Phalke award-winning director Sagar Ballary has a Haveri connect

HAVERI: Residents of Motebennur, a small village in the district, is rejoicing win of Sagar Ballary’s Jungle Cry at the Dada Saheb Phalke International Film Festival-2021. The film, based on the life of 12 underprivileged and orphan children from Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) in Odisha, bagged the award for best film (jury). The film follows their triumphant journey to the International Junior Rugby Tournament held in the UK in 2007.
Although born in Mumbai after his parents settled there due to their jobs, Sagar Ballary claims to have never lost the link with his native and his relatives. He visits Haveri at least once a year.
“My parents’ encouragement is behind my success. I have a deep bond with Haveri as my father’s mortal remains were cremated at Motebennur village as per his wishes. I am also proud to be a Kannadiga,” shared Sagar.
Speaking about his village, Sagar said: “Motebennur had contributed a lot during the freedom struggle. I hope to make a film about martyr Mailar Mahadevappa, who was the only participant from Karnataka in Dandi March led by Mahatma Gandhi against British. I have always wanted to make a good film in Kannada too,” he added.
“I am glad about the success of Jungle Cry. Dada Saheb Phalke award is the best moment in my life. A movie on how KISSans won the U-14 Rugby Championship in England braving all geographical, cultural, and strategic barriers. KISS is home to 27,000 tribal children and was founded by Dr Achyuta Samanta,” he said.
Ramesh Ballary, an industrialist and Sagar’s cousin congratulated the latter. “Sagar is a hard worker and he has achieved his dream. He has a lot of affection for his native Motebennur and he is willing to work in the Kannada film industry. He has been visiting Motebennur at least once a year without fail,” he added.
“We are proud of Sagar. He has put our village on the global map after Mailar Mahadevappa,” said Shivabasappa Kulenur, a resident of Motebennur.