The song ‘Odahuttidavale’ from Mahaan, an ambitious film centered on farmers and the emotional journey of a brother and sister, was released on 23rd October in a crowded gathering. Produced by Akasha Pictures’ Prakash S. Budur, the film is directed by P. C. Shekhar and features Vijay Raghavendra, Varsha Bollamma, Sharat Lohitashva, Mithra and others in important roles.
Music director Arjun Janya has composed the music, while Dr. V. Nagendra Prasad has penned the lyrics for the song, which is sung by Sid Sriram while female version is sung by melodious singer from Mysuru Lahiri.
Director P. C. Shekhar described Mahaan as one of the most important films of his career. He explained that the film goes beyond entertainment to highlight the often-overlooked issues faced by farmers. Rooted in Indian culture, the story explores the purest form of love through the relationship between a brother and sister. He also praised the producers for their commitment and spoke about the importance of thorough research and planning.
Shekhar appreciated Varsha Bollamma for her dedication and performance, while noting that Sharat’s inputs made his work easier. He described Mithra as a committed actor who plays a significant role in the film. He also acknowledged the contribution of actor Shivarajkumar, whose presence adds considerable strength to the project.
Actor Sharat spoke about the director’s clarity and disciplined approach to filmmaking, saying Shekhar knows exactly how much is required for every scene. He also praised the newly released song for its emotional depth.
Veena, Vijay Raghavendra’s real life sister, said the song’s lyrics deeply touched her. She described her brothers as her strength, courage and constant support.
Talented South Indian actress Varsha Bollamma making debut in Kannada revealed that she had often wondered when she would get an opportunity to play a substantial role in Kannada film rather than appear in brief parts. In Mahaan, she plays Durgi, a character that gave her scope to explore a different dimension of her acting. She praised Shekhar’s humility and said her character had no unnecessary negativity.
Vijay Raghavendra said working with Shivarajkumar brought an additional dimension to the film. He praised the emotional treatment of the brother-sister relationship and credited cinematographer Vaidi for his contribution. He added that the film required him to unlearn certain things as an actor to deliver a natural performance. Continuing further Vijay Raghavendra said, “It was my long-standing wish to work with P. C. Shekhar. He once watched the trailer of one of my films, called me and appreciated it. Later, he spoke to me about this film. This is a role I have never played before. I am happy to have worked with such talented artistes and technicians.
The film’s team emphasized that ‘Mahaan’ is not an ordinary story but a significant attempt to bring farmers’ lives and struggles to the screen. The makers have focused on the story and characters while planning the budget, ensuring that the production stayed within the planned limits.
With its farmer-centric narrative, strong performances and the emotional appeal of ‘Odahuttidavale’, ‘Mahaan’ aims to celebrate the lives of farmers and the enduring bond between siblings.
Producer Prakash Budur, heading Alliance University, spoke about the importance of storytelling, practical filmmaking and performing arts in education. He said the university encourages students to work on film projects and learn filmmaking through practical experience. PC Shekhar was among the first students associated with the initiative.
Prakash Budur emphasized that a film should offer entertainment while giving equal importance to its story and reflecting society. He also spoke about the importance of portraying family relationships, farmers and social realities.
The team has been working on pre-production for films featuring ‘Battallion’ and Darling Krishna film. He explained that the university encourages students to develop good stories and provides opportunities to learn through real film projects.
He also highlighted the importance of planning and adhering to budgets, explaining that the budget is fixed according to the story and characters, and the production is completed within the planned budget.
