At a time when Kannada films are failing to draw crowds to theatres, the film industry appears to be taking recourse to old classics, such as Rajkumar’s films, which still has the capacity to attract the audience. After the success of digitally conserved and coloured Kasturi Nivasa at the box office, it is now the turn of the actor’s most popular historical Mayura .
Mayura, directed by Vijay in 1975, is all set to hit the screens on Friday across the State. “The soundtrack of the film has been enhanced digitally, besides boosting the 35 mm film into cinemascope by spending Rs. 30 lakh,” said B.N. Gangadhar, who is releasing the film.
T.P. Venugopal, who produced the film four decades ago, had spent approximately Rs. 40 lakh to Rs. 45 lakh, which was considered big budget, and is said to have collected a whopping sum of Rs. 3 crore at the time.
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“The film is being released in over 30 theatres across the State, including Santosh theatre on Kempe Gowda Road, which has no record of screening re-released movies so far,” said Mr. Gangadhar.
The film centres around King Mayuravarma. Dr. Rajkumar essayed the role of Mayura, a youth who discovers his royal heritage and realises his destiny of ascending the throne. The film is considered a symbol of Kannada pride and Naaniruvude Nimagagi , song with G.K. Venkatesh’s background score, is still a favourite for many. The film is based on a novel by Devudu Narasimha Shastry. Enamoured by the content of the story, Dr. Rajkumar took special interest in the production by buying the rights of the film. He also did his best to get permission to shoot the film in Mysore palace. Incidentally, the film is being released at a time when there is a hue and cry over Linga’s release, starring Rajinikanth in over 100 screens in the State.