In a glittering ceremony that celebrated the pinnacle of Indian cinema, Kannada actor-director Rishab Shetty emerged as a significant victor at the 70th National Film Awards. His film, Kantara, shone brightly by clinching two prestigious honors: Best Actor for Shetty himself and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. These accolades, as Shetty believes, mark a watershed moment for Kannada cinema, potentially catapulting it to new heights of acclaim and recognition.
Rishab Shetty, whose nuanced and highly charged performance in Kantara earned him the Best Actor award, was visibly moved as he addressed the press moments after his triumph on Friday, August 16, 2024. “In the film industry, they say one Friday can change everything. In my case, one film (Kantara) has changed everything,” he said, reflecting on the seismic shift brought about by the movie’s success. He added, with a touch of introspection, “I continue to believe that Kantara wasn’t made. It just happened.”
The announcement of Shetty’s win came amidst earlier speculation that the award might go to Malayalam superstar Mammootty. Acknowledging the rumors, Shetty showed reverence for his fellow competitor by saying, “He is a legendary actor. I am blessed to have been in the race with him.”
The moment is particularly poignant for Shetty, given his previous brush with National Award glory. He first earned accolades for his directorial venture Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragodu (SHPSK), which was awarded Best Children’s Film. However, Shetty played only cameo roles in his earlier directorial projects, making his lead role in Kantara under his own direction a milestone in his career. “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 recounted.
The celebration did not end with Shetty and Kantara.
. Another stellar Kannada film, KGF: Chapter 2, also made its mark at the awards. Directed by Prashanth Neel and featuring the star Yash, the period action drama was honored as the best feature film in Kannada. Additionally, the film’s action sequences, orchestrated by the Anbariv masters, won the award for Best Action Choreography. This follows the film’s predecessor, KGF: Chapter 1, which had previously won in the Best Special Effects and Best Action Choreography categories back in 2019. Both films were produced by Vijay Kiragandur under his banner, Hombale Films, cementing his production house’s reputation for delivering high-caliber entertainment.
Veteran editor Suresh Urs, celebrated for his work with renowned filmmaker Mani Ratnam in classics such as Bombay and Dil Se, also tasted victory. Suresh bagged the award for Best Editing in the Non-Feature Film section for the short film Madhyantara. This recognition underscores his enduring contribution to cinema, particularly in the editorial domain.
Reacting to the multitude of wins for Kannada cinema at the National Awards, industry experts expressed optimism about its future trajectory. The state’s film industry, which has often been overshadowed by the more dominant Bollywood and South Indian film industries, is now poised to gain a stronger foothold both nationally and internationally. The dual triumphs of Kantara and KGF: Chapter 2, backed by the formidable Hombale Films, signal the rise of Kannada cinema as a force to reckon with in the pan-Indian film landscape.
Fans and film aficionados have taken to social media to express their delight and pride over these achievements. Many see these awards as a celebration of the rich storytelling tradition and cultural nuances that Kannada cinema brings to the table. With films like Kantara pushing the envelope in terms of narrative innovation and KGF: Chapter 2 winning hearts with its grand scale and high-octane action, the future looks promising.
As the echoes of applause and celebration continue to reverberate, the message is clear: Kannada cinema is no longer on the periphery of Indian cinema; it stands at the center, ready to share its unique voice with the world. For Rishab Shetty, Prashanth Neel, Yash, Suresh Urs, and many others who have dedicated their lives to this art form, the 70th National Film Awards marks not just a moment of personal triumph but a victory for the collective spirit of Kannada filmmakers, actors, and audiences alike.
