In recent times, Kannada cinema lovers have lamented the decline in children’s films. For the film industry to thrive, movies of all genres must emerge from time to time. Amid ongoing discussions among cinephiles, a distinctive children’s film has quietly made its mark at international film festivals. As the summer holidays approach their final phase, preparations are underway for its grand release. This much-anticipated children’s film is Sees Kaddi!
Directed by Rathan Gangadhar, who is well known in the Kannada film industry as both a producer and director, Sees Kaddi revolves around the symbolic significance of a pencil—an object that brings the light of literacy into our lives. Using a pencil as a metaphor, the film introduces characters inspired by its components, such as lead, a sharpener, and an eraser. This creative approach has sparked curiosity about how these elements shape the story, and within a month, audiences will receive an exciting answer. By unfolding the wonders of life through the symbolism of a pencil, this film has the potential to stand out in the children’s film genre.
Having already been screened at various film festivals, Sees Kaddi has received praise from critics across different perspectives, all of which have been positive—an achievement in itself. Another special aspect of this film is that it has been entirely recorded using live sound.
The story features an encounter between a security guard skilled in Harikatha (a traditional storytelling form) and a novelist. The novelist imagines the security guard as Betaala and begins writing a story around him. The narrative unfolds as Betaala poses questions, and the novelist’s responses take the form of Vikramaditya’s answers, shaping the storyline. As the children’s tale progresses, a broader narrative also develops, seamlessly weaving together multiple characters.
The film was screened at the Noida International Film Festival, where it won the Best Director award, and was also showcased at the Melbourne Film Festival, earning widespread appreciation.
Children’s films often come with certain preconceptions, but Sees Kaddi defies these by presenting a fresh, experimental approach. The filmmakers have revealed that the movie consists of five interconnected stories that converge at a common point. Centered around a novelist and the children in his world, the film incorporates thrilling elements and thought-provoking themes, making it appealing to all age groups despite being categorized as a children’s film.
Directed with an experimental touch by Rathan Gangadhar, the film is co-produced by Sampath Shivashankar, Krithi Nanayya, and Rathan himself. Each segment of the screenplay and dialogues has been crafted by different writers: Akarsha Kamal for the Vikram-Betaala segment, Akshara Bharadwaj for the Chikki character, Sharath K. Parvathavani for Ravish, Jayant Venkat for Manji, and Mahendra Gowda for Taufiq. The film’s music is composed by K.C. Balasarangan, with lyrics penned by Mahesh N.C., Pratap V. Bhat, Mahendra Gowda, and Anujaya S. Kumtakar.
Set to release in the final weeks of May, Sees Kaddi promises a rare and refreshing cinematic experience for Kannada film lovers, just in time for the summer holidays.
