Bengaluru: The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) has decided to create awareness among the new Kannada film producers, directors and technicians in the wake of Mastigudi tragedy that claimed two lives recently.
Speaking with media persons here on Tuesday, Sa Ra Govindu, president, KFCC, said that efforts were being made to consult all stakeholders of Kannada film industry to prepare guidelines to prevent recurring such unfortunate incidents in future. “The negligence of the concerned people had claimed two precious lives. The director and stunt master should have taken precautions to avoid the tragedy. We are consulting the representatives of various associations of Kannada film industry. We will stipulate guidelines to be followed while picturising risky stunt scenes,’’ Sa Ra Govindu said.
He said the KFCC wanted to make insurance mandatory for technicians and stuntmen during the shooting. “I want the producers to insure the crewmembers against any loss during the shooting. There is a plan to have fund for the help of those killed or injured during the film shooting in future. We have requested the Department of Information to utilize Rs 1 crore that was allocated by the state government towards the welfare of Kannada film workers. Till now, the fund was with Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy,’’ he said.
He also expressed disappointment over the police treating Mastigudi film producer Sunder as accused number one (A1) while registering the FIR against the people responsible for Mastigudi tragedy. “Sundar has been remanded to judicial custody. I think the producer is not responsible for the tragedy. His job is to ensure all facilities for the shooting,’’ he said.
Compensation
Raja Rajeswarinagar MLA Munirathna, president, Kannada Film Producers’ Association, has said that he had appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister for Housing M Krishnappa to allot houses for the families of Anil and Uday who were drowned during the climax shooting of Mastigudi. “I am very happy Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to Anil and Uday families. I hope both the families to get shelters under Ashraya scheme,’’ Munirathna said.
Speaking on the occasion, Rockline Venkatesh, General Secretary, Kannada Film Artistes’ Association, said the discussions were being held with the representatives of Kannada Okkoota. “We have to involve more and more people in the discussions. A final meeting will be held under the leadership of Rebel Star Ambareesh to chalk out the plan on how to help the families of Anil and Uday,’’ Venkatesh said.
