Film on transgenders set to hit multiplex screens in State

At a time when commercial release of award-winning films has become a rare thing in Kannada film industry, the makers of national award winning Naanu Avanalla Avalu, which depicts the life of transgenders, are trying to show their work to create awareness on the lives of the discriminated community.

They have decided to release the film in Bengaluru and other cities on Friday, mostly in multiplexes.

According to producer Ravi Garani and director B.S. Lingadevaru, the response from multiplexes are encouraging compared to single-screen theatre-owners in the State. “Multiplex owners have come forward both in Bengaluru and tire-two cities to screen

Naanu Avalalla Avanu.”

Many exhibitors are of the opinion that the film does not have enough commercial potential. “So, we are trying to exploit the social media, which is powerful, to pull viewers,” said Mr. Garani.

However, the film team received support from actors such as Yash, who, in fact, persuaded distributors Jayanna and Bogendra to release the film. “We are waiting for their response,” said Mr. Lingadevaru.

Similarly, Shivaraj Kumar, Sudeep, Ganesh and others have extended their support by speaking about the film. A few members of the Rotary Club have come forward to support the film by offering to book 10,000 tickets, he said.

Interestingly, the film has gone for public screening abroad, even before its release in the State. “After its premier at the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF), the film was released in Sydney,” said Mr. Lingadevaru.