CLN has been receiving many messages about this movie which has apparently made a huge impact in the few weeks that it was screened in South Kodagu, especially Gonikoppal. Such unexpected extreme success from a relatively unknown Film Unit also attracts its detractors. Unfortunately, this movie has now become a recurrent target of misinformation campaigns. Various unverified claims, potentially driven by ulterior motives have sought to undermine the relative success of this movie.
The editorial team and News desk, in consultation with people who have written in and incorporating the views of our regular readers across age profiles and different affected communities, decided to set the record straight by dispelling the active and unfounded, speculative and lacking substantiation/credibility social media posts.
We requested one of our senior, well respected and regular contributor to interview Sanketh Shivappa Pujari.
A brief word about Sanketh from those amongst us who have actually interacted with him on several occasions. Humble, affable, resilient and professionally a wizard with drone photography. He was involved in capturing images during Kodava festivals, Cultural Studies (a project on AineManes with NITTE School of Architecture), Family Hockey Festivals, the pathbreaking Kodavaame Balo Nadp (where his iconic drone photography was deployed on most news channels, media houses and social media) and has undertaken many videography/filming assignments.
In his extensive work for Coorg the cookbook he visited many individual homes, food and landscape photography, AinManes, sacred dances at temples/mandh across the length and breadth of Kodagu – all with prior permission and disclosure – as the people engaging him would insist in doing so without exception. Many of us have met him during the launch of the much-acclaimed Coorg the Cookbook in Bangalore and Madikeri, where he was part of the photography team for capturing landscape and on the ground visuals. It is therefore difficult to associate this gentleman photographer with any intent to put down a community that he admires, respects and has understood as though he was one amongst us.
In the spirit of all that Kodavaame represents, it is only incumbent as a community that has provided responsible leadership to those living on this sacred land over millennia, to show mutual respect, much needed camaraderie and guidance rather than threats and unwanted aggression. The support that the Kodava community got from all those who follow our way of life with utmost respect during the Kodavaame Balo Nadp, should be reciprocated with equal responsibility, equanimity and support to talent amongst our fold.
As a background to the interview, we are reproducing excerpts from the various letters and conversations that we have had:
…. Wanted Bala faced boycott calls from some members of the Kodava community even as it continued to run in theatres for many days with house full shows. This raises a simple question: if the content was truly an insult, why was it allowed to be screened to a wide audience (many of whom were Kodavas) and to much acclaim and appreciation?
…. We should support upcoming filmmakers and encourage creative expression, especially if they align themselves with the Kodava way of life. We have every right to question, critique, or disagree with a filmmaker; but such unilateral whimsical judgments are more meaningful when made after engaging with the work itself.
…. We have watched many Kodava films in the past dealing with sensitive issues like drug abuse and social problems, and there was no opposition or demand for bans then. So why should this film be treated differently, especially before even allowing the director a chance to respond or make necessary cuts, if any scenes are genuinely found to be offensive or insulting?
…. Cinema is a form of expression like art work, poetry, books, landscape artists and so on. A sincere filmmaker, as is the case with Sanketh Poojary, may succeed in certain aspects, with minor shortcomings in others which can be corrected. We may appreciate it, dislike it, debate it, or even strongly criticise it. Yet, criticism is meaningful only when it is “informed” by having seen and understood the work.
…. What is concerning is the tendency to conclude that something is objectionable before allowing it to be experienced, especially when it is the work of emerging creators trying to find their voice with good intention.
…. If we truly value our community, culture, and identity, we should be confident enough to first watch, understand, and then respond. Our culture is not diminished by differing portrayals. On the contrary, a mature community is one that can engage with diverse perspectives thoughtfully and critically.
…. Let us not silence a story before we have heard it. Let us watch first, question later and by exception seek redressal of objectionable content. Anything else suggests unwanted vindictiveness avoidable suppression of creativity by a well intentioned talent. In this instance, the director – Sanketh, has not even been spoken to.
…. Personally, I would prefer to watch the film, understand the filmmaker’s intent, and then form an opinion. I have.“SEE” AND THEN ONLY “JUDGE”.
