Like there is no end to education, there is also no age limit for education! ‘Belagu’ (The Light), produced by Dr. Madan Patel under the Media International banner, also writing the story and screenplay and directing the film it is all about ‘Tamasoma Jyothirgamaya’ concept – from darkness to light!
Conveying the message that there is no age limit for education, Belagu revolves around the life of a railway gateman. Shivu, who dreams of studying during his childhood but is deprived of education due to a lack of proper facilities, begins his learning journey after taking up a job as a railway gateman. The story explores the changes in his life brought about by the loneliness of living at a railway gate and his companionship with a puppy.
Speaking at the event, director Dr. Madan Patel revealed that the film is based on his third novel. He began his literary journey in Chicago, USA, in 2009, and the encouragement he received from senior writer and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient Kum Veerabhadrappa inspired him to pursue writing. He also recalled that Dr. Mallepuram Venkatesh had written the foreword to his second novel, ‘Mahamayi’.
Dr. Madan Patel entered the film production field in 1993 with Indian, which featured Devaraj in the lead role. The film also introduced Sitara to the Kannada film industry. Subsequently, he produced films such as Maha Chatura, Andhra Hendthi, Police Officers, Okay Sir Okay, Love Story, Swami Satyananda, Heegu Unte, Ninade Nenapu and Tamate.
Speaking about the film, lead actor Mayur Patel said, “We have made this film by giving greater importance to the story and characters rather than commercial elements. Through the character of Shivu, we have conveyed the message that education can be pursued at any age. We shot the film along a single railway line near Ballari and in a village between Bidadi and Ramanagara. We completed the film without compromising on anything, and it will reach audiences soon. I request audiences to support a film with such a good story that highlights the importance of education.”
Mayur Patel plays the lead role in the film, while Venkatesh Prasad portrays Shanthanna, a railway gateman. The character played by Pavithra, a young girl from Ballari, is also significant to the story. After obtaining permission from the Railway Department, the team shot near Ballari for approximately eight days. The remaining portions were subsequently filmed in a village between Bidadi and Ramanagara.
Venkatesh Prasad, Vinay Krishnaswamy, Gokul, Pavithra Nayak, cinematographer Nagesh, editor Lingaraju who are associated with the film, shared their experiences and thoughts about the project. Producer Rekha Madan Patel was also present at the media briefing of ‘Belagu’.
The film team is now preparing to complete the censor process shortly and release the film in theatres.
