In the early months of 2024, a positive development has emerged for the realm of unconventional films struggling to find an audience in theaters and facing limited acceptance on OTT platforms.
Credit goes to Champa Shetty, director of Koli Esru (known for Ammachchiyemba Nenapu), and Prithvi Konananur, director of ‘Hadinelentu’ (acclaimed for Railway Children and Pinki Elli), for launching the ‘Paraspara’ platform aimed at drawing audiences back to theaters.
Paraspara operates as a website where audiences can secure tickets for both films at a cost of Rs. 200 per ticket. Following the purchase, the team sends a message indicating the designated theater. Initially focusing on multiplex screens, the Paraspara team aims to garner 5000 viewers for the January 26th, 2024 release of these two films. This innovative system is designed to ensure a consistent flow of audiences into cinema halls, eliminating concerns about a lack of interest. The structured approach is expected to benefit Kannada films that face challenges in attracting theatergoers.
This strategic initiative is noteworthy, given the existence of high-quality Kannada films that deserve proper screening, as emphasized by Padmasri Dr. Girish Kasaravalli. Dr. GK recalls an era when distributors supported offbeat filmmakers alongside commercial films, a practice that significantly aided the promotion of quality cinema. Dr. GK extends his best wishes to the Paraspara team for their endeavor to bridge the gap, expressing optimism after releasing the trailer of the Koli Esru Kannada film.
Renowned writer and senior journalist Girish Rao, also known as Jogi, highlights previous attempts to entice audiences back to theaters, citing BS Lingadevaru’s ‘Viratapura Vairagi’ as a commendable example. Although Jogi hasn’t witnessed the acclaimed films Koli Esru and Hadinelentu on national and international platforms, he remains confident that ‘Paraspara’ will gain substantial support in the days to come.
Champa Shetty and Prithvi Konananur express confidence in the success of the ‘Paraspara’ initiative, with actors Akshata Pandavapura, Apeksha Nagaraj, Neeraj Mathew, Sherlin, and others expressing their joy in being part of these films.
