The subject of cows has triggered many controversies and heated debates in the country in recent times. With mob lynchings and activities of cow vigilante groups making headlines, political fights over comments on the 'holy cow' to internet memes, the animal has been the centre of attraction lately. And now, an upcoming Kannada film will feature how cow politics can threaten a society's communal harmony.
In world cinema, cow-human relationships have been portrayed in many films. Dariush Mehrjui’s 1969 movie Gaav (The Cow) is a pioneering film in Iran’s new wave film movement. Gaav is a touching story of a childless man named Hassan and his beloved cow. 2016 French/Algerian comedy film La Vache -The Cow by Mohamed Hamidi shows how a cow and its owner become social media sensation. There are also many animated films and documentaries on cows. Indian cinema, however, has not touched upon the subject as much as it should have.
That is where the Kannada feature film Pravesha (admission) by national award-winning film director Chethan Mundadi steps in. Chethan's debut film Madipu, made in Tulu language (widely spoken in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka) had won the national award for best feature film in the regional language category in 2017. Madipu is a story of a Muslim man's involvement in Bhootha Kola, a Hindu folk ritual practised in the coastal areas of Karnataka.
Taking into account the country's socio-cultural fabric, Chethan’s Pravesha depicts the role of a cow in Hindu, Muslim and a tribal community. It deals with the situations created by the rumours on news channels in a remote hamlet which is home to people of many faiths and known for communal harmony. It also delves into the 'beef debate'. “My attempt is to showcase how news channels create rumours which create life-threatening situations for a few and political gain for others," said Chethan, who has written the story and screenplay of the film. He is also the film's art director.
The film was shot at the picturesque landscapes around Dharmasthala to depict the culture and landscape of coastal Karnataka. Kannada, Tulu and Byari languages—spoken by Muslims in the region—have been used in the film. Produced by Lakshmikath V, the film’s photography is done by Ganesh Hegde. Music is composed by Manohar Vittal, edited by Srikanth who also edited Madipu. Srikanth is best known as the editor of blockbuster Kannada movie KGF chapter 1.
Pravesha's cast includes Pruthvi Ambaar, Bindu Rakshidi, Chandrahas Ullal and Ila Vitla. The post-production of the film has wrapped up and is expected to be released in early 2020.