it protects and promotes the language. Kannada Grahaka Koota, a group promoting consumer rights in Kannada, is all for dubbing. In a chat with Nina C George, Ratheesha Rathnakara, executive director, Harivu Creations, speaks about why he took up ‘Commando’.

Why did you decide to pick this particular film for dubbing into Kannada?

It is the fast pace, action and romance that got me interested in this movie. The film is entirely shot in Eastern Europe. The stunning fight sequences, MotoGP-style bike chases and how Internet hacking can end up are key things to watch out for.

What gave you the confidence to invest time and effort into this film?

‘Commando’ is the first movie to be dubbed into Kannada by our company. We found out that there is a huge demand for dubbed Kannada content out there. Our market research gave us the confidence. The Kannada trailer and songs are doing well across the state.

In how many theatres will this be screened?

We are releasing it in almost all districts of Karnataka. The list of theatres is still being finalised.

What kind of support have you received from the Kannada film industry?

We have received tremendous support from all actors and technicians when we were dubbing the movie.

Who’s behind it?

‘Commando’ is produced by Harivu Creations, a new media company formed by nine people with corporate backgrounds. It is helmed by Ratheesha Rathnakara, executive director, and Adavi Joshi, managing director.

Team behind Commando

Voice artistes: Punith, Sparsh, Uma, Shilpa, Ajit Viveki, Anvitha, Lakshmi Vijay, Chinthan Vikas, Nitin, Sachin.
Singers: Sparsh, Lakshmi Vijay, Santosh Sheshagiri, Ashwini, Chintan Vikas, Arundhati, Manoj Vasishta
Lyrics: Raju Hosatti, Naveen, Pramod Jois.
Dubbing director: Prasanna Ramalatha.

Ajith in lead

Directed by Siva, ‘Commando’ was originally made at an estimated Rs 80 crore. It grossed about Rs 100 crore in the Tamil original. The actors are Ajith, Vivek Oberoi, Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan.