In today’s times, how women can protect themselves in any adverse situation is what director Narayan Poojar has attempted to convey through the film ‘Karastra’. The movie is releasing statewide on September 26 under the banner of Sri Shivashakti Cine Combines. Narayan Poojar himself has produced, written the story, screenplay, dialogues, lyrics, and directed the film.
Recently, the trailer and a motivational song of this film were released and well-wishers of the producer were present on the occasion and conveyed their best wishes.
Speaking about ‘Karastra’ director Narayan Poojar said, “We are trying to highlight through this film how important self-defense is for girls. I am from Badagi. I came to Bangalore in 2006 with the dream of becoming an artist. I trained under Guru Deshpande and also acted in his film. I played a major role in Vijay Sethupathi’s first Kannada film ‘Horata’, but it never got released. Later, I lost money while trying to make films with one or two people. Through newspapers, I understood the inner realities of the film industry. During the Covid period, I started this film. Basically, I am a karate master and I have used talents from North Karnataka in this movie. Once, the hard disk of the film got damaged, but we overcame that and have now brought the film to the release stage. This film has been like a penance for me. Many who worked in our film have earned recognition in the industry. Karate is one part of our movie. The heroine faces a problem—whether she resolves it or not is what Karastra is about. I have played a three-shaded character in the film.”
Later, the film’s heroine Manisha Kabbur said, “Karastra is teamwork. Initially, I didn’t even know how to face the camera, but the director taught me. Through this film, we have tried to convey that women must learn how to protect themselves.”
Baby Krishnaveni, Hemant, and Raj Bhaskar—who gave the background score—spoke about the specialties of Karastra. Distributor Kulkarni said, “I have watched the film. It has come out really well. We have planned to release it in about 25 to 30 theaters.”
Others in the cast include Karthik Poojar, Srinivas Hulakote, Kshiti Veeranna, Vidya Belagavi, Steffi Louis, among others. Cinematography is by Shankar Sugnalli, Lakshman, Mailari, and Gagan. Music is by Maharaj, background score by Raj Bhaskar, with stunts choreographed by Karate Manju and Shankar Shastri.