MUMBAI: Screened at four domestic film festivals, Reliance Big Pictures is now set to release the MS Sathyu-directed Kannada film Ijjodu on 30 April.
The story of Ijjodu is based in a remote area in Karnataka where photo journalist Ananda meets Chenni, a woman who was made a ‘Basavi‘ and was offered to the village goddess to save the superstitious locals from a devastating epidemic. Basavis, like Devdasis, often end up becoming sex workers.
Ananda specialises in photographing ancient monuments and writing about various rituals and customs that have gone unquestioned. He soon gets obsessed by Chenni’s unusual life. In trying to explore more information about her, he discovers that she is a victim of blind faith and the story unfolds to change their lives forever.
Says Sathyu, “Ijjodu is very close to my heart. The film takes a strong stand against the existent Devdasi pratha in the Yellama society in Karnataka. It has some excellent performances and music and I am happy that my 12-year long hiatus ends with such a beautiful film.”
Adds Reliance Big Pictures CEO Sanjeev Lamba, “Ijjodu not only marks the return of a director par excellence but also explores a social practice which has officially been banned from our society. Reliance Big Pictures is proud to be associated with such meaningful cinema.”
Scripted by the national award winner Sathyu himself, Ijjodu has noted South Indian actress Meera Jasmine, essaying the role of the female lead Chenni. The film also stars popular Kannada actor Aniruddha Jatkar as the male protagonist.
