Mandala: The UFO Incident (Previously: Mysore Masala) is a 2023 science fiction action film directed by Ajay Sarpeshkar.[2][3][4] The film stars Anant Nag, Prakash Belawadi, Sharmiela Mandre, Samyukta Hornad, Kiran Srinivas with support from Sudha Belawadi, Dimpy Fadhya, Neenasam Ashwath, Mandeep Rai, Spoorthi Gumaste, Naresh Narasimhan, Kiran Naik and Samanvita Shetty. The film explores science fiction as a tangent to the Roswell incident, and in an Indian context touching upon heritage and its conservation.[5]
| Mandala: The UFO Incident | |
|---|---|
| Directed by | Ajay Sarpeshkar |
| Screenplay by |
|
| Story by | Ajay Sarpeshkar |
| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Manohar Joshi |
| Edited by | Ramisetty Pavan |
| Music by | Jesse Clinton |
Production company | Ajay Sarpeshkar Films |
Release date |
|
| Country | India |
| Languages | Kannada English |
Cast
edit- Anant Nag
- Prakash Belawadi
- Sharmiela Mandre
- Samyukta Hornad
- Kiran Srinivas
- Sudha Belawadi
- Dimpy Fadhya
- Neenasam Ashwath
- Mandeep Rai
- Spoorthi Gumaste
- Naresh Narasimhan
- Kiran Naik
- Samanvita Shetty
Production
editThe film, initially titled Mysore Masala, was later renamed to Mandala. Anant Nag, the veteran actor of India known for his contributions to the Kannada film industry, was signed on to play a crucial role of an eccentric journalist. Prakash Belawadi plays the role of Dr. Satyaprakash, the head of a space research agency. Sharmiela Mandre, Samyukta Hornad and Kiran Srinivas play roles that are urban and savvy. Production management was handled by Cinematrix, a Bangalore based company headed by Pradeep Belawadi.
Post-production
editPost-production efforts were spread across multiple cities. Mumbai for sound design by Nithin Lukose, Los Angeles for music by Jesse Clinton, Singapore for visual effects by Oliver Elvis, supported by CG artefact design by Manojna Bellur and editing by 24Post studio.
The film had a presence at the ComicCon 2018 event at Bengaluru. At the event, the team mentioned having designed and built their own VFX elements such as a spaceship, rocket launch metrics, alien scripts, etc. for the film.[6]
The title of the film was changed to MANDALA. This change was announced on all of the film's social media channels on Jan 9th 2022. The Director/Producer mentioned that the change reflected what the film had become.[7]
Release
editThe film was released in India (March 2023) and across the US (May 2023). The film currently streams on BookMyShow (India).
References
edit- ^ https://www.filmcompanion.in/features/quick-reads/ajay-sarpeshkars-next-mandala-the-ufo-incident-release-date-out
- ^ Bagchi, Shrabonti (21 December 2018). "'Mysore Masala': of aliens and abductions". www.livemint.com. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "Mysore Masala: The UFO Incident - Cosmos". Deccan Herald. Deccan Herald. 8 September 2019.
- ^ "Exploring inner space". Deccan Herald. 20 January 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ "Inspired by heritage, Ajay comes up with sci-fi saga". Deccan Herald. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 6 April 2019.
- ^ Fernandes, Sandra Marina (18 November 2018). "Mysore Masala preview at Comic Con Bengaluru". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 September 2019.
- ^ "Register". m.vijaykarnatakaepaper.com. Retrieved 28 September 2023.