For survival of Tulu cinema, theatre problem must be solved says Devdas Kapikad

Team Udayavani, Feb 19, 2021, 4:46 PM IST

Tulu cinema has completed 50 years. Hundreds of films have been released since the first movie ‘Enna Thangadi’ was released on February 19, 1971.

The film industry has seen several ups and downs during this time. Progress has been made in many areas, including in technology.

On the golden jubilee celebration of Coastalwood Udayavani.com spoke with actor, director Devdas Kapikad on the prospects of this regional movie industry.

What are your views on the present state of Tulu cinema?

The situation in Tulu cinema was very good at first but has spoilt now. The biggest problem here is of theatres. Theatre owners here allow screening space for movies from other languages. Tulu language movies do not even get a single screen theatre properly. This is a problem.

After the big hit of the Oriyard Ori Asal, Tulu movies were liked by everyone. Hence, at one point in time, back to back Tulu movies were released. But only a few were successful while others were poor quality films. It won’t be wrong to say that this left the audiences disappointed.

What is the situation of the producers? How ‘safe’ are they?

Producers are hesitant to invest in Tulu movies due to theatre issues. Theatre owners give importance to large distributors. Tulu cinema has to come out of this situation very quickly. Earlier, Jyoti Talkies being in a prominent location, was a good place for Tulu movies, now that it is closed we have no proper single screen theatre for Tulu movies.

What has changed over the years in terms of concept?

Before Tulu movies were story-oriented. But now comedy is the staple. Our main audiences are those who have mostly watched theatrical dramas, they want more jokes. Movies in other genres have not been successful. But we need to change that in the coming days. This will be a slow process. We are trying to do this in Arjun Kapikad-directed “Abatara.”

Your take on cinema and drama

Our drama sector is still more strong than cinema. Earlier we did 375 shows in one year. After Vijayakumar Kodialbail’s hit movies, we made “Telikeda Bolli.” Most of the artists who performed in dramas are now in cinema.

What do you envisage for the Tulu cinema?

The theatre problem must be solved if Tulu cinema has to grow. Single screen theatre showing only Tulu movies must be made as there is no profit in multiplexes. Producers must finance Tulu movies. Newcomers must learn more technical knowledge and work in other movies as an associate then make movies after gaining experience. Growth is possible then.