Excerpts from an exclusive conversation with Director Sanketh Shivappa, whose film Wanted “Bala” has created waves across Kodagu and Karnataka. The trending song “poode, poode, poode waa” features traditional songs of four tribal communities, which has captured the audience’s imagination with its cultural authenticity and roots. In conversation with a senior writer representing CLN Sanketh speaks about his inspiration, the making of the film, his journey and the overwhelming response to its success.
CLN: What inspired you to make this movie?
Sanketh: My journey into cinema began without any formal training or elaborate plans, but with the simple magic of growing up in Kodagu as a child. The incredible beauty of nature became a lasting source of inspiration. The hills, greenery and unique surroundings of the region has remained an important influence in the creative journey.
CLN: What gave you the motivation?
Sanketh: The biggest motivation for me was my own life. My real-life experiences are deeply connected to the film. Many of the emotions, situations and experiences portrayed in the story came from what I have seen, felt and lived through. So, this film is a reflection of my own life and journey.
CLN: Why did you feel this particular story and genre would connect with the audience?
Sanketh: Some of the incidents and emotions portrayed in the film are part of all our lives. We may come from different backgrounds, but certain experiences, relationships and situations are universal. When people see something on the screen that reminds them of their own lives, they naturally connect with it. I believe that is what makes this story relatable to the audience.
CLN: Who believed in you when this film was still an idea on paper?
Sanketh: it was my team who believed in me when the film was still only an idea on paper. The people who worked with me stood by the vision from the beginning and gave me the confidence to take it forward. Their support, trust and commitment played a very important role in bringing the film from an idea to the screen.
CLN: When you see the audience celebrating your film today, what is the one thought that goes through your mind?
Sanketh: Quite simple – am happy more than anything and am grateful that the audience has accepted the film and connected with it. As a first-time film maker there is no greater happiness than seeing people appreciate and celebrate something you have created with so much love and effort.
CLN: If you had to describe your entire journey, from the first dream to this moment in one sentence, what would you say?
Sanketh: The journey was not always easy. But every challenge taught me something and every effort took me one step closer to my dream.
CLN: The film created a strong buzz and is currently trending. Did you imagine it would receive such an outstanding response?
Sanketh: No. Honestly, I never imagined that this film would receive such an outstanding response. I only hoped that the audience would appreciate and connect with the film. The response we are receiving today is well beyond what I expected.
CLN: What do you think in one element that has made people relate to it so deeply?
Sanketh: I think people have connected with the film so deeply because they feel “This is ours” . It reflects our culture, our traditions and our way of living.
CLN: The trending song ” POODE, POODE, VAA ” has become the major talking point. Did you expect the song to be such a sensation?
Sanketh: I personally liked the song very much and I feel that the audience would also enjoy it. But I never expected it to become such a sensation or a major talking point. Seeing the way people have embraced the song and made it a trend has been a wonderful and happy surprise. It is now played at many functions across Kodagu, Karnataka and beyond. I was most touched to see the people dance in the Bael Pani featured in many reels on social media.
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I did watch the movie with my family . It’s a family entertainer movie and what impressed me the most was the cinematography, the culture, emotions and connections with Kodagu .
Producing a film for the first time is a significant achievement, and this movie reflects courage, dedication and creative vision. The whole team deserves appreciation. It’s a promising beginning and I look forward to seeing even bigger accomplishment in future projects. Wishing Sanketh and his team all the very best.
Poode Poode vaa folk song showcases tradition, culture and emotions leaving a lasting impression loved it.
Apparently, the story line is strongly influenced by the personal life of Sanketh Shivappa. Their family, alongwith the Poojary community has lived in Kodagu for several generations and it is this inseparable identity with the land that he loves that has encouraged him to share his thoughts with his friends (dyed-in-the-wool amateur cricketers) to make this movie. All credit to him for pulling off a very creditable performance. The songs are viral, well beyond the hills of Kodagu. It has a great vibe and has the potential to go places.
Saw the movie in Kodava Samaja and was very impressed with the cinematography, acting, story and music. What is also very appealing is that all of the film unit members carry on with their everyday jobs and manage to find the time and energy to pull off a very credible film. Bottom line – very good effort and outcome.
Every creative work can invite discussion, appreciation and criticism, and cinema should always remain open to informed debate. But emerging filmmakers also deserve the opportunity to have their work seen, understood and evaluated on its merits.
