Actor-director Rishab Shetty recently expressed his optimism about the future of Kannada cinema in light of his double win at the 70th National Film Awards. Shetty triumphed at the awards ceremony by clinching two prestigious honors for his work in the film “Kantara”: the Best Actor award for his outstanding performance and the award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Shetty shared his profound reflections during a press conference held shortly after the announcement on August 16, 2024.
“In the film industry, they say one Friday can change everything. In my case, one film (Kantara) has changed everything,” Shetty remarked, clearly overwhelmed by the recognition. He further elaborated, “I continue to believe that Kantara wasn’t made. It just happened.” His comments underscore a prevailing sentiment among filmmakers and actors that serendipity often plays a crucial role in the success of cinematic ventures.
Earlier reports had indicated that Malayalam superstar Mammootty was also in the running for the Best Actor award. Addressing this, Shetty conveyed his deep respect for the veteran actor, stating, “He is a legendary actor. I am blessed to have been in the race with him.” This acknowledgment serves as a testament to Shetty’s humility and admiration for his peers in the film industry.
This isn’t Shetty’s first brush with a National Award; his earlier film “Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragodu” (SHPSK), which he directed, earned the award for Best Children’s Film. This film, produced under his own banner Rishab Shetty Films, showcased Shetty’s versatility and dedication to meaningful storytelling. Reflecting on his journey, he noted, “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.”
The success of “Kantara” is not just a personal victory for Shetty but also a momentous leap for Kannada cinema.
. The film industry in Karnataka has been steadily gaining recognition on the national stage, and Shetty’s win only adds to its growing prestige. The filmmaker’s triumph resonates with the larger trend of regional cinema gaining ground and proving its mettle in the Indian film landscape.
Adding to Kannada cinema’s moment of glory, “KGF: Chapter 2” also emerged victorious at the National Film Awards. Directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Yash, the period action-drama clinched two awards: Best Feature Film in Kannada and Best Action Choreography for Anbariv masters. The precedent set by its predecessor, “KGF: Chapter 1,” which won Best Special Effects and Best Action Choreography in 2019, only cements the franchise’s status as a phenomenal success. Both films were produced by Vijay Kiragandur under his banner Hombale Films, which also produced “Kantara,” further consolidating the production house’s repute.
In the same award ceremony, veteran editor Suresh Urs, renowned for his collaborations with famed director Mani Ratnam on films like “Bombay” and “Dil Se,” won the Best Editing award for the short film “Madhyantara.” Urs’s long-standing contribution to Indian cinema, especially Kannada cinema, is well-documented, and this latest accolade only adds to his illustrious career.
The films honored at the 70th National Film Awards have collectively raised the bar for Kannada cinema, showcasing an array of genres and storytelling methods. These accolades not only recognize individual brilliance but also highlight the collaborative effort that goes into filmmaking. The recognition from such a reputable body is expected to encourage more filmmakers to venture into ambitious projects and explore diverse narratives.
In recent years, Indian regional cinemas, including Kannada cinema, have been breaking barriers and expanding their audience base, both domestically and internationally. The recognition received by “Kantara” and “KGF: Chapter 2” is indicative of this broader trend where content-driven, region-specific films are finding resonance with wider audiences. This success can pave the way for more diverse stories from the region to gain national and possibly international acclaim.
Rishab Shetty’s reflections on his journey and his recent accolades serve as an inspiration not just to up-and-coming filmmakers but also to those who might be on the verge of giving up on their dreams. His story is a powerful reminder that success often comes to those who persist, embrace serendipity, and continue to tell stories that resonate with the audience.
As the film industry celebrates these victories, one thing is clear: Kannada cinema is ready to scale new heights, and its storytellers are geared up to take on the challenge.
