The filming of the Kannada movie ‘Mahakavi’, produced by Sri Prabhu Yatnatti of P.R. Associates and directed by Prof. Baraguru Ramachandrappa, has been completed. Post-production work is currently in progress. ‘Mahakavi’ marks the 25th directorial venture of Baraguru Ramachandrappa.
The film is based on the poetic concepts of Adikavi Pampa, known as the first poet of Kannada. The movie is not a biography of Pampa; instead, it is a visual representation of the ideas found in his works. The film presents narrative interpretations of the concepts Pampa expressed through his poetry. Pampa, who worked in the king’s court, upheld creative freedom, and his ideas on authority and creativity remain relevant today.
Pampa was also the first Kannada literary figure to oppose the caste system. In Adipurana, he stated that “humanity is one,” and in Vikramarjuna Vijaya, he used the character Karna to criticize caste divisions. Adipurana also includes ideas opposing the arrogance of power and promoting peace over war, as well as reflections on the impermanence of worldly pleasures. These ideas form the basis of the film’s structure.
Some of Pampa’s verses are used in the film. One song has been written by Baraguru Ramachandrappa, who has also handled the film’s screenplay, dialogues, and direction.
The role of Pampa is played by noted actor Kishore. Anusha Rai, known from Bigg Boss, plays the female lead. Aakanksh Baraguru plays the role of young Pampa. The cast also includes senior actors Sundar Raj, Prameela Joshoi, Kumar Govind, and others such as Sundar Raj Arasu, Vatsala Mohan, Raghav, Hanumanthegowda, Shantharaju, Chalapathi Sira, Balakrishna Baraguru, Nataraj, and Praveen.
The technical crew includes Suresh Arasu (editing), Nagaraj Adavani (cinematography), Shamita Malnad (music), Nataraj Shivu and Praveen (associate direction), Tribhuwan (choreography), and Hossmane Murthy (art direction).
