State film awards to be presented in the same year from next year: Siddaramaiah

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday announced that the State film awards will be presented in the same year from next year onwards. He also assured that the pending f^{ilm subsidie}s will be cleared soon.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony of the State film awards for 2018 and 2019 at the KSOU Convocation Hall in Mysuru, Mr. Siddaramaiah said there would no longer be delays in conferring awards to Kannada films.

“I have already directed the Department of Information and Public Relations to ensure that the awards for each year are presented in the same year. This will be implemented from next year. The awards for 2020 and 2021 will also be presented shortly,” he said.

The Chief Minister observed that the awards would hold greater significance when presented for the relevant year, rather than several years later.

Mr. Siddaramaiah said steps would soon be taken to clear the pending subsidy dues of the past three years. However, he urged film-makers to focus on quality cinema. “Do not make films just for the sake of subsidy. Make films that people want to watch; films that can bring about a change in society,” he advised.

Recalling the contribution of Dr. Rajkumar to Kannada cinema, the Chief Minister said the matinee idol continues to be remembered because of his inspiring on-screen roles and exemplary real-life conduct.

Mr. Siddaramaiah noted that the Kannada film industry has grown remarkably over the years. “Earlier, only a few films were produced, and there were limited artistes. Now, many films are made every year, and the number of artistes has also increased,” he said.

Sharing a personal note, he said, “When I was a student, I used to watch films almost every day. Now, I hardly find time to watch any. I am yet to watch Kantara – A Legend Chapter 1, but I will watch it soon,” he said, smiling at actor and director Rishab Shetty, who was present at the event.

DPR on film city

Mr. Siddaramaiah also announced that the proposed Film City in Mysuru would take shape soon. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation and is expected to be ready by December-end. “We have already handed over 160 acres of land at Himmavu village to the Department of Information and Public Relations for establishing the Film City. The project will be developed under the PPP model,” he said.

Mr. Siddaramaiah and other dignitaries presented awards in various categories for the years 2018 and 2019.

The Dr. Rajkumar award for the year 2018 was conferred on noted actor G. K. Srinivasamurthy, while the 2019 award went to veteran film personality Umashree. The Puttanna Kanagal award for 2018 was presented to acclaimed film maker P. Sheshadri, and for 2019 to N.R. Nanjunde Gowda. The Dr. Vishnuvardhan award, given for lifetime achievement in the film industry, was bagged by B.S. Basavaraju for 2018 and Richard Castelino for 2019. In the category of popular cinema, actor-director Rishab Shetty’s film Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale, Kasaragod won the best popular film award.