Talent mixed with hard work is the new effort of Sandesh Shetty Azri from the Kannada film “Gumti,” which focuses on the cultural sound of the Kudubi community, numbering fewer than 50,000 in Karnataka.
To give a convincing introduction to his film, Sandesh Shetty, a visual media professional for the last 15 years, invited members of the Gumti community on stage to perform an art form with a rich ancient history. After performing at SRV Theater, the artists explained the current fate of the Kudubi community and how their culture, which includes a special instrument (a one-sided Tabla made from animal skin), resonates in society.
The interesting song from the film “Gumti” – “Haduva Hakki Haduthaithe Manasa…Kayaka Madi Kano Kanasa,” penned by Dundi Mohan and composed and sung by Mahaboob Sab, a blind singer, was very promising and carried deep meaning. Santosh Kondankeri, the director, released the lyrical song of the film as a guest. Notably, the film contains only this one song.
Sandesh Shetty, explaining his life’s journey, stated that he conducted a survey on the Kudubi community and focused on two aspects of it in his film. Following his work on “Kattale Kone” and “Inamdar” in Kannada, he brings the ancient, fading art of the Kudubi community to life in the character of Kashi in “Gumti.” The film was shot over 20 days in locations such as Uttar Kannada, Nipani, Solapur, Dharwad, and Hubballi, depicting the community’s struggles in a social context.
Vikas S Shetty of Tasmay Productions, who was immensely impressed by the film’s concept, invested in “Gumti.” He finds the depth of the film’s narration interesting and describes it as an emotional journey.
Vaishnavi Nadig, playing the female lead for the first time, found every bit of the film shoot new and exciting. Editor Shivaraj Mehu, actor Karan Kunder, cinematographer Aneesh D’Souza, and Raghu Pandeshwar praised Sandesh Shetty’s process and caliber.
The film “Gumti” stars Sandesh Shetty Ajri and Vaishnavi Nadig as the main protagonists. Ranjan Chhatrapati, Karan Kunder, Yash Acharya, Prabhakara Kunder, Raghu Pandeshwar, Chetana Nailadi, Chitrakala, Noor Ahmed, Swaraj Lakshmi, and others play important roles in the movie.
