Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)
Mangaluru, Apr 10: It was a joyous moment for the Tulu film industry on Saturday April 9 as top celebrities from Bollywood graced the dazzling Red FM Tulu Film Awards ceremony and extended their full support for the industry's growth.
The large crowds that gathered at Karavali Utsav Grounds here were witness to an evening they would not forget for a long time to come, as celebrities Sohail Khan, Rohit Shetty and Suniel Shetty swept them off their feet.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was conferred on Richard Castelino, while the Best Film award went to the record-smashing 'Chaali Polilu'. Arjun Kapikad won the Best Actor award for his performance in 'Chandi Kori', while his co-star in the same movie Karishma Amin won the award for the Best Actress. The Best Director award went to Veerendra Shetty for 'Chaali Polilu'. The awards were given to Tulu films that were released in 2015-2016 and during 2014.
The glamorous evening began with Bollywood actor Suniel Shetty and other dignitaries lighting the traditional lamp.
Addressing the gathering, Suniel Shetty said, "I am overwhelmed by the efforts taken by Red FM to establish the Tulu film industry. I thank all the dignitaries for taking time and being part of this occasion. I thank Red FM for hosting this beautiful award ceremony which is no less than any Bollywood film awards."
Bollywood film director Rohit Shetty, a Mangalurean by origin, received a huge round of applause when he appeared on the stage. "I would like to thank Suniel Shetty for bringing me to my roots. He has started a movement in the Tulu industry, and we will make it a revolution. I promise that we will take Tulu cinema to a different level. Our production company will support all the actors and technicians, and it is a promise. I wish all the very best to the Tulu cinema," he said.
Much to the delight of the crowds, Bollywood star Sohail Khan danced with the performers on stage to the tune of 'Just Chill'. "Thank you for the great welcome. It is lovely to be here. It all looks so honest, so sincere and pure. What I see is a genuine jury, do not corrupt this. It is lovely to see you make such good cinema. You are very young, this is your start. Keep the good work going. We all are there for you. And if you invite us every year, we'll be part of the Tulu industry. We search for new talent. When CCL started, it was because of the passion Suniel Shetty has for cricket and films, and the aim was to bring different industries together. We would invite the Tulu industry to take part in the CCL. We should play work together, play together. I wish great success to Tulu cinema and Red FM," he said.
He also recalled his first visit to Mangaluru back in 2012 and expressed his love for Mangalurean fish and chicken dishes. "There is so much richness in the soil here. I think you are very lucky to stay in Mangaluru. You stay in a beautiful city," he told the crowds.
Founder of Adlabs Films Ltd, Manmohan Shetty said, "I congratulate the Tulu filmmakers. I have been associated with many regional cinemas. But never have I seen a movie being produced from a district. Tulu cinema is first in the history in this regard. All the artistes have done a great job. I congratulate all the artistes and wish Red FM all the very best.”
Mangaluru city police commissioner Chandra Sekhar said, "Tulu speaking people have reached the pinnacle of success throughout the world, wherever they are. One thing I have noticed is that they never forget their roots. People of this region have reached great heights not only in banking, business and education, but also in art, film and music too. I congratulate and wish all success to the Tulu industry."
Dharmadhikari of Shree Kshetra Dharmasthala Dr D Veerendra Heggade said, "Our district is known as Tulunadu. Tulu dramas and cinemas have entertained us a lot. I congratulate Red FM on organizing such an awards function. I urge all the people to support Tulu cinema. I wish all the very best to the entire Tulu industry."
District in-charge minister B Ramanath Rai said, "Tuluvas have been extremely successful in many fields. But we were lacking when it came to cinema. But now with the production of so many movies, we have made our mark in cinema as well. Let us all support and encourage Tulu cinema. I wish all the very best to the organisers and Tulu industry."
Nagraj Amber and Madhu compered the award ceremony.
SP Dr Sharanappa, Vijay Vittalnath Shetty, COO of Red FM Surendar, Managing director of MRG group Prakash Shetty, MD of Marian projects Naveen Cardoza and others were present.
A host of scintillating performances on Tulu, Kannada and Bollywood numbers enthralled the crowds throughout the evening.
Winners' List
Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Castelino
Best Film: Chaali Polilu
Best Actress in Lead Role: Karisma Amin - Film: Chandi Kori
Best Actor in Lead Role: Arjun Kapikad - Film: Chandi Kori
Best Performance in Comic Role: Aravinda Bolar - Film: Ekka Sakka
Best Performance in Negative Role - Santhosh Shetty - Film: Madime
Best Director: Veerendra Shetty Kavoor - Film: Chaali Polilu
Best Music Director: Manikanth Kadri - Film: Rang - Song: Saradani
Best Playback Singer - Female: Anuradha Bhat - Film: Chaali Polilu - Song: Mahamaye
Best Playback Singer - Male: Rajesh Krishan - Film: Oriyan Tunda Oriyagapuji - Song: Pandi Parake
Best Story: Vijaya Kumar Kodialbail - Film: Madime
Best Screenplay: Suraj K Shetty - Film: Ekka Sakka
Best Lyricist: Devadas Kapikad - Film: Chandi Kori - Song: Udaya Udaya
Best Action: Mass Mada - Film: Chandi Kori
Best Art Direction: Keshava Suvarna - Film: Chaali Polilu
Best Background Score: Manikanth Kadri - Film: Chaali Polilu
Best Cinematography: Mani Kookal Nair - Film: Nirel
Best Editing: Sujith Nayak - Film: Chandi Kori
Best Choreography: Sada Master - Film: Soombe
Best Child Artiste: Pranith - Film: Bhramashree Narayana Guru Swamy
Best Supporting Actress: Usha Bandari - Film: Madime
Best Supporting Actor: Goopinath Bhat - Film: Dhand
Best Dialogue: Suraj K Shetty - Film: Ekka Sakka