M.S. Sathyu returns to tell Devdasi’s story with ‘Ijjodu’

BANGALORE - Legendary filmmaker M.S. Sathyu makes a comeback after more than a decade with “Ijjodu”, releasing all over Karnataka April 30. He says the film takes a strong stand against the existent Devdasi pratha in the state and is very close to his heart.

“‘Ijjodu’ is very close to my heart. The film takes a strong stand against the existent Devdasi pratha in the Yellama society in Karnataka. It has some excellent performances and music. I am happy that my 12 year long hiatus ends with such a beautiful film,” said Sathyu, who won the National Integration Award for his film “Garam Hawa”.

Produced by Reliance Big Pictures, “Ijjodu” explores a dubious social practice which has officially been banned by the state government, but still is practiced in places in the state. It stars National Award winning actress Meera Jasmine as Devadasi and Anirudhdh as a photographer.

Set in a remote area in Karnataka, the story starts with photojournalist Ananda (Anirudhdh) meeting Chenni (Meera Jasmine), a woman who was made a ‘Basavi’ - offered to the village goddess to save the superstitious locals from a devastating epidemic. Basavis, like Devdasis, often end up becoming sex workers.

In the film, Ananda specialises in photographing ancient monuments and writing about various rituals and customs that have gone unquestioned. Ananda is soon obsessed by Chenni’s unusual life. In his bid to explore more information about her, Ananda discovers that she is a victim of blind faith and the story unfolds to change their lives forever.

The film’s music is by Manikanth Kadri, son of well-known saxophone exponent Kadri Gopinath. G.S. Bhaskar is the cameraman of the film.

“Ijjodu” has been screened at four prestigious domestic film festivals and has already received immense critical acclaim from the jury and critics.

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Kumaraswamy turns to acting with Kannada film

Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy is all set to wear grease paint for Kannada film “Sivakasi”.

Kumaraswamy, who was a successful producer and distributor before joining politics, will shoot on April 30 for the film where he plays a chief minister. Ram Prakash, director of this film, says his character is an important link in the story.

“I had written the scene when I wrote the script of the film. But we had not imagined that we could cast a real time politician that too a former Chief Minister for this role,” said Ram Prakash.

“Everything fell in its place when the film’s producer Mahadevaiah got a nod from Kumara Swamy. We are shooting the portions featuring Kumara Swamy at Mysore on April 30,” he added.

Kumaraswamy produced blockbusters like “Sooryavamsha” with Vishnuvardhan in the lead and “Chandra Chakori” with Murali. He was also a successful film distributor.

He continued to produce films even after he became an acting member of the Janata Dal headed by his father H.D.Deve Gowda. His family owns Chennambika Theatre in their home town Holenarsipur.

“Sivakasi” also stars Ajit as the hero and Manasi will play female lead. Sharan, Shobharaj are the other artists in this action thriller.