Sandalwood's telly tales

Television has captured the minds of the majority, especially after it made a grand entry into the world of entertainment surpassing traditional feature films. With its ever-growing popularity, and multiple dimensions that constantly engage the audience with new programmes and shows, TV has even impressed traditional filmmakers to reap benefits by reaching almost every nook and cranny of the nation with the click of a button. 

Its reach and effects on the audience has time and again coaxed noted film makers to try their hand at small screen ventures. In fact, such ventures have earned many greater recognition, and they have gone onto make a mark for themselves. Several noted film directors and technicians have also directed and produced TV ventures. Amongst the most popular names from Sandalwood who have taken to the small screen with equal panache are Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, TN Seetharam, TS Nagabharana, Phani Ramachandra, Ashok Kashyap, S Narayan, Gadda Vijay, actor Naveen Krishna and several others. And, the latest to join the bandwagon is director Mahesh Sukhadhare with his epic saga Ughe Ughe Madeshwara. Bengaluru Chronicle reports.

“Directing a television programme or a popular tele-serial is way different from making a full-length feature film. A serial sustains on its popularity, and involves a lengthy process to keep the audience hooked on to it. One need to understand how the small screen works. It is certainly a tricky task, and not easy. Those who dismiss tele-serials as overhyped dramas, should realise that. Moreover, these days, the commercial aspects have made it even more challenging for any filmmaker to venture into it,” says film critic Subramanya.

In the past, when there were only a limited number of channels, the quality of TV shows was better and even involved noted filmmakers coming up with a series of timeless classics. “Directors like Phani Ramachandra, S Narayana, Seetharam, Nagabharana and several others made some of the best serial in Kannada even as they were making equally good films. Content involving the experienced campaigners did its magic. Serials like Danda Pindagalu, Vataara, Mayamruga, Parvathi are some of the biggest successes made by noted film makers,” says film writer Sree Harsha.

The latest to enter the fray is director Mahesh Sukhadhare with a tale, which has not yet been told on the big screen, given its magnitude. Only after a team of experts succeeded in creating a framework for the story, with years of effort with the help of researchers, did he decide to venture into it.

 Ughe Ughe Madeshwara which is directed and produced by K. Mahesh Sukhadhare of the Sambhrama, Sainika, Sarvabhowma and Ambarersha fame wraps up saying, “I am proud to be working with the folk serial Ughe Ughe Madeshwara. We are thrilled to mesmerise the audience with this whole new experience.”