Padma Shri awardee M.S. Sathyu will turn 96 on July 6. Director Sudheer Attavar and the team of the film Koragajja are particularly celebrating this occasion, as Sathyu had provided important guidance for the film’s costume and art direction.
Koragajja, a much-awaited pan-India film, is jointly produced by Trivikrama Cinemas and Success Films and is now ready for release. A major national audio company has acquired its audio rights.
According to director Sudheer Attavar, the film’s costumes—designed in consultation with noted art director, theatre artist, and filmmaker M.S. Sathyu—are unique and historically rooted. The film is set nearly 800 years ago, and thus required historically accurate and conceptually strong costume design. Sathyu’s earlier works have been preserved in the Shakespeare Museum in London.
Director Sudheer shared that he had many discussions with Sathyu over the phone regarding the costume and art direction for Koragajja as well as for his upcoming project. However, Sathyu’s age-related health issues gradually limited further interactions. After collecting all the insights, the team proceeded with deep research before finalising the designs. Sudheer also mentioned that Sathyu had served as the art director for his earlier film Pari.
Sudheer Attavar himself has taken on the art direction responsibilities for Koragajja. He has worked with M.S. Sathyu across cinema, theatre, and television for nearly ten years. He also wrote all the songs for the film Ijjodu. Many of today’s prominent designers have emerged under the mentorship of Sathyu.
Sathyu, after hearing the story of Koragajja, reportedly appreciated the subject but expressed that it would be a highly challenging and difficult film to make. The costume design was particularly appreciated by actor Kabir Bedi, who plays the role of the Udyavara king in the film. He shared his appreciation on Instagram, noting how the costumes reflect influences seen in acclaimed Hollywood, Bollywood, and European cinema.
Koragajja, produced by Trivikrama Sapalya, is being prepared for a nationwide release. The film’s team is planning to launch the audio and trailer at a special venue in London.
The music, composed by Gopi Sundar in a new genre, has already attracted attention from several reputed audio companies. The soundtrack features voices such as Shreya Ghoshal, Sunidhi Chauhan, Shankar Mahadevan, Javed Ali, Sharon Prabhakar, Swaroop Khan, Armaan Malik, and South Indian singers like Ramesh Chandra, Anil Rajeev, Sannidanandanam, Vijesh Gopal, Prathima Bhat, and Kanjana.
The cinematography is by Manoj Pillai and Pawan. Editing is by Vidyadhar Shetty and Jith Josh. Sound design is by Bibin Dev, DI coloring by Liju Prabhakar, and VFX and graphics are handled by Lavan-Kushan.
