Sandalwood and period films: A love story

With KGF Chapter 2 breaking many box office records, period drama seems to the flavour of the season in Sandalwood. Actors are leaving no stone unturned by sporting a retro look to fit into the bill. A slew of movies which are currently in the shooting stage are set in different time periods from the 40s to 90s era and the makers are keen to erect sets to recreate bygone time. Here are some films that are set in the past:KabzaaThis much-anticipated film sees Upendra in a gangster avatar and has already increased expectations with its teasers and promos. The movie, spanning the pre-independence era to the 90s, sees Upendra wearing bell-bottomed pants and sidelocks to get into the skin of the character. The project, which also has Kichcha Sudeep and Shriya Saran in retro lead roles, is directed by R Chandru.VedhaDirected by A Harsha, the film is set in the 1960s and is a landmark film in Shivarajkumar’s career because it is his 125th film. Huge sets have been erected at Srirangapatna in Mysuru. Shivarajkumar sports a salt-and-pepper beard which will be a treat for fans. The project also has Aditi Sagar and Swetha Changappa in significant roles.Ashoka BladeThe project, directed by debutante Vinod V Dhondalay, is once again set between the 70's and 80’s and is currently in the shooting stage. Inspired by real incidents, the project sees Sathish Ninasam in four shades. The movie was shot in Nanjangud and Chamarajanagar areas.Prem and Dhruva Sarja flick set in 1970’s periodThe new project which brings together Prem and Dhruva for the first time is also a periodic war drama based on real incidents set in 1970’s period. The makers are revealing the title and further details on October 20.Elra Kaaleliyatte KaalaThis movie, with humorous elements, is set in a village. Chandan Shetty sported a nerdy look and has put on weight to look like a guy from yesteryears. He is paired opposite Archana Kottige, and the film has been directed by Sujay Shastry. As they wanted a realistic look, the team shot major portions at a village near Ramnagara.DooradarshanaThe movie, inspired by a few real-life incidents, is set in the 1980s. The love story is shot extensively in a tiny, coastal village and is directed by Sukesh Shetty. The movie has been titled Dooradarshana because at that time, there was only one channel and when television was rarely found in homes those days, people used to assemble at one place to watch together. That’s where a love plot develops in the movie, which has Aayana as a female lead.Elra Kaaleliyatte KaalaThis movie, with humorous elements, is set in a village. Chandan Shetty sported a nerdy look and has put on weight to look like a guy from yesteryears. He is paired opposite Archana Kottige, and the film has been directed by Sujay Shastry. As they wanted a realistic look, the team shot major portions at a village near Ramnagara.Head BushThe movie, inspired by a few real-life incident, has been directed by Shoonya. It is set in the 1970's period and narrates the journey of late underworld don M P Jayaraj and the incidents that led him to call the shots in the underworld. Dhananjaya is essaying the role of M P Jayaraj.KaivaThe project, which is based on a historical incident, takes place in the year 1983. Starring Dhanveerah and Megha Shetty in lead roles, it also captures historical Karaga in Bengaluru and has romantic and thriller elements. The team decided to shoot in Mysuru since traditionality is still intact in some parts of the city.