Gone are the days when fans came to each show of films screened in increasingly large numbers. Serpentine queues spilling over to the streets, sometimes obstructing traffic were common.

Now, it is difficult to get even a section of the theatre filled. The filmwallahs are naturally worried and are exerting themselves more into attracting crowds, which translates into decent business for them, minus theatre cost, etc.

Knowing all this fully well is actor-producer Komal, whose four films with him playing the hero are getting ready to be released. The first one to hit theatres will be 'Maryade Ramannna'. Right from the beginning, the buzz about this film has been practically nil. This becomes very damaging for the film at the time of its release. As such, Komal will tour the villages of Karnataka along 25 people associated with the film and get the people to listen and watch the film's songs.

"This way we are trying to bring about an awareness about the film. We are trying to generate audience interest in any way possible.The focus will be on the significance of the film", he signs off. Looks like the days of touring talkies are here, then.