Date:07/06/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/06/07/stories/2007060716790200.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Book on Kannada cinema to be republished

K.N. Venkatasubba Rao

`Kannada Chalanachitrada Ithihasa' was withdrawn from circulation in 2002

BANGALORE: The Government has decided, pending formalities, to revise and republish the controversial two-volume book "Kannada Chalanachitrada Ithihasa", which was withdrawn from circulation in 2002 following complaints of factual distortion and incorrect information.

Public demand and a request from the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce, which owns the copyright to the book, are said to be the reasons for the Government's decision.

The KFCC, in association with Kannada University (Hampi), published the compendium covering 65 years of Kannada cinema, on January 21, 2002. The book was edited by journalists M.B. Singh, V.N. Subba Rao and Vijaya. A 12-member editorial board supervised its compilation.

The 1700-page effort was meant to capture the development of Kannada cinema from 1934 to 2000. Priced at Rs. 1,000, the publishers put up 1,500 copies for sale, and it was agreed that the university would market it. The cost was estimated at Rs. 22 lakh then.

Even as sales of the book was picking up, a section in the Kannada film industry and the public took objection to the "accuracy and objectivity" of some contents pertaining to some directors, technicians, producers and artistes, including thespian Rajkumar. Fearing public outrage, the KFCC decided to withdraw it from circulation with effect from May 15, 2002.

Defending its action in a carefully worded statement, the KFCC said the "book was not devoid of factual errors, misinterpretations, motivated articles and attempted caste aspersions against individuals and institutions, including the superstar of Kannada cinema, Rajkumar".

On June 8, 2002, Parvathamma Rajkumar also took umbrage to certain references made in the book pertaining to Rajkumar, and demanded that the Government ban it. The Secretary, Information, Tourism and Kannada and Culture I.M. Vittala Murthy told The Hindu that the Government would hold talks with the Vice-Chancellor and others concerned in university.

It would convene a high-level meeting of all those concerned soon after the conclusion of the three-day Vishwa Kannada Sammelan scheduled to be held in Belgaum in September, he added.