When many film industries encouraged dubbed film releases of other language films in their state, the Kannada film industry were an exception, who for a very long time were against the other language dubbed film releases in Karnataka. It is said, that the decision is followed for about 5 decades, reportedly to avoid any competition and revenue impact to their direct Kannada films at the box office.
There were cases filed to CCI, Competition Commission of India regarding the ban on dubbed films in the state and the committee had reportedly issued notice to the concerned movie committees of Karnataka seeking an explanation about the ban in 2017. In 2000, there were also concerns for the direct releases of non-kannada films in Karnataka, as they were allowed to release only after a delay of 6 weeks in the state as the new releases don't impact the revenues of the direct Kannada films.
But things have started to change, recently a few Tamil films were dubbed and released in Karnataka. Interesting it is Ajith's 3 films, Aarambam, Yennai Arindhal & Vivegam, but on the flipside, all these films were not allowed for a simultaneous release. They released later after months, few after years which impacted a wider release for the dubbed version as only the single screens released them and no takers from multiplexes. This scenario didn't help the producers who acquired the dubbing rights of non-kannada films.
The latest development in the Kannada film industry has given a new lease of life for producers and distributors who were interested in acquiring the dubbed films as it had a very good business potential. Now, the Malayalam film 'Oru Adaar Love' starring Priya Varrier and Roshan directed by Omar Lulu is being dubbed in Kannada as 'Kirik Love Story' and the most interesting part is it would have a simultaneous release on February 14th as valentines day special. The movie that created a good buzz all over India is said to be bought for a whopping price close to Rs 1 crore which is huge for a Malayalam film. The leads of the film are currently in Bengaluru for the movie promotions.
The highlight of the development is said to be, the dubbed version release is backed by the Exhibitors and the Karnataka Film Chamber. It is also said to be the Chamber will issue an approval letter to the CBFC. The move comes after an uninamous success of the dubbed version of the recent kannada film KGF in other states is said to be an influential factor to support other language dubbed film releases in the state.
