Celebrations were in full swing in the Kannada film industry as actor-director Rishab Shetty clinched twin National Awards for his film Kantara, a feat he believes will propel Kannada cinema to unprecedented heights. The 70th National Film Awards saw Rishab being honored with the Best Actor award for his electrifying performance, while Kantara also received the accolade for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
“In the film industry, they say one Friday can change everything. In my case, one film (Kantara) has changed everything,” Rishab said at a press conference held moments after the awards ceremony on Friday, August 16, 2024. He added, “I continue to believe that Kantara wasn’t made. It just happened,” encapsulating the serendipitous success of his project.
The talk had been rife that Malayalam superstar Mammootty was a strong contender for the Best Actor Award. Rishab acknowledged this, saying, “He is a legendary actor. I am blessed to have been in the race with him.” This humble statement highlighted the camaraderie and mutual respect within the Indian film fraternity.
Rishab Shetty’s filmmaking journey has been a testament to perseverance and passion. His third directorial venture, Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragodu (SHPSK), also brought him a National Award under the Best Children’s Film category. “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,” he reminisced. His production house, Rishab Shetty Films, has consistently championed significant and heartfelt narratives, further cementing his reputation in the industry.
The evening was a shining moment not just for Rishab but for Kannada cinema as a whole.
. KGF: Chapter 2 also made a mark by winning two awards: Best Feature Film in Kannada and Best Action Choreography for Anbariv masters. The grand period action-drama directed by Prashanth Neel and starring Yash had previously earned accolades in 2019 for Best Special Effects and Best Action Choreography for its first chapter. Both KGF: Chapter 2 and Kantara were produced by Vijay Kiragandur under the Hombale Films banner, offering a testament to the production house’s consistent quality and audience appeal.
Earlier experiences of the winners have also inspired others in the field. Suresh Urs, a venerated editor known for his work with acclaimed director Mani Ratnam on films like Bombay and Dil Se, emerged as a notable winner. Urs clinched the award for Best Editing in the Non-Feature Film section for his work on the short film Madhyantara. This win further serves to underscore the holistic growth and recognition for various facets of filmmaking in Kannada cinema.
These triumphs not only illuminate the sky for Kannada cinema but also signify a notable trend of regional cinema thriving and breaking conventional barriers. Over recent years, the industry has begun to see films that combine local storytelling with universal themes, resonating with a broader audience both nationally and globally.
Ekta Raina, a film critic, argues that Kannada cinema’s runaway successes like KGF and Kantara represent a paradigm shift. “It’s a new age for Kannada films. Directors are exploring fresh narratives, innovative storytelling techniques, and pushing the envelope in terms of production quality,” she said. Rishab’s latest victories at the National Awards could undeniably catalyze more industry stakeholders to aim for excellence, experimenting with different genres and themes.
In conclusion, Rishab Shetty’s accolades for Kantara signal a historic milestone. They symbolize not just individual achievement but mark a revolutionary phase for Kannada cinema. As the industry celebrates, it also prepares for a promising future, one where regional films can confidently stand alongside their national and international counterparts. This newfound recognition and the sky-high bar set by recent award-winners send an empowering message: the world is ready and waiting to embrace Kannada cinema’s vibrant storytelling and artistic prowess.
