KARNATAKA :

Yaskhagana, the popular Hindu dance form from Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, has been used as a backdrop in many Kannada films. But Ismail Mudashedde’s upcoming film, Banna Bannanda Badukku, will not only revolve around the dance-form, but also have a Muslim protagonist.

The film is the director’s take on the recent onslaught on Muslim artistes performing traditionally Hindu artforms in certain parts of the district.

The film stars actor Raviraj Shetty who will essay the role of a Muslim Yakshagana dancer.

“Banna Bannada Baduku is based on the real-life story of a Muslim artiste who was hounded by fundamentalists for performing the art. I was very impressed with the script when Ismail narrated it to me. I am happy to be part of the project,” Shetty told Bangalore Mirror.

Yakshagana enjoys huge popularity in the coastal belt of Karnataka and people of all communities are known to watch it even though the stories performed are mostly from Hindu epics.

Ismail, who has also written the screenplay and dialogues for the film, says it was challenging as the story was very intriguing. “This movie will remind people of the communal violence in Mangaluru and make people question if artistes should be harassed and victimised simply for performing an artform. I hope the film gives the audience a new perspective and they enjoy it,” Ismail said.

Besides Shetty, actors Anitha, Sagar, Riya Meghana, Ramesh Bhat, Satyajith and Honnavalli Krishna have pivotal roles in the film.

Real-life Yakshagana stars like Balipa Narayan and Patla Satish Shetty will be seen in guest roles.

Former Mangaluru mayor Sashidhar Hegde will also be part of the film.

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Entertainment> South Masala / by Nischith N , Bangalore Mirror Bureau / May 12th, 2017