Debut director Samartha braved leech-infested forests, snake fears, and the isolation of no phone signal while filming Kaadumale, Kannada cinema’s first “brain-scamming” sci-fi thriller. The film, featuring newcomers Harshan, Goutham, and Sangeetha, explores a gripping narrative where reality and illusion blur in the dense forests of Uttara Kannada.

A Journey Between Reality and Illusion
Samartha describes the plot as a fast-paced thriller that follows a female protagonist navigating an illusory forest under constant rain, battling the boundaries of perception and reality. “The dense forests and unrelenting rain became integral to the story’s atmosphere, creating a surreal backdrop for the protagonist’s journey,” he explained.

Challenges Turned into Strengths
Shooting in the wilderness presented unique challenges. “The absence of phone signals helped us focus on the shoot, though we had to contend with leeches and fears of snakes,” said Samartha. The crew wore special boots to ward off leeches. Despite the hardships, the camaraderie among the team, many of whom were friends, made the experience smoother. “This bond reflects in the on-screen chemistry,” he added.

A Fresh Slate for Content-Driven Cinema
Samartha, who transitioned from television to films, emphasized the advantage of being newcomers. “Without star baggage, we could focus entirely on the story. My experience in television taught me to keep scenes crisp, avoiding unnecessary elongation. Our priority was delivering quality content, and the lack of expectations from the audience works in our favor,” he said.

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