'Wild Karnataka', 'Akshi' bag national awards

Vikram Mor

Manoj Kumar

Wildlife documentary ‘Wild Karnataka’ clinched a double while Kannada film industry’s ace action choreographer Vikram Mor emerged winner for the second consecutive time at the National Film Awards.

Directed by the Bengaluru-based duo of Amoghavarsha and Kalyan Varma, ‘Wild Karnataka’ was adjudged the best ‘Exploration Film’ in the non-feature film competition on Monday. Celebrated broadcaster and natural historian Sir David Attenborough was declared the ‘Best Narrator/Voice-over Artist’ for the documentary.

“To be recognised by the government and receive such an honour is a great validation for our effort. The award, in fact, goes to our state and the forest department, for preserving wildlife,” Amoghavarsha told DH. The documentary, which enjoyed a 50-day run in theatres in 2019, is being streamed on the Discovery Channel.

Vikram Mor, who bagged his maiden National Award for the Kannada magnum opus ‘KGF Chapter: 1’, was thrilled to retain the prize. His work in the blockbuster ‘Avane Srimannarayana’, a fantasy-adventure film directed by Sachin Ravi, was adjudged the best in the ‘Stunt Choreography’ section.

Also read: Bengali movies bag honours at 67th National Film Awards

“I don’t have words to express my happiness. We took a lot of time to make this ambitious film. But we were very precise. I dedicate the award to the team and hero Rakshit (Shetty) sir, who fought many challenges in the stunt sequences,” said Vikram.

Manoj Kumar’s ‘Akshi’ was chosen as the Best Kannada Film. The debutant’s movie, which is yet to hit the theatres, spoke about the importance of eye donation. The film’s song ‘Kannigagi Kannugala’, sung by the late S P Balasubrahmanyam and Manasa Holla, was released by PRK Audio last week.

“When the great Dr Rajkumar passed away, we realised he had donated his eyes. That’s when I was inspired to make this film,” said Manoj.

Preetham Shetty’s ‘Pingara’ won the Best Tulu Film award. “The Tulu film industry recently completed 50 years. So, this recognition couldn’t have come at a better time. This award is for the Tulu language,” said Preetham.

The film, which is a gripping take on caste in society, won the ‘NETPAC International Jury’ award at the Bangalore International Film Festival last year.

Kannada filmmaker and writer P R Ramadas Naidu’s ‘Jagathika Cinema Vikasa-Prerane Prabhava’ received a special mention in the “Best Book on Cinema” section.