At a time when there’s talk that Kannada films are not doing well, director P Sheshadri has created a new record with his eighth consecutive National Award. At the 61st National Awards announced on Wednesday, Sheshadri bagged an award for his Kannada film December 1 in the best regional film and best screenplay categories. With this, Sheshadri has set a record by becoming the first ever director to win national awards consecutively for all the eight films he directed. “The awards also come with fear as expectations and responsibilities get higher. I have to think about to how to make my ninth film different,” he said. What worries him is why people don’t go and watch such movies in theatres. “People have a wrong perception that they can’t watch award-winning movies. They should realise our films have changed over the years and we have become more competitive. People should watch films not only for entertainment but also to get enlightened,” he said. “December 1 will not only be screened all over India. It is always thrilling when your films’ reach is far and wide,” Sheshadri informed. The film is not political in nature, but is based on a political background, he clarified. He is planning to release the film on April 25. Sheshadri, who is yet to finalise his next script, said, “Currently, I have two to three scripts to choose from. With awards, I can only assure that I will continue to make good cinema.”