Sanketh Shivappa deserves appreciation not merely for the success of Wanted “Bala”, but for having the courage to dream, create and bring a story from his own experiences and surroundings to the screen. His journey is a reminder that talent can emerge from anywhere—and that when passion is combined with perseverance and a genuine respect for one’s roots, it can create something that people recognise as their own.
Thank You, Audience.
A heartfelt thank you to our wonderful audience for making Wanted Bala such a huge hit! Your love, support, and appreciation mean the world to our entire team.
Sanketh Shivappa has been an extremely professional, dedicated, and talented director and co-artist. It was truly a wonderful experience working with him.
I’m incredibly proud and grateful to be a part of the Wanted Bala team. This success belongs to each and every person who worked behind and in front of the camera, and most importantly, to our amazing audience who made it possible.
Thank you for all your love and support! 🙏
Wanted Bala – forever special!
CLN should be congratulated for this well articulated message that encourages new talent, especially by a young bunch of artistes and upcoming professionals who have expressed nothing but praise for our Kodagu.
There is a really important message that the article has highlighted and summarized in the end –
In the spirit of all that Kodavaame represents, it is only incumbent as a community that has provided responsible leadership to those living on this sacred land over millennia, to show mutual respect, much needed camaraderie and guidance rather than threats and unwanted aggression. The support that the Kodava community got from all those who follow our way of life with utmost respect during the Kodavaame Balo Nadp, should be reciprocated with equal responsibility, equanimity and support to talent amongst our fold.
What a fantastic and enjoyable song! Wholesome congratulations to the team for this wonderful movie that needs to be supported. It is worth reproducing in other languages too. Eventually, English sub-titles will be useful for the diaspora too.
Thank you so much for your wonderful words and support! We truly appreciate your encouragement for the entire team. Your suggestion about releasing the movie in other languages and adding English subtitles for the diaspora is very encouraging. We will definitely keep this in mind. Thank you once again for supporting Wanted Bala!
We have not seen the movie Wanted Bala as yet, but all accounts of those who have seen it say that it is a good, clean family entertainer. But the purpose of this message is to appreciate the music and rendition of the song Poode Poode Va. Very pleasing and foot stamping tune.
Thank you so much for your kind words and appreciation! We’re truly happy to hear that you enjoyed the music and the rendition of Poode Poode Vaa. Your encouragement means a lot to our entire team. We hope you get an opportunity to watch Wanted Bala soon and enjoy it with your family. Thank you once again for your love and support!
Really enjoyed reading this. Wishing Sanketh and the entire Wanted Bala team continued success and the very best for the future.
An appreciation and support from a youngster has special significance. Thank you.
An excellent article by CLN, giving great insight into Mr. Sanket Poojari and his journey.
Personally, I haven’t seen the movie yet, so I would not be able to comment on the film. However, I know Sanket Poojari very well and can vouch for his talent.
He is a very talented and innovative youngster. He was the one who created the elaborate video on the Kundyolanda family and also shot all the award-winning drone footage during our prestigious Kundyolanda Hockey Carnival 2024.
Sanket is calm, creative, and exceptionally talented. I wish him great success in Wanted Bala and in all his future endeavours.
All the very best, Sanket!
Thank you Dinesh Sir for the thoughtful comments which I am really happy to see. My family have lived here for many generations, but when I was involved in projects with Kundyolanda family, Kodava festivals and of course Coorg the cookbook, it gave me in-depth insights into the Kodava way of life. Thank you for your support.
Had the pleasure of meeting Sanket during the book.launch of ‘Coorg the cookbook’ at Madikeri.
Fondly remember the humble nature of Sanket along with his passion about his upcoming movie then. Happy to see it make waves now. Of the glimses I have seen, it looks great with that frames and visually he has created. It is a huge huge effort to to be able to pull of so many roles from story-prodution-direction-acting. It’s a big big big task to be able to do all of them. Nothing less that razor sharp focus and immense conviction.
I am happy to see the outcome now.
All the best to Sanket for all future ventures and congratulations on the milestone achieved. Definitely the first step to a greater journey in film making.
Coming from a professional like you, truly means a lot. Thank you for your support.
For a first attempt, the Director has done a stupendous job and needs to be appreciated. Being a writer and poet myself, I have received tremendous support from my community, peers and the people of Udipi, Manipal and all surrounding areas. This is a good effort and fresh, earnest and non-sensational talent should always be encouraged.
