Veera Chandrahasa (Kannada with English Subtitles)

VEERA CHANDRAHASA (Kannada with English Subtitles) A Cinematic Tribute to Karnataka's Ancient Art Form "Where tradition meets cinematic magnificence, 'Veera Chandrahasa' brings the centuries-old art of Yakshagana to the silver screen in an unprecedented celebration of cultural heritage." Victory Cinema proudly presents "Veera Chandrahasa," a groundbreaking Kannada film that marks a historic milestone in Indian cinema as apparently, the world's rare feature-length production centered entirely around Yakshagana, Karnataka's revered traditional art form. Directed by acclaimed music composer Ravi Basrur (of KGF and Salaar fame), this mythological drama weaves together spectacular visuals, powerful performances, and authentic traditional music to create an unparalleled theatrical experience. The Cultural Revolution "Veera Chandrahasa" is not just a film but a cultural statement—an audacious artistic endeavor that preserves and showcases Yakshagana in its complete glory. This spectacle represents Basrur's passion project following years of meticulous research into this centuries-old performance art that combines dance, music, dialogue, and elaborate costumes to tell stories from Indian mythology. What makes this production truly special is Basrur's unwavering commitment to authenticity. The director spent over two years studying Yakshagana traditions before embarking on this ambitious project. In an unprecedented creative decision, Basrur limited his musical compositions to just two traditional instruments—the Maddale (hand drum) and Chende (loud drums)—while incorporating thirty-two classical ragas from Mohanam to Vasantha to create a soundscape that honors Yakshagana's rich musical heritage. The Epic Tale "Veera Chandrahasa" brings to life the ancient mythological story of Chandrahasa, a virtuous prince whose destiny is written in prophecy. Born to a king of Kerala with inauspicious signs—including six toes on his left foot—young Chandrahasa loses his parents when enemies kill his father and his mother commits sati on her husband's funeral pyre. Orphaned and vulnerable, the child is eventually taken to the Kuntala kingdom, where fate begins to weave an intricate tapestry around his life. After being adopted by Kulinda, a tribal king, Chandrahasa grows into a noble and capable young man, unaware that powerful forces are scheming against him. The central conflict emerges when Dushtabuddhi, the ambitious minister of Kuntala who harbors designs on the throne, recognizes the royal qualities in Chandrahasa and perceives him as a threat. What follows is a captivating narrative of palace intrigue, divine intervention, and ultimate triumph as Chandrahasa navigates treacherous plots against his life while unknowingly moving toward his destiny as the rightful ruler of Kuntala. The story takes a dramatic turn when Dushtabuddhi's own daughter, Vishaye, falls in love with Chandrahasa and alters a letter meant to order his poisoning. Through a series of divinely orchestrated events and mistaken identities, Chandrahasa not only survives but ascends to the throne, marrying both Vishaye and Princess Champakamalini. The tale culminates in a spectacular sequence where goddess Kali herself intervenes, granting boons to the virtuous Chandrahasa. Stellar Cast and Production "Veera Chandrahasa" features a talented ensemble cast led by Shithil Shetty Airbail as the titular Chandrahasa, with Prasanna Shettigar Mandarti delivering a powerful performance as the conniving Dushtabuddhi. Nagashree G.S. portrays Vishaye, while Uday Kadabaal takes on the role of Madana. The legendary Dr. Shivarajkumar makes a special cameo appearance as Shivaputtaswamy, a character pivotal to both the film's opening and climactic sequences—a commitment made more remarkable by the fact that he was undergoing cancer treatment during filming. The production's ambition is evident in its unprecedented scale for a Yakshagana-based project, featuring over four hundred and fifty authentic Yakshagana performers. In another nod to tradition, the film was reportedly shot using torches and flame lamps rather than conventional set lighting, creating a visual atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Yakshagana performances. "Veera Chandrahasa" represents a prestigious collaboration between Ravi Basrur Music & Movies and Omkar Movies, with acclaimed producer N.S. Rajkumar (known for award-winning films like "Myna" and "Mythri") at the helm. Adding further credibility to this cultural venture, Hombale Films—the production house behind blockbusters like "KGF" and "Kantara"—serves as the official presenter. A Unique Cinematic Experience What distinguishes "Veera Chandrahasa" from conventional cinema is its bold artistic vision that refuses to dilute Yakshagana's theatrical essence for mass appeal. The film embraces the elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and richly symbolic expressions characteristic of this traditional art form, celebrating rather than hiding its theatrical artifice. For the first time in cinematic history, audiences will witness the complete union of two distinct styles of Yakshagana—Tenku (southern) and Badagu (northern)—brought together in a single narrative. This unprecedented artistic fusion creates a visual and auditory experience unlike anything previously seen in Indian cinema. With English subtitles accompanying the Kannada dialogue, "Veera Chandrahasa" ensures that non-Kannada speakers can fully appreciate both the narrative and the cultural significance of this pioneering work. A Cultural Bridge Beyond its entertainment value, "Veera Chandrahasa" serves as a cultural bridge between generations. As traditional art forms face the challenge of remaining relevant in a digital age, Basrur's film offers a contemporary platform for Yakshagana to reach new audiences while preserving its authentic essence. Victory Cinema invites you to experience this unprecedented cultural milestone—a film that doesn't merely tell a story but preserves an artistic heritage for future generations. "Veera Chandrahasa" stands as a testament to Karnataka's rich cultural tapestry and the timeless power of mythological storytelling brought to life through the ancient art of Yakshagana. "Some call it a film. We call it a legacy."