Kannada cinema facing problems in Bangalore : Kasarvalli

Panaji, Nov 26 (UNI) Noted Kannada filmmaker Girish Kasarvalli today lamented that Kannada cinema was facing problems of exhibiting their films in Bangalore like Marathi movies in Mumbai.

''Kannada movies find difficulty in getting theatres in Bangalore due to the onslaught of popular Hindi, Tamil and Telugu films. We had led a protest few years ago demanding space in the exhibition sector and were branded as chaunivists. In fact, we were demanding just a breathing space,'' Mr Kasarvalli, who is here to participate in the 38th IFFI, said.

He admitted that the protest did not yield the required result because the Kannada industry is not organised. ''There are many who distribute Hindi, Tamil and Telegu movies and felt they will lose business.

Mr Kasarvalli, who had raised his voice against importance given to Bollywood last year at the IFFI and lack of infrastructure, said he was pleased with the arrangements made at the festival this year.

Similarly, there was a major mistake where in the festival brochure, Mr Kasarvalli's photograph was pasted on a page on homage to late actor Dr Rajkumar.

''With few more upgradations in the infrastructure, Goa will be a good destination to host the IFFI. It is good that the street entertainment along the venues of the festival has stopped. Delegates can peacefully watch good cinema and discuss and debate over it,'' he said.

UNI