One of the stormy petrels in literature, journalist-turned-author and educationist Ravi Belegere’s novel Bheematheerada Hantakaru is now officially coming to the Kannada screen under the direction of Narendra Babu.
Director Narendra Babu is all set to bring to the screen the intense, blood-soaked history that unfolded between two families in a village of Vijayapura district on the banks of the Bheema River during the 1990s. Popularly known as “Kabaddi Babu,” he has earlier directed films such as Santheyalli Ninta Kabira and Hottegagi Genu Battegagi. Although a film in 2012 ‘Bheema Theeradalli’ was directed by Om Prakash Rao, the contents were different.
Bheematheerada Hantakaru is a great work by journalist Ravi Belegere. Based on this book, Babu is shaping the film. The title launch event of Bheematheerada Hantakaru was held recently. Bhavana Belagere will be portraying her father’s role in the film.
The film is being produced by Smt. Shruti Anil Kumar and Smt. Suma under the banners of Sri Gavi Ranganathaswamy Pictures and Anjaneya Productions.
Speaking on the occasion, Narendra Babu said that from before Christ until today, wars have continued along the banks of the Bheema. What begins as a small dispute between the families of Chandappa Harijan and Keshappa Tavarkhed over a minor issue escalates into a large-scale conflict, leading to gruesome murders. Ravi Belagere personally visited the place where the incidents occurred, studied the ground reality, and wrote the book. We are bringing that work to the screen as it is. Bhavana Belagere is also supporting us. Since there is a lot of content, we are narrating the film in two parts. The script for the first part is ready. I have documented the events up to Siddappa’s murder in it. We will be going on floors soon, he said. We are also using a song by Gopal Vajapeyi, he added.
Bhavana Belagere, daughter of Ravi Belegere, rightly said that Bheematheerada Hantakaru should become Bheematheerada Hantakaru in the future as well. She said she is very happy to play her father’s role. This film will be very different from the earlier one. At one time, the banks of the Bheema were flooded with blood. In that incident, 60–70 heads had rolled. That rivalry still exists. It is a hatred that grows like a tree. We have gone to their house and shared meals. My wish is that the film should come out exactly as it is in the book written by my father, she said.
Cinematographer K.S. Chandrashekar said that since this is a realistic subject, it must be portrayed realistically. For me too, this is new, he said.
Music director Loki Tavasya said that Babu has asked to structure the entire film in a particular pattern.
Producers Suma and Shruti Anil Kumar said that earlier they had made a film based on a novel, and now they are once again making a film based on Belagere’s work.
Young actor Likhith is playing the role of Chandappa Harijan in the film. Jayavardhan, Sayaji Shinde, Sharath Lohitashwa, and Sonu Sood are playing prominent roles.
The film has editing by Harish Komme, action choreography by Ravivarma, and art direction by Babu Khan.
