Hamsalekha Takes Swipe At Yash: Pan India Films Good For Revenue And Beard, Nothing Else

Legendary Kannada music director Hamsalekha has stirred up controversy with his pointed comments aimed at Kannada stars venturing into pan-India cinema. Known for his straight-forward opinions, he criticized the actors without naming the actors such as Yash, Sudeep, and Rishab Shetty, who have expanded their reach with pan-India movies.

In his remarks, Hamsalekha lamented that these Kannada superstars are increasingly disconnecting from their Kannada roots by pursuing pan-India projects. "There was a root connection here with Kannada. It is a cut from Pan India," he remarked critically. He expressed skepticism about the idea that Kannada artists can achieve nationwide stardom through pan-India films, calling it an illusion.

Comparing the careers of southern heroines versus heroes in Bollywood, Hamsalekha emphasized the enduring connection that Kannada stars should maintain with their home industry. "Our heroes travel all over India once, like a honeymoon, for Pan India films. But no matter where you are, you have to come back to Kannada," he asserted, underscoring the importance of staying rooted in Sandalwood.

Highlighting the unique essence of Kannada cinema, which he likened to the aroma of sandalwood, Hamsalekha praised Sandalwood's inclusivity and tradition of nurturing talent. "Sandalwood cannot be compared to Bollywood or even Tollywood or Kollywood. It has a heritage and a tradition rooted in the language itself," he passionately stated.

Hamsalekha stated that his critique was not against such endeavors but cautioned that they should not overshadow the essence of Kannada cinema. "Money will increase so as beard and nothing else," he quipped, taking a subtle jab at Yash, who sported a beard for his role in 'KGF'.

In the last few years, 'KGF' series, 'Kantara', 'Vikranth Rona', and 'Kabzaa' are some of the Kannada films which were released in multiple languages.