Vedike upset over Tulu films getting a raw deal from exhibitors in Tulunadu

MANGALURU: Tulunadu Rakshana Vedike has warned single screen/multiplex film exhibitors in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi of serious agitation if they continued to dump Tulu films in favour of other language films. Citing example of Namma Kudla Tulu film released on April 8 that was removed from theatres after a week’s running, Vedike said it is unfortunate exhibitors are not providing space for Tulu films in the two coastal districts where the language is spoken.

Addressing reporters jointly with team of Namma Kudla here on Saturday, Yogesh Shetty Jeppu, president of the Vedike said it is also imperative on part of Tulu film producers to be united to fight this development. Opining there is lack of unity among Tuluvas compared to other languages, Yogesh said this is evident from the fact that exhibitors are blatantly screening other language films in the very land that Tulu language is spoken without any real botheration.

The fate that befell Namma Kudla should not befall any other Tulu film in the future, he said, adding the Vedike activists will hold protest demonstrations in front of theatres/multiplexes that continue to do so in future. Noting that the state government offers subsidy to 100 films per year including five to other language films and rest to Kannada films, Yogesh said this smacked of injustice and a step motherly treatment of other languages spoken in the state.

The vedike will also strive to set up a Tulu Film Producers Association and at a later date also work towards bringing pressure on the government to set up a Tulu Cinema Chamber. Harish Nayak, director and editor of the film while terming decision of the exhibitors in removing Namma Kudla after a week as really unfortunate, demanded that Tulu films be screened at least once every day. The audience had appreciated the film and it was doing well, Harish asserted.