Jayamala Returns to Lead Karnataka Film Chamber with Ambitious Vision
Sipping her favorite bellada tea, veteran actor and producer Jayamala reflects on her journey as she begins a second term as president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce. Her conversation naturally gravitates toward her passions: cinema, her renewed leadership role, and the dream of honoring Kannada cinema as it approaches its centenary in 2034.
A Dramatically Changed Cinematic Landscape
In my second term as Film Chamber president, the landscape of cinema has changed dramatically, Jayamala observes. The last time I held this position from 2008 to 2010, the industry operated very differently. Today, social media has revolutionized promotion and engagement, while satellite television has expanded with numerous channels intensifying competition. Even print media, though facing pressures, continues to maintain its presence.
The economics of filmmaking have become particularly daunting. Projects that once required modest budgets now demand crores of rupees, with publicity expenses sometimes matching production costs. For small and independent filmmakers, this financial burden represents a growing concern. Jayamala expresses shock at discovering that a leading actor's remuneration can consume half of a film's total budget, raising critical questions about investment recovery.
This situation brings to mind legendary actor Dr. Rajkumar, whose films enjoyed successful theatrical runs for weeks, yet he never aggressively pursued higher compensation. The fundamental question emerges: Are contemporary audiences and stakeholders truly valuing cinema as an art form today?
Breaking Barriers as the First Woman Leader
I'm the first woman to walk the precincts of the Chamber, Jayamala notes with quiet pride. Her involvement with the film chamber dates back to 1992, progressing through roles as office-bearer, treasurer, vice-president, and now president for a second term. She has never viewed her position as a woman in a man's world, instead crediting guidance from stalwarts like R. Lakshman and C.V.N. Shastri during her early years.
From them, she learned the institution's functioning and the substantial responsibility the leadership role demands. For Jayamala, this presidency represents an opportunity to give back to the craft that shaped her career. With added political experience, she returns with clearer insights into the industry's needs. Her advice to young women pursuing careers in cinema remains straightforward: stay fearless and maintain unwavering focus on your goals.
Addressing Critical Industry Challenges
Jayamala identifies Kannada cinema's most pressing challenge as the lack of a strong second and third line of heroes beyond established top stars. Earlier decades thrived with abundant talent including Dr. Rajkumar, Vishnuvardhan, Ambareesh, Shankar Nag, Anant Nag, and accomplished female actors like Lakshmi and Kalpana. That golden era also featured a vibrant parallel cinema movement led by creative voices including P. Lankesh, Chandrashekar Kambar, Girish Kasaravalli, and Girish Karnad.
One often-overlooked factor contributing to current challenges was the industry's geographical shift from Madras to Bengaluru, essentially requiring rebuilding from scratch. The cross-industry exchange and creative experimentation that once flourished gradually diminished during this transition.
Infrastructure represents another significant concern. Karnataka still lacks a dedicated film city, a specialized film institute, and advanced animation or graphics hubs. Adapting to evolving technology and building stronger institutional systems is absolutely essential for developing a self-sustaining industry, Jayamala emphasizes.
Building on Pan-India Success
Filmmaking represents a collective endeavor requiring mutual support rather than internal competition, Jayamala believes. Perceptions have positively shifted with films like KGF, Kantara, and Sapta Sagaradaache Ello placing Kannada cinema prominently on national and global maps. Artists like Yash and the broader South Indian film fraternity have brought renewed respect to the industry.
What we need now is consistency and enhanced collaboration to sustain this momentum, she asserts. Karnataka possesses immense cultural and literary richness that young filmmakers should tap into to create strong, authentically rooted stories that resonate with audiences.
Preserving Cinematic Heritage
The urgent need for film preservation cannot be overstated. While Karnataka has a film academy, Jayamala stresses the necessity for more proactive preservation efforts. Kannada's first film, Sati Sulochana, remains largely lost to time, and even her own Tulu-language film survives only through four still photographs.
We must systematically document the journeys of our cinematic achievers in published books, she insists, so future generations can learn from their experiences and contributions.
Ambitious Centenary Celebrations
Jayamala reveals she has substantial plans for Kannada cinema's centenary year. Having previously led the Amruthamahotsava celebrations, she recognizes the importance of building a meaningful run-up to the 100-year milestone of Sati Sulochana. This celebration cannot be limited to a single annual film festival.
Her vision includes organizing film festivals across multiple districts to cultivate broader film culture, introducing audiences to world cinema and films from various languages. She also envisions establishing mini theatres with integrated cafés across cities, making cinematic experiences more accessible while providing smaller filmmakers with platforms to showcase their work.
These represent small but significant steps that collectively contribute to building a stronger, more resilient film industry, Jayamala concludes, her eyes reflecting both the challenges ahead and the dreams she holds for Kannada cinema's future.
