Kannada filmmaker Gurudatha Ganiga is about to come up with an adaptation of Purnachandra Tejaswi’s novel Jugari Cross. Announcing the work he talked about how adaptation of novels can lead to making more meaningful cinema. He said, “I believe this approach plays a vital role in sustaining the Kannada film industry. If you take a look at Kannada cinema of the ‘70s and ‘80s, they were rooted in the Kannada ethos. Most filmmakers including Puttana Kanagal adapted novels in their cinematic creations. They not only connected with the audience but also became huge hits.”
True indeed, adaptation of literature into films has resulted in the making of many sensible films. Many award winning films like Pygmalion were adapted from literary works. In India too, some exceptional works like Pather Panchali and Devdas had been the adaptation of novels. Gurudatha said regarding the period of adaptations, “It was a golden period for Kannada because our cinema was entrenched in our roots.”
As per him in an attempt to cater to national audiences and trends, the makers have forgotten to focus on the roots and tradition of their land. The richness of stories and narratives available to them in their culture far surpasses any other story. The lack of originality in their films and their attempt to emulate other cultures is degrading the Kannada cinema. He also pointed towards the success of the Malayalam films, “Today, Malayalam cinema is doing well because they are true to stories that are rooted in their reality.”
He shared that adapting the novels and Kannada literature will keep the culture of the place alive in the cinema. Through this the Kannada cinema will stay attached to its roots in the meanwhile when it will be evolving as well. He also said concluding, “I have now pledged to make more on the screen adaptations of Kannada novels.”
Adaptation of literature into cinema has always helped uplift the quality of the cinema and make the industry better.
We’re hiring!
We are hiring two full-time junior to mid-level writers with the option to work remotely. You need to work a 5-hour shift and be available to write. Interested candidates should email their sample articles to [email protected]. Applications without a sample article will not be considered.