Reading this article has left a very positive impression on me. What stood out to me about Wanted Bala is the determination behind its making. Creating a film is never easy, and doing so with limited resources, basic technology, and a great deal of self-belief makes the achievement even more meaningful.
Sanketh deserves special appreciation for having the confidence to take on both direction and production. For someone at the beginning of his journey, that is a bold step and speaks volumes about his passion and belief in his work.
The entire team deserves recognition for coming together and turning an idea into something tangible. I hope this opens the door to many more opportunities for this team. I enjoyed listening to the track poode poode va and must say it’s very catchy and different. Heard it on repeat mode and when i played it at home my parents loved it too.
May Wanted Bala be the beginning of a long and rewarding journey in cinema. Wishing Sanketh and the entire team the very best for their future projects.
Really appreciate the balanced, responsible and detailed factual review by CLN Online, who have gained a reputation for unbiased, inclusive and secular news coverage.
This is an excellent family movie which our entire family saw and enjoyed. It is a simple, honest, earnest and the cinematography is in keeping with Sanketh’s reputation as a thorough professional.
Let me also state emphatically that I know the Director very well on several other assignments that he has undertaken. He has definitely grown in stature with the shoots he’s undertaken for Coorg the cookbook and his understanding and live for Kodagu is as intense with the pictures that he takes – there is a devotion that cannot be missed – especially in the landscape photography. His coverage of the Kodavaame Balo Nadp is legendary.
Well done Sanketh and your entire team needs a good pat on the back!
We have travelled so many times for shoots Rajesh Anna and thank you very much for support always.
“𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒍 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚. 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒇𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒕.”✨🎬
I watched the movie, and honestly, it was superb!❤️🎬 The way the beauty and greenery of Kodagu, the emotions, relationships and real-life situations were shown on screen was truly beautiful. 🌿
It’s not easy to think of an idea, turn it into a story, and bring it all the way to the screen. Someone had to dream it first, and the entire team put in their time, effort and passion to make it happen. 👏
More than just a movie, I feel it is an effort that deserves to be appreciated. Instead of judging it through others’ opinions, watch it once and experience it yourself.🙏🏻
I watched “Wanted Bala” and I genuinely liked every bit of it. What stayed with me was its rootedness- the culture, the emotions , the way of life and the beautiful connection with kodagu. The success of ” poode poode poode waa” is no surprise, it carries the soul of our land.
Hard work always pays and sanketh’s journey is a beautiful reminder of that. His story deserves to be heard not through misconceptions, but through his work, his journey and his own words.
Reply to Mamatha:
Thank you for your kind comments Mamatha Ma’am. I was encouraged by your presence at the theatre to watch the film and the subsequent discussions were very insightful and encouraging. Thanks 🙏🏼
Sir,
I have gone through the write-up and the interview thoroughly. I truly appreciate your sincere effort in bringing out the truth and, more importantly, in supporting and encouraging a new team of talented and passionate filmmakers.
Wanted Bala is a wonderful example of how a filmmaker’s dream can be transformed into reality through passion, determination, creativity, and perseverance. What makes this achievement even more appreciable is the way the team has made effective use of basic technology and limited resources to achieve such a good result.
Director and producer Sanketh has clearly demonstrated genuine talent, confidence, and a strong creative vision. For a newcomer, taking up the responsibility of both direction and production is itself a commendable achievement. His dedication and enthusiasm are clearly reflected in the film.
The entire team deserves appreciation for their sincere efforts and commendable contribution. Wanted Bala may be a beginner’s venture, but it is certainly a promising beginning. Every great filmmaker has a first film, and this effort shows that Sanketh has the potential to grow into a fine director and actor if he receives the right guidance, encouragement, moral support, and opportunities.
Instead of judging a first attempt only by its limitations, it is important to recognize the courage, creativity, and hard work behind it. Supporting such young and talented teams can encourage them to dream bigger and create even better films in the future.
I sincerely hope Wanted Bala becomes a stepping stone towards many more successful projects for Sanketh and his team. Their passion deserves appreciation, encouragement, and the opportunity to reach a wider audience.
Thank you once again for bringing this inspiring story and interview to us. It is truly an eye-opening and encouraging piece of work, especially for those who believe that with passion and determination, even a simple dream can become a reality.
