Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 30: The much-awaited Tulu film ‘Pidayi’, produced by K Suresh under the banner of Namma Kanasu, written by Ramesh Shettigar, and directed by national award-winning director Santosh Mada, is all set to release across the coastal region on May 9.
Pidayi has gained international recognition by being officially selected at prestigious international film festivals including those in Kolkata, Shimla, Jharkhand, and California. Notably, it became the first-ever Tulu film to compete in both Indian cinema and Kannada cinema categories at the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival, where it was awarded the second-best film.
Renowned Kannada actor Sharath Lohitashwa plays the lead role as ‘Mahamayi’ in the movie. The film also features performances by Deepak Rai Panaje, Pushparaj Bolar, Roopashree Varkadi, Ila Vitla, Devi Nair, Preethesh, Anil Raj Uppala, Ravi Varkadi, and child actors Monish, Trisha, Dhruva, Neha, Khushi, DBC Shekhar, and Anita Chandrashekhar.
The cinematography is handled by Unni Madavoor. Two-time national award winner Suresh Urs, who has worked on the highest number of film edits in India, has edited the film. Dialogues have been penned by Ramesh Shettigar and DBC Shekhar. The movie has been shot in Mudipu and the border regions of Manjeshwar in Dakshina Kannada district.
Lyrics for the film are written by Padma Shri Kaithapram Damodaran Namboothiri, Kannada Sahitya Academy Award winner Sudheer Attavara, and Tulu Academy Award winner Kushalaksi Kanvatirtha. Music has been composed by Ajay Namboothiri. Notably, acclaimed singer Dr Vidyabhushan has lent his voice for a film song for the very first time. Playback singers Medha Vidyabhushan and Vijesh Gopal have also contributed. Background score is composed by Kerala State Award-winning music director Deepankuran.
Art direction is by Rajesh Bandyodu, costume design by Meera Santosh, makeup by Binoy Kollam, with Vignesh Kulal as chief associate director. The assistant directors include Girish Achar Sullia, Pradeep Rao, and Vishwa Mangalpadi. Ravi Varkadi has worked as the team manager, while Deepak Uppala served as the still photographer.
The film uniquely includes the traditional Tulu art form Kunitabhajane for the first time in cinema. Lyrics for one of these devotional pieces were written by Yogeesh Adkalkatte with music by Sandeep Ballal. Another Kunitabhajane was penned by renowned poet and advocate Shashiraj Kavoor and set to music by Shinoy Joseph.
The story revolves around the arrival of an educated daughter-in-law into the household of Bhojanna, who plays the role of Mahamayi. Upon witnessing the traditional treatment of women during menstruation, she initiates a quiet yet powerful resistance. The narrative follows Bhojanna's resolve to uphold the dignity of women, inspired by the ancient verse ‘Yatra Naryastu Pujyante Ramante Tatra Devataah’. The film received widespread acclaim during its screening at the Bengaluru International Film Festival.