Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 28: For the first time in the history of world cinema, Yakshagana — a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of coastal Karnataka — has been brought to the silver screen through the movie Veera Chandrahasa. Released on April 18 in Bengaluru to a positive response, the film is now being launched in the coastal region and will gradually be released in other parts of the state, said renowned music and film director Ravi Basrur.
Addressing a press conference at the Mangaluru Press Club, Basrur said, “My grandfather was a Yakshagana artiste capable of playing five instruments simultaneously. Including my father, everyone in my family has been associated with Yakshagana. I always felt a deep connection with the art form and sensed that I was missing it. I had attempted to bring it to the screen about twelve years ago, but back then, I lacked both the financial resources and the necessary experience. This year, however, everything fell into place.”
He emphasized that people often tend to view this as just another film, but it should be seen as an artistic representation of Tulu Nadu's cultural legacy. “Yakshagana is an immense treasure trove of knowledge. Why should it remain confined to a limited audience? It must be presented to the world. Veera Chandrahasa has all the elements to surpass even Baahubali. It not only showcases Yakshagana but also unveils the lives of the artistes. With a history of over 1500 years, Yakshagana is presented here in a grand manner, aiming not just to entertain but to preserve and pass on our tradition to future generations. The film primarily features Yakshagana artistes themselves,” he said.
Noted Bhagavata Patla Satish Shetty stated, “Basrur has demonstrated how a movie can be made using real Yakshagana artistes while retaining the authentic style of the art form. After Kantara, which gave global recognition to Daivaradhane, this movie brings Yakshagana and its artistes into the global limelight. I have sung one song in pure Yakshagana style for this film. The art form is showcased with utmost respect and authenticity, ensuring no compromise or distortion. The film has the potential to inspire even those who previously had no interest in Yakshagana."
Famous Yakshagana Bhagavata Raghavendra Jhansale mentioned, “While traditional Yakshagana performances last six to seven hours, this film condenses it into two and a half hours without losing the essence. The film’s objective is noble, and we must support it.”
Patla Satish Shetty further highlighted that through this movie, Ravi Basrur has managed to spread the essence of Yakshagana worldwide, performing the Bhagavatike (narrative singing) in the traditional style throughout the movie.
Produced under the tireless efforts of Ravi Basrur’s team, Veera Chandrhasa is produced by N S Rajkumar, with Geetha Ravi Basrur, Anoop Gowda, and Anul Kumar Puvvadi as co-producers. Ravi Basrur has composed the music, while Kiran Kumar R has handled the cinematography. Sandalwood superstar Dr Shivarajkumar has also made an appearance, with around 900 artistes participating in the project. Patla Satish Shetty and Raghavendra Jhansale have lent their voices to songs featured in the movie.