Hit films inspire idol makers

 

With the theme-oriented depiction of Ganesh idols gaining more popularity across the country over the last few years, the artisans are scouting for innovative themes and luckily this year Baahubali came to their rescue.

 

When this correspondent visited various Ganesh idol workshops in Visakhapat-nam, the artisans were seen recreating various scenes of the recently released Telugu films, including the to-be released Rudhramadevi. 

 

Prabhas carrying Shiva-lingam on his shoulders in Baahubali seems to be a favourite theme this year. Innovation being the mantra, an artist created a Ganesh idol that represents Hollywood actor-turned-professional wrestler Dwayne Douglas Johnson with a ribbed chest and abdomen at the request of some WWF enthusiasts!

Narendra of Lucky Boys Team, who ordered Allu Arjun’s Gona Ganna Reddy-styled Ganesh idol, explained, “Being ardent fans of Arjun, we want to give our idol Arjun the look of warrior from Rudhrama-devi wearing a black dress.” 

 

Many artistes  are a worried lot  due to a decline in sales. Ketha Srinu, an artist who owns a workshop near Lawsons’ Bay Colony, said, “With a hike in the price of clay, we had to increase the prices of idols in Vizag.” 

Harish, another artist who was giving final touches to an idol that was inspired by ‘Baahubali’ scene where Ramya Krishnan holds a baby above the river while she was drowning, said, “This year everybody was asking for a different themed idol and we are working hard to meet the deadline.”  The price for a four-foot idol starts at a price of Rs. 6,000.