Jeerjimbe producers invested in a dream, not a film

In every sense,

Jeerjimbe

is director Karthik Saragur’s labour of love. It is also so for the people who have backed the film. Before Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah got on board to back the film with his banner, Pushkar Films, 36 people from varied backgrounds (including a six-year-old who broke her piggy bank to contribute) invested anything from Rs 1,000 to Rs 10 lakh under Bee Hive Productions. As the multiple State Award-winning film releases today, Karthik tells us why this children’s movie is not to be missed:

• The film is about a cycle. All of us, irrespective of age, have a story connected to a cycle, so does Rudramma, the protagonist (played by Siri Vanalli). This gives us a common ground to connect on.
• Usually, when families watch films, they are tales of characters who are the parents’ age. With this film, kids will be able to say that it is their story. Additionally, they will take home a pertinent message.
• The film is about a girl in a rural setup, but urban kids should watch it because they will feel grateful for all the opportunities they get. Also, they will understand the realities and challenges that others their age go through just 100kms from the city. This way, they will be able to empathise.
• Jeerjimbe started off as a crowdfunded film, with 36 people from varied backgrounds investing in it. They are all co-investors and not producers, since they didn’t invest in a film, but in an idea, a message and dream.
• The four State Awards that the film won — Best Children’s Film, Best Lyricist (Karthik Saragur), Best Music (MR Charan Raj) and Best Child Actor (Siri Vanalli) — only complement our efforts.