The film Sankeerthana, produced by K. Padmakala Gundurao and team, directed by D.S. Manjunath (Kala Gangotri Manju), and written by J.M. Prahlad, is based on the saints and Haridasas of the Vijayanagara Empire. The devotional film is scheduled for release on April 17.
Writer J.M. Prahlad said that around fifteen years ago, he had written for the television serial Helavanakatte Giriyamma, which received appreciation from audiences. Through that, he understood the audience’s interest in Dasa literature. Actress Padmakala also had an interest in the subject, and there were discussions to make a television serial, which did not materialize. Later, they decided to make a film. He said the film is set in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara Empire and includes references to saints and scholars such as Sripadaraja, Vyasatirtha, Vadiraja, Vaikunthadasa, Purandaradasa, and Kanakadasa. He added that the book Karnataka Bhakta Vijaya by Boluru Keshavadasa helped him in writing the story. The story begins with traders arriving at Hampi during Navaratri. The film includes fifteen songs composed by Praveen D. Rao.
Director Kala Gangotri Manju said that a major portion of the film was shot on sets, along with locations such as Anegundi. He added that senior actors including Sridhar, Ramakrishna, Ramesh Bhat, Ajay Raj, and Ashok have acted in the film. The film has cinematography by Siddharth and editing by Suresh Aras, and is set for release on April 17.
Producer, art director, and costume designer Padmakala Gundurao said that she had an interest in learning about the Haridasas since childhood and that the project has been realized after fifteen years. She mentioned that she had earlier worked on costume design for the film Jagannathadasa, which encouraged her further. She added that the film was completed with the support of Kala Gangotri Manju, Prahlad, and Vijay Bhaskar. She stated that there are plans to release the film worldwide, beginning with a Karnataka release on April 17. She also said that the film was initially planned with a budget of 20 lakh, but exceeded that, and acknowledged the support of her family in bringing the project to release.
Co-producer and production manager Vijay Bhaskar said that the film was shot at locations including a 300-year-old house in Somanahalli, Musalapura near Kanakagiri, Anegundi, and specially constructed sets. He added that more than 200 artists have acted in the film, many of them newcomers, and that Padmakala was also involved in costume design. He confirmed that the film will release on April 17.
