Bengaluru, Apr 16: The lockdown in the wake ofthe coronavirus pandemic has turned out to be a deeply painful story for the Kannada film industry.
Schedules have gone awry following the stay-at-home curbs and operators in Sandalwood, as the industry is popularly known as, say about 100 films under production are affected.
They include big budget movies- 'Raja Veera Madakari Nayaka', 'Kotigobba 3', 'Robert' and 'Yuvaratna.'
Noted producer Rockline Venkatesh told P T I that the loss to the industry is to the tune of hundreds of crores of rupees.
In addition, it's a challenge for producers to secure the content of their movies from "piracy and leak" during long periods of time before their release, Venkatesh, who is Secretary of Karnataka Cine Artistes' Association, said.
A leading distributor said even after the lockdown is lifted and situation returns to normalcy, it remains a big question if investment in film business will pay off at all.
"People don't have money. We will know the impact when things become normal. Questions many ask if people will return to cinema halls like the way they did before or they prefer to stay away from crowd."
Venkatesh, who had also produced Rajinikanth-starrer 'Lingaa' and co-produced 'Bajrangi Bhaijaan' with Salman Khan in the lead role, said it would take at least one to one-and- half years for the industry to be back on its legs.
"That too if the government does hand-holding but if the industry faces a bad hit in terms of income tax and GST and other taxation, 80-90 per cent of the industry will face closure," he said.
"It does not matter if the government does not help the industry but they should not trouble us with things like IT and GST," Venkatesh, who is also a distributor and artiste, said.
A top director said people's "behaviour" towards movies is crucial for the industry's health in the post lockdown scenario.
"With people likely to shy away from going to malls, cinema theatres because of large gatherings there, it's going to be a long road to recovery for us", an industry insider said.
Striking a philosophical tone, Venkatesh said all that people worry now is to save their life and keep good health, adding, amassing money and wealth is the last thing on their mind.
Producers Soorappa Babu and Umesh Banakar, who is also Vice-President of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, told P T I that the industry has taken a huge hit.
Banakar said the loss to the industry due to the lockdown is at least Rs 1,000 crore.
"The coronavirus has affected the entire world. We don't know what to do; we just have to wait," Soorappa Babu, producer of Kiccha Sudeep-starrer 'Kotigobba 3', said.
Comments
Bajrang Dal still exist in Mangalore because majority of followers are monkeys. They just goes with stupid and illiterate people without questioning their background. Most of Bajrang Dal leader either ex-ladies bar owner or conductors.(uneducated or criminals).
Monkey Dal gathered together to discuss their own created issues. They have nothing to discuss other than children's plays.
It's funny how these activists say a lie so many times and make it appear like the truth..I'm ashamed to call them hindus..because I have amazing Hindu friends (whom I believe are true hindus). Love jihad? What rubbish!this shows how much you cook up stories. Dont waste money on unnecessary programmes. Donate it to poors..so many are in need of money. Btw don't think muslim men are jobless. there are enough pious muslim girls in our country whom they can get married to. We are not in shortage.
Also need a discussion regarding hiring muslims in all job sectors across karnataka
Tigale gant marilu....bhoomig bhara
Mangalore was peaceful for quite sometime.....now again goons became jobless I hope.... smart city ... developments all gaya bhaad me...
Gaaf me dhum hai to try to stop your girls or punish them...your.people will throw you in garbage.....try that way.....
Discuss right now LOVE JIHAD founder is sitting in front of you (CHOTE MIA)I dont remember his name sitting on your extreme left. Why to spend Money start now itself.
Fake People.
I could not understand why these waste and burden to earth... hate mongers are talking on love jihad time and again whereas such issue does not exist in reality, but exists only in the mind and agenda of sangh parivar. This is to fool people and gain political benefit. Love Jihad is not a concept in any religion, particularly in Muslims and this is a fake + man made concept by sangh parivar. We, the peace loving people of karnataka should oppose and raise against these hate mongers.
After a long period of rest, culprits are back to trouble. Peace loving Mangalorean be careful and be happy with your family.
Indians in india cant eat beef but indian beef can be eaten in other parts of the world....what a joke....
Bajrangies go and stop exporting if you have got ba**s....
Jihad means a spiritual struggle within oneself against Sin.
Prophet Muhammad pbuh. taught us...
Alcohol destroys U and your family life
Gambling destroys U and your family life
Interest destroys U and your family (It may give a temporary enjoyment of the money lend to U by banks but in long term when U see most of the people have become BANKRUPT...
(Look Mallya - Whatever he owns did not benefit him...one day U will c the real color).
Quran says Trade is acceptable but not Riba (Interest).
True Muslims strive hard NOT TO involve in such evils of the society & They strive to stay away from these sins and also other such things in life...
God promises to give more when we follow his commandments ... it is not just for muslims but it should be recognized by the whole of mankind..
Most of the People are just listening to the ISLAM-HATERS and judging without verifying. But the CREATOR of all that exists asks us to use our INTELLECT and Verify before You come to any conclusion of any matter in your LIFE... if not YOU will be regretting later...
Love Jihad is fake and a creation of cheddi and its allies..who wants to spread corruption in the society.
Wonderful decision by wonderful lads of Bajji and Ranjjis, what you mean of \Cow Trafficking\" at present I am in HONG KONG really fantastic INDIAN BEEF Avails here, no problem at all, so these wonderful Tidy Bear??? Master Hamarappa Puranik only Barking, If he IS having GuTs, Strength let him ask Indian Prime minister Modianna, to Cancel Exporting Licence that is the Gentleman's work Keeping some Chelas around catching Labour, Driver, Butcher, Cleaner like humans.. they are catching and punishing that's women's work Annanna, come front line and catch real culprits.
NAREAN Bai where are you Sir?? Are you Near by !!!!! Keep it up Baisabb."
1) U have forgotten most important issue..... ban exporting of beef and find out how many of your goons are into this business....
2) At the right age with out if girls are married off, issues of love marriage maybe solved
3) drugs ok.....go ahead, nice step
For such matters press meet is not necessary, can be discussed within yourself
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