Kannada body sees red over English titles for films

Taking serious exception to English titles for Kannada films, the Kannada Development Authority has appealed to the State Government in Karnataka to halt the trend by withdrawing Government incentives to such films.

Referring to the titles like “AK 47”, “Student”, Excuse Me”, “Game”, “Love” and “Operation Diamond Rocket” given to recently produced Kannada films, Kannada Development Authority President G S Siddalingaiah said the State Government to discourage the trend by refusing censor certificate, subsidy and tax exemption to such films.

Speaking to reporters, Siddalingaiah said a formal appeal in the regard would be made to the State Government and the Karnataka Films Finance Corporation.

The Kannada Development Authority, which is statutory body constituted to oversee the implementation of Kannada in administration, will also begin a campaign shortly to bring pressure on film makers to avoid use of English words and dialogues in Kannada movies. “Unnecessary usage of English words should avoided since there is a need to portray Kannada culture in a powerful medium like films”, Siddalingaiah said.

Meanwhile, the Kannada Development Authority has requested regional transport department chiefs to ensure display of Kannada numerals on the registration number plates of all Government vehicles.

Siddalingaiah also made out a case for increasing the penalty on commercial establishments for not displaying their nameboards in Kannada. “They are being fined Rs 100 to Rs 250 presently. We have asked the Government to increase the penalty to Rs 5,000 to Rs 10,000”, he said.