Actor-director Rishab Shetty’s recent double win at the prestigious National Film Awards promises to elevate Kannada cinema to new heights. Rishab clinched the Best Actor award for his electrifying performance in “Kantara,” a film that also nabbed the title of Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
Speaking at a press conference shortly after the awards were announced on August 16, 2024, Rishab expressed his immense gratitude and surprise at the accolades. “In the film industry, they say one Friday can change everything. In my case, one film (Kantara) has changed everything,” he remarked. He added that the making of the film felt almost serendipitous, saying, “I continue to believe that Kantara wasn’t made. It just happened.”
The win for “Kantara” comes amidst earlier speculations that Malayalam superstar Mammootty was a strong contender for the Best Actor Award. Rishab gracefully addressed these reports, stating, “He is a legendary actor. I am blessed to have been in the race with him.”
Rishab’s journey in the film industry has been both dynamic and inspiring. He first won a National Award for his third directorial venture, “Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragodu” (SHPSK). The film, backed by his production banner Rishab Shetty Films, was acclaimed as the Best Children’s Film. Reflecting on his career trajectory, Rishab 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.”
Rishab’s win isn’t the only highlight for Kannada cinema at this year’s National Film Awards. “KGF: Chapter 2,” starring Yash and directed by Prashanth Neel, garnered two accolades. The period action-drama was named the best feature film in Kannada, while Anbariv masters won the award for Best Action Choreography for their work in the film.
. Notably, in 2019, “KGF: Chapter 1” also bagged awards for Best Special Effects and Best Action Choreography. Both “KGF: Chapter 2” and “Kantara” were produced by Vijay Kiragandur under his banner Hombale Films, a testament to the prowess of this production house in delivering high-quality cinematic experiences.
Adding to the accolades for Kannada cinema, veteran editor Suresh Urs was recognized in the Non-Feature Film section. Suresh, known for his collaborations with iconic director Mani Ratnam on films like “Bombay” and “Dil Se,” won the Best Editing award for the short film “Madhyantara.”
Rishab’s victories and the broader successes of Kannada cinema embody a significant moment for the industry, showcasing its burgeoning talent and creative potential. Rishab emphasized the collaborative effort behind “Kantara,” crediting his team and the supportive production environment. “This recognition is not just mine but a win for everyone involved in the making of ‘Kantara,'” he said.
Kannada cinema has historically been overshadowed by its more famous Indian counterparts, such as Bollywood and Tamil cinema. However, recent years have seen a surge in its popularity, thanks to films that are as commercially successful as they are critically acclaimed. Rishab’s upset win over Mammootty, for instance, indicates a growing recognition and appreciation of Kannada films on a national scale.
The advancements in Karnataka’s film industry can also be attributed to a strong pool of actors, directors, and technical experts who are unafraid to experiment with unique narratives and styles. This year’s National Film Awards have acted as a strong endorsement of this evolving landscape. “KGF: Chapter 2” and “Kantara” are not merely successes; they represent a shift in the kinds of stories that are gaining traction and the overall direction of the industry.
Rishab’s heartfelt acceptance speech not only celebrated his personal achievements but also underscored his commitment to the broader cause of uplifting Kannada cinema. “Every award and recognition is a stepping stone for all of us in the Kannada film industry. It’s a testament to the collective hard work and passion that goes into making cinema,” he concluded.
As the reverberations of these recent accolades continue to be felt, one thing is clear: Kannada cinema is on an upward trajectory, buoyed by the talents of individuals like Rishab Shetty and the collective efforts of dedicated professionals across the industry. The future looks bright, and audiences can expect even more groundbreaking work to emerge from this vibrant film landscape.
