The eight-decade-old Kannada film industry, which set a record of sorts last year with the release of 180 films, is all set to break its own record by reaching the 200 mark this year. The number of films released till the middle of December has crossed 190.
It appears that demonetisation and GST have not dampened the enthusiasm of producers.
According to Umesh Banakar, vice-president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC), the annual turnover crossed ₹400 crore in 2016 and is likely to touch the ₹500-crore mark this year.
An average of four films were released every week, as against three in the previous year. The highest number (22) of films were released in November while April recorded lowest of eight releases.
However, there is a total mismatch between releases and the success of films at the box office. Success rate stands at a maximum of 10%, which means only 20 of the total films released have recovered their investment. "According to our estimates, the success rate ranges from 3 to 5 per cent. Only a few producers are in comfortable position," says Mr. Banakar.
He attributes digitalisation for the increase in the number of releases, but regrets that quality is a casualty in this process.
Expressing concern over the trend, veteran actor Anath Nag had recently said that most of the films released in the last two months failed to pull the audience to theatres and producers suffered to the tune of ₹50 crore.
But S. V. Rajendra Singh Babu, President, Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy (KCA), is unperturbed. “There is nothing unusual. Usually, the success rate swings between 7 and 10%.”
While the number of remakes came down significantly, films dubbed from other languages were released without facing much opposition this year. Owing to non-availability of screens in Bengaluru, a few producers released their films in district and taluk centres.
Rajakumara, Hebbuli, Bharjari, Bangara S/o Bangarada Manushya and Mufti did extremely well at the box office while the much-hyped Chakravarti, Mastigudi, Tiger Galli, Upendra Matte Baa, Pushpaka Vimana, Mumbai, Melukote Manja, Veera Ranachandi, Mass Leader and Pataki failed to draw audiences to theatres.
"Quality films have suffered because of the glut, as there are not enough screens to host this volume. Producers are gambling without understanding the ground realities," regrets Surappa Babu, Secretary, Karnataka Film Producers' Association.
However, young and talented directors continued the trend of defying the myth that only a stellar star cast can ensure success with films including Ondu Motteya Kathe, Shuddhi, Kempiruve, Dayavittu Gamanisi and Urvi.
