Kannada films you can catch at BIFFES!

The 11^th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFES), to be held from February 21-28, will screen 16 Kannada films.

Some Kannada films in the list catch your attention for different reasons. Whether it is the filmmaker’s pedigree in parallel cinema or the content that generates important debates, these films have made the right noise before being picked for BIFFES.

With two days to go for the festival, DH tells you what to expect from the Kannada cinema category.

1. Nathicharami

Director’s Mansore’s technical finesse was seen in his debut film Harivu (2014). The film, which tried to capture the impact of urbanisation, was adjudged the best Kannada film at the 62^nd National award.

Nathicharami, Mansore’s second film starring Sruthi Hariharan and Sanchari Vijay, is also message-oriented. But it’s once again solid on the technical department and offers an immersive experience. The film, first screened at Mumbai Academy of Moving Images (MAMI), talks about sex, the plight of single women and the problems from patriarchy. With rousing performances, Nathicharami leaves you disturbed and thinking.

2. Aa Karaala Ratri

Dayal Padmanabhan’s film is a winner on many fronts. Aa Karaala Ratri is a reminder to the industry that book-to-screen adaptations can click in the mainstream setting. The assured performances, the terrific camera lighting and the crisp dialogues make Aa Karaala Ratri highly engaging. It’s small film — be it the run-time or the minimal cast — but the quality isn’t compromised.

3. Ondalla Eradalla

Ondalla Eradalla, is an example of the famous saying: cinema is a reflection of society. Director Satya Prakash’s terrific first film Rama Rama Re won him the best debutant State award. In Ondalla Eradalla, he subtly touches on caste and religion, greed and blind faith through the story of a boy’s search of his beloved cow Bhanu. The message at heart is serious and important but Ondalla Eradalla’s journey is light and enjoyable.

4. Ammachi Yemba Nenapu

Champa Shetty’s first film was praised by critics. Ammachi Yemba Nenapu, based on the work of Sahitya Akademi Award winner Vaidehi, is a film on women that’s dealt like a social drama. The relatable characters, the picturesque backdrop and the relevant messages offered to make Ammachi Yemba Nenapu a special film.

5. More children films

Apart from Ondalla Eradalla, Ramana Savari and Belakina Kannadi are the other two films on children. Belakina Kannadai, directed by Basavaraj H, is a film that shows a child fighting the discrimination faced by widows. It was screened at the Barcelona Planet Film Festival last year. Ramana Savari, by award-winning director K Shivarudraiah, is adapted from Ramana Savari Santhege Hodadu by K Sadashiva.

6. Veterans

Films of reputed directors P Sheshadri and T S Nagabharana also find a place in the list. P Sheshadri, the multiple-time National Award winner, has made Mookajjiya Kanasugalu. Based on Shivaram Karanth's epic novel, the film has veteran B Jayashree in the lead. Nagabharana’s Kaanoorayana is a social drama that reflects the problems of rural India.

7. Biopic

Vishal Raj, the director of July 22, 1947 and Ingale Maarga, has made Savitribai Phule, the biopic of the reformer and educationist. Veteran Tara plays the protagonist while Suchendra Prasad plays her husband.

List of Kannada films at BIFFES: Aa Karaala Ratri, Ammachchi Emba Nenap, Ananthu vs Nusrath, Anuttara, Attayya vs Handi Kayolu, Belakina Kannadi, Kanoorayana, Mookajjiya Kanasugalu, Narthicharami, Neeru, Ondalla Eradalla, Ramana Savari, Samanatheya Kadege, Savitribai Phule, Smashana Mouna and Vishwamanava.