In plain and simple language – it is good down-to-earth family entertainment that we have not seen in a long time. The hard work shows and must be appreciated.
Seeing is Believing – the movie is harmless good entertainment. The main song is especially captivating and the feet move without provocation….. I was amused and happy to see people playing the songs at the Naati/Bael Pani.
Thank you, for your kind words.
Creating a movie isn’t an easy task. Let’s appreciate the efforts gone into this. It has been justified already that there were no cynical desires to bring our community down.
‘Helping hands are better than praying lips’
With that let’s be reminded that a person who has not watched the movie at all is not qualified to review based on someone else’s opinions.
Heartfelt thanks from the Wanted Bala team for your support and encouragement. 🙏❤️
ವಾಂಟೆಡ್ ಬಾಲ ಚಿತ್ರವು ಕೊಡಗಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಆಗುತ್ತಿರುವ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆಧರಿಸಿ ಒಂದು ಮೂವಿ ಮಾಡಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಇದರಲ್ಲಿ ಬರುವ ಎಲ್ಲಾ ಸನ್ನಿವೇಶಗಳು ಕಾಲ್ಪನಿಕ ಅಷ್ಟೇ
ಚಲನಚಿತ್ರವನ್ನು ಚಲನಚಿತ್ರವಾಗಿ ನೋಡಿದರೆ ಸಾಕು ಅದು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಸಾಮಾಜಿಕ ಜಾಲತಾಣಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಬೇಡದ ಸುದ್ದಿ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಬೇಡ
ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅಮೂಲ್ಯ ಬೆಂಬಲ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹಕ್ಕೆ ವಾಂಟೆಡ್ ಬಾಲಾ ತಂಡದ ಹೃದಯಪೂರ್ವಕ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. 🙏❤️
ನೀವು ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಿರುವ ಪ್ರೀತಿ, ಬೆಂಬಲ ಮತ್ತು ಪ್ರೋತ್ಸಾಹವೇ ನಮ್ಮ ತಂಡಕ್ಕೆ ಇನ್ನಷ್ಟು ಶಕ್ತಿ ನೀಡುತ್ತಿದೆ. ನಿಮ್ಮೆಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಅನಂತ ಧನ್ಯವಾದಗಳು. 🙏
First of all, my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has expressed their love, concern, and opinions about Wanted Bala.
As a filmmaker, one of the greatest honours for me is that my film has sparked conversations among people. If someone liked the film, it makes me happy. If someone disagreed with certain aspects, they have every right to express that as well. Cinema is not merely entertainment – it is also a medium for thought, expression, and dialogue.
I did not make Wanted Bala with any intention of insulting or disrespecting any individual, community, or culture. I created this story out of my love for Kodagu, its people, culture, language, nature, and the social realities I have experienced.
I am from Kodagu. I have not viewed this culture as an outsider. I have grown up among the people of this land, their way of life, and its culture. Therefore, I could never have an intention to hurt or belittle the Kodava community.
The characters, incidents, and situations portrayed in the film should not be considered as a representation of an entire community. They are fictional characters and situations created as part of the story.
As a director, I respect my freedom to tell a story, just as much as I respect the audience’s freedom to express their opinions.
However, it is painful to see judgments being made based on a few social media posts or hearsay, without watching the entire film or understanding its story and intention.
If anyone has a genuine concern about me or my film, I am always willing to have a conversation. Please speak to me directly. Tell me which scene is a concern and why. I am willing to listen and understand it as a filmmaker.
Wanted Bala is not a film backed by a large production house. We made this film with limited resources and our own efforts, driven by a genuine desire to tell a story from our own land.
For us, this film is more than just a film. It is the result of our team’s hard work, dreams, and years of effort.
The love and support the film received went far beyond our expectations. Especially seeing people from Kodagu come to theatres, watch the film, share their opinions, and encourage us has been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life.
Rather than taking pride in the fact that my film succeeded, what makes me truly happy is that a small film team like ours was given an opportunity, people listened to our story, and our efforts were recognised.
I will continue to make sincere efforts to tell meaningful stories while respecting the land, people, and culture of Kodagu.
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported me, everyone who questioned me, and everyone who stood by me.
– Sanketh Shivappa, Director & Producer – Wanted Bala.