Kannada actor, director, writer and producer Sagar Puranik, who recently impressed audiences with his negative role in Second Case of Seetharam, is now stepping into television as a producer. For someone who grew up around TV sets, the move feels like a natural extension of his creative journey. Excerpts: ‘Storytelling in Television has a depth of its own’Sagar, who is is currently producing two shows, says, “In the television industry, hundreds of people work every day, and the workflow is consistent.” He adds, “Despite the rise of OTT, television continues to hold its ground. Web series usually have limited episodes, but television soaps are an extended form of storytelling that can run into hundreds, even thousands, of episodes. That gives you the space to explore characters and narratives in depth.”
There is no formula for success in cinema. The audience today is extremely aware and discerning. Even a good film may not work anymore — you have to make a great one. Mediocrity doesn’t survive anymore
Sagar Puranik, actor, director, writer and producer
‘I want to tell stories from North Karnataka’Alongside television, Sagar, who is from Dharwad, is also working on films rooted in his hometown. “More than 50% of the Kannada film industry’s revenue comes from North Karnataka. But representation from the region is still limited,” he says. As a filmmaker, he hopes to change that. “There is incredible talent and powerful stories there. I’ve been working on identifying writers and actors from the region. Very soon, I’ll be producing a few films set there,” he says. ‘Direction is my first love, but acting is calling me again’While Sagar enjoys wearing multiple hats, directing remains his passion. “Producing is satisfying because you’re helping bring good stories to life. But direction will always be my first love,” he says. Interestingly, acting has made a comeback in his career. “After my recent film, I’ve been getting a lot of offers,” he shares. “It’s a great space to be in because people are writing complex roles for me. This year, I’ll be focusing more on acting, too.”
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