In 2014, a trailer of a neo-noir gangster film titled “Ulidavaru Kandante,” written and directed by debutant Rakshit Shetty, captivated audiences and garnered widespread acclaim. This unique film, which showcased Tulunadu and its people, has since achieved cult status.
A decade later, the film continues to hold a special place in the hearts of fans who cherish its memorable dialogues, music, and the charismatic portrayal of Richie, played by Rakshit Shetty himself. Notably, “Ulidavaru Kandante” was the first Kannada film to be shot entirely in sync sound. As the film celebrates its 10th anniversary on March 28, the cast and crew fondly reminisce about their experiences.
Rakshit Shetty, the film’s writer and director, credits his spiritual journey for inspiring the story. “I had started reading books on the Theosophy Society and Chakras. I gained deeper insight into how people behave under various circumstances and how everyone has their own perception about life and its situations,” Rakshit explains. He further elaborates that the film represented the five elements of life – air, water, fire, space, and earth – with characters designed as a testimony to them.
Cinematographer Karm Chawla, who made his debut with this film, recalls the filming process. “When I first went on the recce in Malpe, the whole place was dry and brown due to summer. When we went for the shoot a month and a half later, it was swathed in green by the rains. I then realised that Rakshit didn’t want to hold on to any one particular perception. He liked to go to a place, feel it and then go for it,” says Chawla.
Rakshit Shetty emphasizes his commitment to reflecting his upbringing and the land he was raised in through his first film. “I was clear that my first film had to reflect the life I knew and the land I was raised in. I had the character sketches and synopsis in mind for many years. So when I made up my mind to write the story, I wrote it in 12 days,” he shares.
The film boasted an impressive ensemble of Kannada cinema’s biggest stars at the time, who, according to the team, exhibited remarkable humility on set. “Kishore, for instance, would even wash his own plate. He even drove the vehicle with the team and its props to locations without batting an eyelid. His humility blew us over,” the team recalls.
The film also delves into the unique cultural flavors of Tulunadu. “Tulunadu has some unique cultural flavors and the huli vesha is something I wanted to explore. Having grown up watching Ashtami celebrations in Udupi and the quintessential tiger dance during that time, I was keen on showing the streets of Udupi, the bodies of these dancers being painted, and the high-octane dance that follows,” Rakshit shares.
Furthermore, the local fisherfolk and their traditional song, Dinsal, played a significant role in the film. “With Malpe featuring in a major way, the local fisherfolk were also part of my story. I had noticed how the fishermen sing a song while pulling their boats onto the shore. It’s called Dinsal and it sounded so alluring. I decided to use this in Ulidavaru Kandante,” Rakshit adds.
As “Ulidavaru Kandante” celebrates its 10th anniversary, it remains a testament to the creativity and vision of its first-time filmmakers and continues to be cherished by fans for its unique storytelling and authentic portrayal of Tulunadu’s culture and people.
