SURA: Sarthak Hegde's Symphony of Faith, Identity, and Dogmatism.

In the evocative world of SURA, the 23-year-old writer/director Sarthak Hegde presents a cinematic odyssey that transcends cultural borders by blending the traditional art form of Yakshagana with hyperstylism. At its core is the gripping narrative of Shekhara, a Yakshagana artist grappling with dogmatic faith in the surreal setting of coastal Karnataka, India. The film is set to premiere at the prestigious 32nd St.Louis International Film Festival, USA on the 18th of November, 2023.

Crafting the Sonic Tapestry: Sounds of Faith and Identity

SURA meticulously weaves its soundscape with religious undertones. Collaborating with Hegde, sound designer Anandrag Veyattummal captures authentic sounds from Mangalore, creating an auditory canvas reflecting the cultural and religious nuances of the region. Surya Srini's haunting soundtrack, led by an overpowering saxophone, transforms familiar settings into an otherworldly experience, adding an unheard depth to the experience

SURA: A Local Odyssey on the Global Stage

As SURA continues to garner international acclaim, it adds to the hope for the burgeoning Kannada film industry on the global stage. Sarthak Hegde strives to present Kannada through a contemporary lens, by challenging conventional norms. Hegde's storytelling, marked by loud and occasionally obnoxious tones, breaks free from established norms, ushering in excitement and uncertainty. He advocates for liberating regional cinema from predetermined formulas, allowing it to represent unspoken cultural nuances while simultaneously breaking them.

For Hegde, storytelling transcends the surface, delving into cultural narratives and breaking chains binding individuals to biased perspectives. SURA stands as a testament to this vision, a film paving the way for hyper-stylistic contemporary films in regional languages on the global cinematic stage.

Art Born from the Unplanned: The Creative Process

Hegde's creative process is a testament to the spontaneous and instinctive nature of his work. While acknowledging the importance of structure and planning in filmmaking, he firmly believes that the essence of the art form lies in the unplanned, the unscripted. His films, he notes, often evolve in the moment, reacting to the environment in which they are created. The production design of SURA has an elevated sense of reality that immediately captures one's attention. The art team of SURA, comprising of Manish Kumar, Vikram Daithota, and Mayuri Krishna, were all artists and professional architects, and this was their first film. Sarthak believes that having a crew without a mask of professionalism brings individuality to every creative department, allowing for spontaneity and improvisation.

Accolades and Recognition: "SURA" on the Global Stage

SURA has earned international acclaim, being the sole Indian narrative film at the 32nd Annual St. Louis International Film Festival - an Oscar-qualifying category. Its inclusion in prestigious festivals like the Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival, International Film Festival of South Asia - Toronto, Chicago South Asian Film Festival, Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, and more underscores its resonation with global audiences.

Notable Mentions: Surya Srini, Manish Kumar, Vikram Daithota, Mayuri Krishna, Anandrag Veyattummal, Deepak Rai Panaje.