In a first in the 80-year-old Kannada cinema history, a yet-to-be-named film will have 50 songs, unlike a maximum of six in most films.
The film is being directed by K. Nanjunda and the music is being composed by L.N. Shastry. Shooting is expected to commence by the year-end. When completed, it is expected to be the film with the highest number of songs in a south Indian language. Indra Sabha (Hindi) directed by J.J. Madan for Madan Theatres in 1932 had 71 songs.
Mr. Nanjunda, who has made Kanasalu Neene Manasalu Neene (1988) and Melody (2015), has started scripting the “musical” which deals with the life of three generations.
He struck upon the idea of a musical during the birthday celebrations of his friend’s son. “My friend was addressing guests in his son’s voice and style. It was musical. That’s when I thought of a film replete with songs.”
He asserts that the film is not being made with the intention of setting a record. “There is no rule that a film song should be four minutes long. There could be songs of smaller duration without background score, like ad jingles,” he says.
It took Mr. Shastry some time to warm up to the idea. Now, Mr. Nanjunda is ready with music for at least 20 situations.
“The film will have dialogues in situations only if needed. Otherwise, the mood and content will be communicated through music. It is possible that post-production may take more time than the actual shooting,” Mr. Nanjunda says.
