The message of Allama is still relevant, says Director TS Nagabharana

The teachings and social revolution of Allama Prabhu (C. 12th century), one of the greatest mystic poet of Karnataka, is still relevant. Senior Director TS Nagabharana has brought the life of Allama on the silver screen.

Here is the exclusive interview of the director:

KP: What made you bring his life on silver screen?

Nagabharana: Lives of many Shiva Sharanas (Shaiva devotees) viz., Basavanna, Madivala Machaiah, Akka Mahadevi, etc., have come on silver screen. But no one has brought Allama on the screen; his Vachanas are always a wonder to me. My contemplation of his Vachanas since decades started creating an image of him in my mind and a desire to transfer that image to the coming generation started evolving inside me. 

KP: When the desire took birth, with who did you discussed at the beginning?

Nagabharana: C Ashwath was alive at that time. I took some selected Vachanas to him for music composition. He was also surprised to know the ambiguity and complexity of his Vachanas and asked me why I needed music for Vachanas. I expressed my desire to make a movie on Allama. Immediately, he enquired about the producer of the movie and took me to Hari Khode. Even Hari Khode was a lover of Allama Prabhu.

He had written a poem called ‘Shunya’ based on the insights of Allama. He was very happy when he came to know about my venture and voluntarily accepted to finance the movie. This is how the movie took a formal shape. Today both of them are not alive, and I want to dedicate this film to their memories.

KP: You have produced many historical and folk movies like Nagamandala, Mysuru Mallige, Santa Shishunala Sharif, etc. do you think ‘Allama’ will become a box office hit?

Nagabharana: The movies you mentioned were all experimental movies. I did not have any commercial intention. But I tried hard to take them for the common man, and the common man accepted my experiments. My intention is to turn the mind of common spectator towards art and experimental movies.

KP: Common man is leant towards the stories of underworld dons. Do you think this generation is going to accept ‘Allama’?

Nagabharana: The common man is quite intelligent. They decide what kind of movies they want to watch. But we also have a responsibility to convince them towards good movies.

KP: What makes you think that the modern audience is going to like your movie?

Nagabharana: The human mind is always in a continuous flux. Today, we are in a digital era. We have accepted a lifestyle which is not ours and living in an illusion. I believe that the message of Allama is relevant for today’s men.

KP: What were the challenges that you faced when you decided to make this movie?

Nagabharana: Each of his Vachana is unique. His Vachanas give one particular image of Allama while the literature about him gives totally a different picture. So what exactly is the true picture of Allama is the burning question.

Besides, there are 18 tombs across the state in his name. Giving a tangible form to the intangible message of his Vachanas is the main challenge for a director.

KP: Your movie is attracting many controversies before the release.

Nagabharana: They have seen just the trailer and are opposing the film. I don’t say anything about people who judge the movie based on the trailer. Let them go to the theatre and watch the film. I’m ready to answer them if I have not made the film properly.

KP: This movie has a noble message. But you have selected Dhananjay, a commercial actor for this film. Does it make any positive impact?

Nagabharana: When I saw Dhanjay for the first time in ‘Jayanagar 4th block’ I thought he is very simple, easily acceptable character. I found an artist in him who can take any role.

Besides, Allama in this movie also appears in many get-ups. Hence, I decided that Dhananjay is the most suitable actor for this role.

KP: Why do you like to portrait characters like Allama Prabhu?

Nagabharana: People like Allama, Basavanna, Buddha are the living monuments of our culture.  We have to teach every generation to know these characters and their teachings. We may try to set any person as an icon, but ultimately these people remain icons for generations. We have to bring them on the silver screen to restore our cultural memories.

KP: Who, according to you, plays a prime role in the success of these movies?

Nagabharana: The audience and the distributors play a major role. Distributors should provide good theatres, and audience also should be open to watching this kind of movies. With this belief, I have produced Allama.