Senior personalities who have completed 50 years in the Kannada film industry and made significant contributions were honored on Friday, the final day of the Bengaluru International Film Festival,

At this event, Padma Shri Girish Kasaravalli, senior director S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu, and actress, former minister and Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Dr. Jayamala were warmly felicitated.
On behalf of producer Parvathamma Rajkumar, her daughter Poornima Ramkumar was honored and on behalf of cinematographer S. Ramachandra, his brother Shankar Aithal received the honor.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s media advisor K.V. Prabhakar was present at the event. Dr. Sadhu Kokila, president of Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy welcomed and honored all the dignitaries.

Speaking at the event, senior director S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu said that the current situation of the Kannada film industry is like this because Dr. Rajkumar and Parvathamma Rajkumar are no longer with us. He said they always stood by the industry during difficult times. ‘Whenever there was a problem, Dr. Rajkumar would come to K.G. Road. A police commissioner once said that when Dr. Rajkumar came, it was difficult to control the crowd. His presence could move the entire state. He recalled how ministers themselves brought the official order announcing 100% tax exemption for Kannada films to K.G. Road. He said everyone knows what happens when there is no strong leader’ he said.

Talking about today’s Kannada film industry, he said Parvathamma Rajkumar mostly produced films based on novels. But now, if someone takes a novel-based script to a hero, they are not even allowed inside the house. He said we are forgetting our history, culture and connection to the soil, and that is why people are not coming to theaters. He called the time of Dr. Rajkumar a golden era and said many problems have arisen since his absence. He added that Kannada films get theaters only during exam time or when cricket matches are going on, while during festivals like Sankranti and Ugadi, theaters are given to films of other languages.

In the presence of K.V. Prabhakar, he made a request to the government, saying film festivals should be conducted in all district centers so that people there also develop an interest in cinema. ‘At least three days a year, film festivals should be held in other towns as well. He also said the Karnataka Film Academy needs a separate directorate, and film festival activities should continue throughout the year’ said Babu.

Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Dr. Jayamala said producers, exhibitors, and distributors in the Kannada film industry are facing a lot of difficulties. She strongly requested that the subsidy given to producers should not be stopped. She said extending the Yashaswini health card to the film industry would be very helpful. She also asked the government to quickly grant industry status to the film sector and to Kannada OTT platforms. She requested that a Film City be developed and shooting permissions be given soon. She also asked for 50–60 acres of land nearby to provide housing for artists and technicians.

Remembering cinematographer S. Ramachandra Aithal, who worked for eight of his films, Padma Shri Dr. Girish Kasaravalli said ‘Ramachandra never hid his opinions. He always spoke openly and clearly. He had the courage to speak directly, without worrying whether others would agree or not. At the same time, he clearly understood that cinema is the director’s medium, so he respected the director’s decisions, even while openly expressing disagreement when needed’ he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Poornima Ramkumar said many people supported their family’s journey. She said senior writers and filmmakers like Chi. Udayashankar, S.A. Chinne Gowda, S.A. Govindaraj, and Dorai–Bhagwan helped them, and because of that support, it was possible to produce so many films.

Responding to the demands raised on stage, K.V. Prabhakar said he would place them before the Chief Minister and assured that subsidies would not be stopped under any circumstances.