Bengaluru: Sahitya Akademi award-winning author and filmmaker Sudheer Attavar has spoken out against the objections raised by certain groups in Tulunadu regarding his upcoming film based on the revered Koragajja Daiva, a central figure in the Daivaradhane tradition of coastal Karnataka. Attavar, who is also a devotee of Koragajja, clarified that his film is a sincere attempt to tell the unique story of the deity and does not intend to disrespect the cultural and religious practices associated with it.
In an interview with PTI, Attavar expressed confusion over the backlash, saying, “I just wanted to tell the world the incredible story of this Daiva, one of the main deities of the Daivaradhane tradition of Tulunadu.” He further emphasised his belief in Koragajja and how he had performed a ‘buta kola’ (a traditional shamanistic performance, much like the one popularised in the recent film ‘Kantara’) to seek the deity’s blessings before the film’s production.
Resistance and Challenges
Despite his efforts, Attavar faced significant opposition while making the film. He revealed that the production encountered violent disruptions. “Even during the shooting, I faced a lot of problems because the goons attacked us. We had to stop shooting, and I lost lakhs and lakhs of money. I really don’t know why we were attacked like that,” he lamented.
The filmmaker highlighted that some factions within Tulunadu, where nearly 4,000 Daivas are worshipped, have been calling for a ban on the film, claiming that it disrespects their sacred beliefs. However, Attavar remains firm in his stance that his portrayal of Koragajja is done with the utmost respect and devotion.
A Passion Project of Deep Research
Attavar began working on the film much before the release of ‘Kantara’, which also delves into the traditions of Daivaradhane, but focuses on other deities like Panjurli Daiva and Guliga Daiva. His interest in Koragajja led him to spend nearly 18 months researching the deity’s lore.
“There are a lot of contradicting stories that float around Koragajja. So, I went through some literature, interviewed many experts, including tribal people, especially those who claim to be part of Koragajja’s family—they live near Bengaluru,” Attavar explained. His dedication to gathering authentic information strengthened his resolve to bring the Daiva’s story to the big screen.
A December Release
Sudheer Attavar is optimistic about his film, which is scheduled for release in December. He hopes that the audience will appreciate his portrayal of the deity and that the misunderstandings surrounding the film will clear up once it is viewed in its entirety.
Koragajja Daiva, being one of the most revered deities in Tulunadu, holds a special place in the cultural fabric of the region. Attavar believes that telling its story will only add to the rich tradition of Daivaradhane, shining a light on the unique practices and beliefs that continue to thrive in Karnataka.