Actor-director Rishab Shetty has expressed optimism that the twin National Awards received by his film Kantara will significantly elevate Kannada cinema’s reputation on the national stage. Shetty won the Best Actor award for his electrifying performance in the film, which also earned the Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment honor at the 70th National Film Awards.
Addressing the media at a press conference shortly after the announcement on August 16, 2024, Shetty admitted that the success of Kantara had been transformative for him. “In the film industry, they say one Friday can change everything. In my case, one film (Kantara) has changed everything,” he remarked. “I continue to believe that Kantara wasn’t made. It just happened,” he added, reflecting the serendipitous nature of the film’s creation and success.
Earlier reports had suggested that Malayalam superstar Mammootty was a strong contender for the Best Actor Award, fueling speculation and conversation in film circles. Responding to these reports, Shetty expressed his deep respect for Mammootty, stating, “He is a legendary actor. I am blessed to have been in the race with him.”
Shetty is no stranger to national recognition, having first won a National Award for his third directorial venture, Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragodu (SHPSK). The film, produced by Rishab Shetty Films, was awarded Best Children’s Film. Reflecting on his career journey, Shetty said, “I only played cameos in my first three directorials. Kantara was the first film in which I essayed the lead under my direction. So this award feels special, especially when I look back at the days when I had begun to lose interest in acting.”
Kantara is not the only Kannada film making waves. KGF: Chapter 2, starring Yash and directed by Prashanth Neel, also garnered two awards.
. The period action-drama was adjudged the best feature film in Kannada, and the Anbariv masters won for Best Action Choreography. This continues the legacy of its predecessor, KGF: Chapter 1, which had won in the categories of Best Special Effects and Best Action Choreography back in 2019. Both KGF: Chapter 2 and Kantara have been produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, marking a remarkable streak for the production house.
In other highlights from the National Awards, veteran editor Suresh Urs received recognition in the Non-Feature Film section. Known for his collaborations with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam on films such as Bombay and Dil Se, Urs won the award for Best Editing for the short film Madhyantara. This accolade further cements Urs’s status as a significant figure in the Kannada film industry and beyond.
The recognition of films like Kantara and KGF: Chapter 2 points towards a broader trend of Kannada cinema gaining critical acclaim and popularity. These films not only entertain but also bring attention to the rich storytelling, vibrant culture, and technical prowess of Kannada filmmakers. The success stories of Rishab Shetty and Prashanth Neel serve as inspirations for upcoming filmmakers in the region, encouraging them to explore bold narratives and strive for excellence.
Moreover, these accolades are likely to draw more audience and critical attention to Kannada cinema, which has often been overshadowed by the output from other regional industries like Bollywood, Tollywood, and Kollywood. As Shetty’s remarks suggest, such recognition has the power to transform careers and, potentially, the trajectory of the entire regional film industry.
The awards also shine a spotlight on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, wherein regional films are increasingly breaking through to achieve national and international acclaim. This shift is indicative of a more inclusive and diverse cinematic narrative within India, where compelling stories from varied cultural contexts find a platform and audience.
As Kannada cinema relishes in this well-deserved acknowledgment, it sets a precedent for the sort of quality and creativity that other regional film industries could aspire to. Rishab Shetty’s life-changing experience with Kantara and the continuing success of projects from Hombale Films could very well herald a new era for Kannada cinema, one where it stands shoulder to shoulder with the best from across the country. With talent like Shetty and Neel at the helm, propelled by the support of visionary producers like Kiragandur, the future appears bright for Kannada cinema.
These developments underscore the importance of nurturing regional arts and cinema, signifying that impactful storytelling transcends language barriers and geographical confines.
