Sumana's next is Edegaarike

Get your low down on what's happening in the world of Kannada, right here!

Director Sumana Kittur is returning to the big screen with a film based on the book Edegaarike.

The novel is penned by her mentor Agni Shreedhar. The film, which will carry the same title as the novel, is expected to go on floors in March 2011.

The book has been translated into Marathi as well as Malayalam. The book is said to be based on certain real incidents.

Earlier there were talks of it being adapted into a movie in Hindi. There were also rumours that Ajay Devgn and Atul Kulkarni were being considered for the lead roles. It now remains to be seen who will be cast in the Kannada film.

Sumana debuted as a director with Slum Bala. Her second film was Kallara Santhe. Insiders also say that Sumana is next directing a Hindi film.

Reality shows have proved to be a good platform for aspiring actors, dancers and singers.

The latest to get lucky is Barkhat Ali from Chitradurga. At just two and a half feet tall, Ali is now part of actor Komal's film Kal Manja.

The dancer who was spotted by comedian Komal in a reality show will be seen essaying the role of a dance master. Barkhat will be given a Michael Jackson look. Kal Manja is the remake of Malayalam film Chadikatha Chandu.

The story revolves around a film unit that helps two lovers to get together. "We generally see a director and his entire team of technicians bringing to life love stories on screen, but this film is about their contribution to a real life story," says Komal.

Director Guruprasad is playing the director's role while Thriller Manju plays the action director.

Raju Thalikote, who shot to fame after Manasare, plays a cinematographer in this film.

Komal is currently in Gujarat to scout for locations. "We are looking to shoot a song in Rann of Kutch," he says.

Development is a double edge sword...that's the subject matter of B Suresh's latest directorial Puttakana Highway.

The film looks at how if development spells betterment for some, it spells doom to others.

This film is about Puttaka and the sufferings she has to endure in the name of 'development'. The film reflects on her fight to save her land which is being taken away in the name of highway construction. It also looks into the compensations given by government in such cases. 

Puttakana Highway is based on a short story written by Nagathihalli Chandrashekar. Story, screenplay and dialogues are by B Suresh. Prakash Raj, Mandya Ramesh, Sihi Kahi Chandru, Achyuta and Veena Sundar are part of the cast.

Hamsalekha is the music director. He has utilised the compositions of Karnataka's Sufi singers in this film. Yograj Bhat has penned the lyrics for three songs. The film is due for an early 2011 release.