Shortage of Accurate Kannada Historical Films a Concern: P. Sheshadri

Shortage of Accurate Kannada Historical Films a Concern: P. Sheshadri

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Jan 11, 2026: Filmmaker P. Sheshadri on January 11 expressed concern over the limited number of Kannada films on historical figures and the distortion of historical narratives in some of the existing works.

Speaking at a session titled “Chitra Mattu Chintane: Kannadada Srujanasheela Jawabdari” on the concluding day of the two-day Mangaluru Lit Fest, organised by the Bharat Foundation, Mr. Sheshadri said only about 12 Kannada films have been made on historical personalities.

He pointed out that several films take undue creative liberties by altering local dialects and ignoring regional culture. Citing the film on Kittur Rani Chennamma, he said the warrior queen was portrayed in Mysuru Kannada, with little reflection of the Kittur dialect, local cuisine or traditional attire. Similarly, the film on Sangolli Rayanna involved exaggerated narration, while Krishnadevaraya was depicted resembling the lead actor Dr. Rajkumar, he noted.

Mr. Sheshadri stressed that creative freedom should not come at the cost of historical accuracy. Cinema, he said, serves as a lasting form of documentation, and filmmakers must exercise responsibility while portraying historical figures and events, as films continue to be viewed for generations.

Actor and BJP spokesperson Malavika Avinash, concurring with Mr. Sheshadri, called for more films based on history. She urged filmmakers to strike a balance between entertainment and authenticity, adding that historical films can help reach a wider audience, especially since much of India’s history is preserved through oral traditions.

The session was moderated by Pallavi Rao Karanth.