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Piracy is an old bogeyman for Kannada music companies. They are now worried by the entry of big labels such as Sony Music and BIG Audio.
Mohan of Anand Audio, said, “Even though we had the rights of the Kannda blockbuster Mungaru Male, we didn’t make a profit. Almost 80 per cent of the audio cassettes and CDs were sold in the black market.”
The company faced the same response with the film Bindaas released recently, he said.
“I’m really disappointed. I couldn’t even pay the interest on audio rights. The movie made money but we lost our share of the profit because of piracy,” he added.
Pirated Kannada MP3s available in the market have more than 100 songs, from over 10 to 12 movies, and these are sold Rs 25 or even less.
Same story
Velu of Lahari Audio, another reputed audio company, said he faced similar experiences. The company had made money with hits such as Premaloka, Ranadheera, Yugapurusha — hits during the 80’s — but piracy has changed things.
Velu also blames the dearth of good quality music for dwindling profits.
“Apart from piracy and entrance of international reputed audio companies there is a dearth of good quality music and lyrics. So far, only a few movies like Mungaru Male have scored good music,” he said.
Good or bad?
Though music company owners will now have to share the profits with the big companies, they feel their entry may be good for the Kannada music industry in the long run. “Maybe we will see more Kannada CDs being sold now,” Velu said.
Suresh Jain of Jhenkar Audio added, “Sony is an international company with a wide market, so there's a chance of Kannada music expanding too. But all of us have to curb piracy,” he said.
BIG Audio of Reliance has already acquired rights of three movies, which are up for release in the coming months. | 
