In a spectacle of cinematic prowess, Darshan’s magnum opus, Kaatera, and Rakshit Shetty’s Sapta Saagaradache Ello, emerged as the undisputed victors, clinching seven and four awards, respectively, at the illustrious 5th Chandanavana Film Critics Academy Awards on a star-studded Sunday evening.
Ramesh Aravind, the maestro of thespian artistry, secured the coveted Best Actor award for his mesmerizing portrayal in Shivaji Suratkal 2. Meanwhile, the radiant Rukmini Vasanth gracefully accepted the Best Actress accolade for her compelling performance in Hemanth Rao’s directed marvel, Sapta Sagaradache Ello (SSE).
Tharun Kishore’s directorial masterpiece, Kaatera, stood tall as the crowned jewel, being adjudged the Best Film of 2023 by the discerning eyes of movie critics. The film garnered an impressive array of awards, including Best Director for Tharun Kishore Sudhir, Best Debut Actress for Aradhana, Best Supporting Actress for the talented Shruti, Best Screenplay for the dynamic duo of Tarun Kishore and Jadesh K, Best Dialogues for the maestro Maasti, and the ethereal Best Choreography for Bhushan’s mesmerizing work on the enchanting “Pasandagvne” song.
Among the rising stars, Nitin Krishnamurthy took home the prestigious Best Writer award for his compelling narrative in Hostel Hudugaru Bekagiddare. The Best Debut Producer award, named after the legendary Puneeth Rajkumar, found its deserving recipient in the versatile actress-turned-producer Ramya for the cinematic marvel Swati Muthina Male Haniye.
The grandeur of the event at Hotel Lalit Ashok was inaugurated by the iconic music composer and lyricist, Hamsalekha, a true luminary who coined the terms Sandalwood and Chandanavana for the Kannada film industry. The evening was graced by luminaries like eight-time National Award-winning director P. Sheshadri, actresses Malashree and Prema, veteran director Om Sai Prakash, and KFCC President NM Suresh. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, a distinguished guest, commended the Academy for transcending film boundaries by embracing organ donation as the theme for this year’s awards. Over two dozen celebrities pledged their support for this noble cause.
Top producers, directors, and technicians of the Kannada film industry converged for the premier awards event of the year. The gala, supported by industry stalwarts including Kauvery Hospital, Alliance University, Turbo Steel, Anand Audio, A2 Music, Suraj Productions, KSDL, KMF, BESCOM, Karnataka Tourism, CASAGRAND, Amrut Noni, and K-tech, showcased the pinnacle of cinematic excellence.
Kaiva, a cinematic gem starring Dhanveer Gowda and directed by Jayatheertha, clinched two awards for Best Editing (KM Prakash) and Best Art Director (Dharani Gangeputra). Daredevil Musthafa emerged triumphant with two awards for Best Debut Actor (Shishir Baikady) and Best Debut Director (Shashank Soghal). Viratapura Viraagi seized the spotlight, winning the Best BGM (Manikanth Kadri) and Best Male Singer (Ravindra Soragavi for “Nodalaagade” song).
V. Harikrishna, a maestro in the realm of composition, secured his inaugural critics’ award for his enchanting work in Kranti. The Best Stunt/Action award was rightfully bestowed upon Vikram Mor for orchestrating the climactic fight sequence in Sapta Sagaradache Ello. Namana, a budding talent, clinched the Best Child Artist award for the poignant role in Gowli, while Ramesh Indira garnered acclaim as the Best Supporting Actor for SSE.
Over 50 discerning film journalists and critics lent their expertise to select the 25 awards from a pool of over 200 Kannada films released in the cinematic landscape of 2023.
And the Winners Are..
– Best Film: Kaatera
– Best Director:Tarun Kishore Sudhir (Kaatera)
– Best Actor: Ramesh Aravind (Shivaji Suratkal 2)
– Best Actress: Rukmini Vasanth (Sapta Sagaradache Ello)
– Best Supporting Actor: Ramesh Indira (Sapta Sagaradache Ello)
– Best Supporting Actress: Shruti (Kaatera)
– Best Child Artist: Namana (Gowli)
• Best Screenplay: Tarun Kishore – Jadesh K (Kaatera)
• Best Dialogues: Maasti (Kaatera)
• Best Music Director: V. Harikrishna (Kranti)
• Best Lyrics: Jayanth Kaikini (Kausalya Supraja Rama – Preethisuve)
• Best BGM: Kadri Manikanth (Viratapura Viraagi)
• Best Female Singer: Sangeeta Katti and Vasushree Halemane (Pentagon – Kayo Shiva)
• Best Male Singer: Ravindra Soragavi (Viratapura Viraagi – Nodalaagade)
• Best Debut Producer – Puneeth Rajkumar Award: Ramya, Swati Mutthina Male Haniye
• Best Debut Actress – Tripuramba Award: Aradhana for Kaatera.
• Best Debut Actor – Sanchari Vijay Award: Shishir Baikady for Daredevil Musthafa
• Best Debut Writer – Chi. Udayashankar Award: Nitin Krishnamurthy for Hostel Hudagaru Bekagiddare
• Best Debut Director – Shankar Nag Award: Shashank Sogal for Daredevil Musthafa
• Best VFX: Asoo Studios, Mohammed Abdi (Ghost)
• Best Art Director: Dharani Gangeputra (Kaiva)
• Best Stunt Director: Vikram Mor (Sapta Sagaradache Ello)
• Best Cinematography: Advaitha Gurumurthy (Sapta Sagaradache Ello)
• Best Editing: K M Prakash ( Kaiva)
• Best Choreography: Bhushan (Kaatera – Pasandagavne)ilm CriticsIlmilm critics
