Here comes a documentary bang on time when the State farmers’ agitation, demanding implementation of the Kalasa Banduri drinking water project, gathers steam. With the movement demanding the diversion of the Mahadayi River completing one year and districts in north Karnataka under much turmoil, Maha Marana , a 31-minute documentary appeals to politicians, “not to milk the issue to get political mileage”.
This documentary, produced by actor Pooja Gandhi and directed by journalist-filmmaker Chakravarthy Chandrachud has been released across the drought hit regions of Navalgund, Gadag and Hubbali. Meanwhile, filmmakers replicated what Erin Brockovich did to make politicians sit up and take note -- to listen to woes of the people, they have sent samples of polluted water being consumed by people in the areas to Members of Parliaments of Karnataka and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “We wanted to test their conviction by asking them to consume that water, make them understand the ground reality of the issue, and not misuse the issue for a political purpose,” says Chandrachud.
The filmmaker believes that “though the project is nothing compared to Baguru Navile, Yettinahole or Upper Bhadra, the project is being delayed just because of politicians playing their game”. When the Ravani film crew went to shoot the film in northern parts of Karnataka, actor Pooja Gandhi was confronted with the Kalasa Banduri agitation, which made her want to make this documentary and create awareness among people.
The crew of Maha Marana shot the film for 21 days and dug into decades-old documents to provide a fair picture of the issuem claims the filmmaker. “We have spent Rs. seven lakh for this public cause. I have participated in the protest seeking an early implementation of the project. Through this documentary I wanted to create awareness at the national level,” says Pooja Gandhi.
“Though Pooja Gandhi sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to screen the documentary, she did not get any response,” says Chandrachud.
