BANGALORE: Karnataka has every reason to smile. Two Kannada films and one Tulu film have brought laurels to the state at the national level by bagging awards. While director P Sheshadri has succeeded in winning the National Award for the fifth consecutive time, debutante director Abhay Simha has made it in his maiden attempt.
‘Vimukti’ directed by Sheshadri has been adjudged the best regional film, Abhay Simha’s ‘Gubbachigalu’ has won the best children’s film award. Tulu film ‘Gaggara’ directed by Shivadhwaj also won the National Award in the best regional film award category.
Seshadri told Express that winning the National Award had increased his responsibility to make good films that reach people without any hassles. His other films that won National Awards are: Munnudi, Athithi, Beru and Tuthoori.
“The awards will inspire me to select good script and make good films,’’ he said.
Does Sheshadri expect to break his guru Girish Kasavaralli’s record in winning National Awards? “No. I am a very small and humble person.
I learnt a lot from Kasaravalli Sir.
He is a role model for me,’’ he said.
Sheshadri said the film deals with the Electra complex between a man and his daughter. “It also highlights the reasons why many people want to breathe their last at Varanasi. Ramakrishna has played the father’s role while Bhavana plays his daughter,’’ he said.
Abhay Simha was thrilled to get an award for his maiden venture. “I am very happy to get this award. It encourages me to direct more good films in future,’’ said Simha with a smile.
He said ‘Gubbachigalu’ was released at Kailash theatre in Bangalore.
The film is about the children who want to safeguard the environment and prevent pollution for the benefit of birds.
Expressing happiness over winning the National Award, producer Shylaja Nag said she was thrilled.
“Most of the crew made their debut with this film. It was the first film for me as producer. Cinematographer Dr Vikra and music director Anmol Bhave also made their debut with this film,’’ said Shylaja.
Director Shivadhwaj expressed happiness over his film ‘Gaggara’ getting a National Award. Shivadhwaj said his movie is about the culture of Dakshina Kannada.
“Suchendra Prasad, M K Mutt and Jayasheela acted in this film. The focus of the film is on preserving the culture of Dakshina Kannada,’’ he added.