In the recent past, opting for foreign locales to shoot a Kannada film had become a trend. Most filmmakers felt a song shot in Switzerland raised their budget by 10%, but fetched returns as the distribution value went up automatically and a global release was also made easy. One of the popular destinations almost always are the snow-capped mountains of Switzerland, which was a popular shooting spot for action and song sequences.
But, in the past Kashmir was also a popular destination for outdoor shoots. Dr Rajkumar’s Premada Kanike, Shabdavedi and Shankar Guru , Vishnuvardhan’s Muttina Haara or Himapata to name a few were all shot in Kashmir. Even now many filmmakers are opting for Kashmir, but the unrest in the Valley put a damper on most plans. According to line managers, (who facilitate shootings in Kashmir) some crew members offer lame excuses, as they don’t want to take a risk.
However, the recent development of the Union Government revoking Article 370 created a ripple effect on the shooting schedules of Kannada cinema. Article 370 grants a special status to Jammu and Kashmir and splits the region into two Union Territories — Jammu-Kashmir and Ladakh. This has received an overwhelming response from the Kannada film industry, which is now enthusiastic to shoot in Kashmir. Puneet Rajkumar, whose debut Appu was shot in Kashmir, also welcomes the move as a “significant step”.
Actor Jaggesh, describes August 5, as “a day to be carved in golden letters.” Upendra concurs.
“We shot Muttina Haara for more than 30 days in Kashmir in 1990,” says director Rajendra Singh Babu. “We shot the film in fear throughout. The schedule did not progress as planned because of frequent disturbances and exchange of fire between the Indian forces and separatist elements. Once the armed forces even refused to allow Suhasini in to Anantnag. I had to talk to the then Chief Minister of Kashmir, Farooq Abdulla to get her entry to the shooting spot,” recalls the noted filmmaker and former chairperson of the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy.
Babu also welcomes the decision on Article 370 saying, “We have to wait and watch how the government’s move will help in easing the situation in Kashmir and create a conducive atmosphere to shoot films. Opening Kashmir for shootings will help the Kannada film industry get some picturesque locations. In turn this will boost tourism in Kashmir.”
Raj Patipathi, shot Kaanadante Maayavadanu in Kashmir and says he faced problems during his shoot.
“When we reached Srinagar, the government had deputed 28,000 jawans of the Central Armed Police Force in the Kashmir Valley. The crew had to show the permission letter at every stage and that consumed so much time,” shares actor Vikas, who is also hopeful of a change in the situation. “The development will help ease the situation in Kashmir and filmmakers can shoot their favourite locations without hassles. In no way Kashmir is inferior to Switzerland,” feels Vikas.
Actor and director Ramesh Arvind plans to shoot his film 100 in Kashmir. The film, which focuses on cyber-crime has planned an eight-day schedule in Kashmir.
Director Tejaswi shot a song with Srujan Lokesh and Haripriya for his debut venture, Ellidde Illitanaka, in Kashmir. “The song was shot in the western part of Kashmir, which is in a way dangerous too. We shot the song at -5 degree centigrade,” recalls Srujan.
“Over 400 Kannada films might have been shot in Kashmir in the last 80 years,” states 65-year-old BK Badariprasad, who worked as a production manager for the past four decades.
“The situation was not conducive for shooting the past two decades. People however, were friendly and welcomed filmmakers from across the country, as tourism is one of the means for them to earn their livelihood.”
If the situation in Kashmir improves, the Kannada film industry may get to sing the ‘Ho Ho Ho Prema Kashmira’ again (a song sung by Dr Rajkumar for Shabdavedhi ).
