Biopics featuring JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy and BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa will focus on the coalition period, says political scientist Producer Rudresh who wants to make a biopic on Yeddyurappa, yet to get the leader’s nod to go ahead with the project Rudresh wants Upendra to play the Lingayat strongman, but the actor is yet to give his consent
Close on heels of filmmaker S Narayan announcing his biopic on JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy, did we hear rumours of a similar project, however from the rival camp. Kannada film producer Rudresh wants to make a biopic on BJP leader B S Yeddyurappa - and like Narayan, he hopes to release his film, registered as ‘Negilayogi’, by the end of the year.
While actor Arjun Sarja is said to have agreed to play Kumaraswamy in ‘Bhoomi Putra’, Rudresh is keeping his fingers crossed that ‘Real Star’, Upendra will don the role of the Lingayat strongman Yeddyurappa in his film.
It is apparent that these films are being made keeping the upcoming 2018 Assembly elections in mind. Political pundits however point out that the real agenda was to showcase versions of what transpired between the JD(S) and the BJP, when the parties had decided to form a coalition in the year 2006.
Popularly known as the ‘20-20 match’, the coalition however turned out to be a disaster, with the Kumaraswamy led JD(S) refusing to hand over power to Yeddyurappa, after ruling for a period of 20 months. What ensued later has been well documented. Amidst accusations and counter accusations, Karnataka witnessed a turbulent political atmosphere, with Yeddyurappa seen making a brief appearance as the chief minister. Exactly a week later he had to step down following disagreements with the JD(S) over portfolio sharing. Except for the seven days, Karnataka was under President’s rule twice between November 2007 and May 2008.
Political scientist Sandeep Shastry said that both movies will primarily focus on this period. “Though these movies are not directly sponsored by the said political parties themselves, it is apparent that the leaders concerned want to prove a point. Through Bhoomi Putra, Kumaraswamy wants to project that he did no wrong, but the Yeddyurappa camp wants to counter it by talking about ‘betrayal’, and how the saffron party was unduly treated,” he said.
Shastry went on to add that Kumaraswamy is well aware of the fact that his party’s image took a blow when he didn’t abide by the said contract. “It is also speculated that this is what had helped BJP come to power subsequently. The filmmakers may claim that the films are biopics, but it’s unlikely that it will be so. The crux of the matter will be the 20-20 match, with both camps showcasing their own versions,” he added.
Shastry also said that such endeavours showed the “desperation” of politicians during the election season. “These projects are clearly aimed at the converted. They will be the only ones who will pay to go watch these films. The films are being made by those wanting to curry favours with the political leadership. Such projects will not dramatically alter the support base of a leader. In fact, global research has shown that audience can actually feel revolted after watching a leader projected in an extremely positive light. People realise that there are multiple shades of grey to a person,” added Shastry.
He also said that political leaders tend to surround themselves with people who are always singing their praises - that they are cut away from ground reality when it comes to their image. There is no line of distinction between actors and politicians, he added. “Undoubtedly, Siddaramaiah’s supporters too might announce the making of such a biopic shortly,” said Shastry.
‘Yet to take BSY’s permission’
When contacted, Rudresh said that he is yet to take Yeddyurappa’s permission to go ahead with the film. He also said that though he has approached Upendra to play Yeddyurappa’s role, the actor is unwilling to commit to the film until he reads and likes the script.
Rudresh has also approached filmmaker M S Ramesh to write and direct the film. “He is however busy till the end of June. I am hoping that he will come on board in July. We are planning to release the film in December,” said Rudresh, adding that he along with four others had decided to pump money into this project.
When asked why he was embarking upon such a project, Rudresh said that Yeddyurappa was a “great role model”, and that he had been mulling over the film for over a year. “I have a feeling that Narayan heard about my film, and stole the idea from me,” he added.
