Title-llating the audience

One of the first things to greet an audience at the theatres are the advertisements issued in public interest. This one, E Pattanakke Yenagide meaning, What has happened to this city? is a campaign against the use of tobacco products. Alternatively, if you were to call someone on the phone and got a busy tone, a recorded message played, Neevu Kare Madida Chandadararu Busy Yagiddare, meaning, the subscriber you have called is busy with another call. The reason we are talking about these messages? Because they are also titles of Kannada movies and Bengaluru Chronicle reports on such titles with a message.

“The prime focus of a movie title is to hint about the subject and content of a movie to the audience. However, these days, most titles have no connection to what the movie is about as the focus tends to shift to attention grabbing, catchy words, popular phrases and anything that sparks interest. The film Ee Pattanakke Yenagide might sound like a movie related to the anti-smoking drive but according to the filmmakers, it is a completely different subject, one that relates to the menace of cricket betting. Of course, it has garnered attention thanks to its title. The purpose is served,” says Santhosh, a film director.

Samuel Tony, the director of Neevu Kare Madida Chandadararu Busy Yagiddare was inspired by this automated message on the phone, to web a different tale. Dynamic Hero Devaraj will be seen in a new avatar for this uniquely titled movie. That’s not all, movie titles have even hit the road, theoretically! The latest film directed by Arun of the Gombegala Love fame is titled Old Madras Road. He says that the title was apt as the subject deals with ‘some’ youngsters from North Bengaluru. “The film will also star 15 Africans in special roles,” he adds.

Nanna Prakara meaning according to me, is another title that is sparking interest among the audience. The film also comes with a subtitle — Kelavu Dinagala Nantara, meaning a few days later. The film marks the comeback of Priyamani post her wedding. Some of the other unique titles are 6 to 6, 3000, Fortuner, Mombatti and others.