National-award winning filmmaker T.S. Nagabharana, who did a film on Shishunala Sharifa (saint, poet, philosopher and social reformer of 19th century) some 18 years ago, is set to direct Allama-Bayalemba Beragu, a celluloid portrayal of 12th century mystic saint and vachana poet Allama Prabhu.
It took a year’s research before he decided to do the film. Siddalingaiah Kamabal, M.S. Sridhara Murthy and Sreepathi Manjanabylu are assisting him on the project. Lakshmipathi Kolara, Chandrashekara Ushala and Veerappa Maralawadi helped him hone the script, which took nearly six months to complete. “I finalised the 23rd version of the script,” Mr. Nagabharana said. “Spiritual personalities such as Buddha and Allama have become relevant in the time of globalisation. Allama is a vachana saint whose philosophy surpasses region and religions. We are attempting to explore the relevance of Allama in the present social condition,” he said. The movie will be shot in Balligave, Banavasi, Bandalike, Keladi, Bhoga Nandishwara, and the forest range of Kanakapura. “Producer Hari Khode has told me not to compromise with the quality of the movie. Shashidhara Adapa and Appayya will attempt to recreate 12th century to provide an authentic touch to the film,” Mr. Nagabharana said.
Dhananjaya will essay the role of Allama while Meghana Sundar Raj is the female lead. “I have picked 26 vachanas and will keep at least 14 of them for the movie,” he said.
