Karnataka Government Takes Decisive Action: Abhiman Studio Land Under Reclamation After Decades of Condition Violations

In a significant move poised to reshape the landscape of the Karnataka film industry, the state government has announced its firm decision to reclaim two acres of prime land originally allotted to Abhiman Studio. This decisive action comes after decades of alleged breaches of the stringent conditions under which the land was first provided, signaling the government's unwavering commitment to uphold land utilization policies.

The land, strategically located in Survey No.

8/2 of Anchepalya village, near Kengeri, Bengaluru, was initially allotted in 1980 by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB). The beneficiaries were veteran actor K.S. Ashwath and acclaimed film director S.K. Bhagwan, with the express purpose of establishing a state-of-the-art film studio.

Crucially, the allotment came with clear stipulations: the land was to be utilized for the studio within two years, and it was explicitly prohibited from being mortgaged, leased, or sold without prior government approval.

However, according to official sources and confirmed by Cultural Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, these fundamental conditions have been severely violated over the years.

The studio never became fully operational as initially envisioned, failing to serve its intended public purpose. Furthermore, a major breach occurred when the land, after being transferred to Abhiman Studio Pvt. Ltd., was reportedly mortgaged to a bank without the requisite permission from the government, further complicating its status.

The situation gained additional public attention due to the presence of a memorial for the revered actor Vishnuvardhan, built on approximately half an acre within this disputed plot.

Clarifying the government's position, Minister Tangadagi emphasized that this specific portion of land was never officially allotted to Vishnuvardhan's family for a memorial. The entire two-acre parcel was designated solely for the establishment of a film studio, and any other use constitutes a deviation from the original agreement.

The path to reclamation has been paved by legal developments.

The land has been embroiled in litigation for an extended period, culminating in a High Court ruling that unequivocally favored the government's right to reclaim the property. This legal backing empowers the state to proceed with its plans without further impediment, ensuring due process is followed.

Minister Tangadagi articulated the government's broader vision, asserting that public land must be utilized for its intended purpose and that the state will not tolerate deviations.

This reclamation is also intrinsically linked to the government's ambitious plans to develop a new, sprawling film city. A substantial 50-acre parcel has already been acquired in Ramanagara, earmarked to become a vibrant hub for the film industry, promising modern infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers and artists.

As the Karnataka government moves forward with the reclamation of the Abhiman Studio land, it sends a clear message about accountability and the proper stewardship of public resources.

While the decision carries implications for the legacy associated with the land, particularly the Vishnuvardhan memorial, the state remains steadfast in its resolve to ensure that land allotments serve their designated public and industrial objectives, ultimately benefiting the larger film fraternity through planned future developments like the Ramanagara Film City.