Akana Kote: A film on the plight of tribals

The cast and crew of Kakana Kote are getting ready for the preview of their film on Kuruba tribals. (Express Photo)

BANGALORE: K V Subbana Aptha,  Samuha and Kannada Vartha Ilake will present the screening of a Kannada feature film titled Kakana Kote , followed by a discussion with the cast and other crew members on July 23.

Based on Masti Venkatesh Iyengar’s play, the movie is an interesting depiction of the tribal folk fight against the unjust imposition of tax on the Kuruba tribal communities living in Kakanakote.

All the songs of the movie have a timeless appeal and are superbly composed by C Ashwath. Lokesh plays the protagonist Kaka in this movie.

Kakanakote is a place situated at a distance of 73 km from Mysore. It is well for its thick forest and large number of wild elephants. Today, it is a wildlife national park monitored and regulated by the state.

This forest range was named after the legendary Kaka Nayaka, who was the leader of the local forest dwelling Kuruba people. Impressed by Kaka Nayakas bravery and wit; the then maharaja of Mysore named the forest after him.

Masti Venkatesh  has beautifully depicted the haadyas (group of dwellings)  including the lifestyle of the Kurubas, the oppression of the Hegde clan against these tribal folk and the shrewdness and bravery of Kaka. 

Hegdes were the palegaars (local chieftains) working for the Mysore kings and collected taxes in form of honey, ivory tusks and other forest produce from the tribe in the forest region.

They misused the order of the king and collected more from the tribe but gave the king only the stipulated amount, pocketing the rest themselves.

Kaka worked in the royal stables of Mysore growing up and knows the ways of the corrupt officials.

On his return to his village, he proclaimed himself the chieftain and refused to pay taxes to the Hegdes.

This prompts the Hegdes to use muscle power to bring down the uprising. The clever Kaka attacks the Hegdes’ camp at night and kidnaps his only son.

With his only son held at ransom the Hegdes donot dare to attack Kaka. Meanwhile, Hegde’s son falls in love with Kaka’s daughter. When there’s resistance for their marriage they decide to take drastic steps.  

The entire film was shot in the beautiful forest of Kakanakote. Come be a part of the legendary movie.

Source: newindianexpress.com