View source for Kannada cinema

{{short description|Kannada language film industry}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2021}}
{{Infobox cinema market
| name                  = Kannada cinema
| image                 = India film clapperboard.svg
| image_size            = 
| alt                   = 
| caption               = 
| screens               = {{ubl|650 Single screens|260 multiplex screens<ref>{{cite web |title=Times of India |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/city/bengaluru/karnataka-multiplexes-decide-to-get-ball-rolling/amp_articleshow/78672113.cms#aoh=16220412708571&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com&amp_tf=From%20%251%24s |website=www.TimesofIndia.com|access-date=15 October 2020}}</ref>}}
| screens_per_capita    = 1.3 per 1,00,000
| distributors          = {{br separated entries|
|[[Rajendra Singh Babu|Mahatma Pictures]]|
|[[Parvathamma Rajkumar|Sri Vajreshwari Combines]]|
|[[V. Ravichandran|Sri Eswari Combines]]|
|[[K. C. N. Gowda|KCN Movies]]
|[[Rockline Entertainments]]
|[[Jayanna Combines]]|
|[[Darshan (actor)|Thoogudeepa Distributors]]
|[[Paramvah Studios]]
|[[Pushkar Films]]
|[[Hombale Films]]}}
| produced_year         = 2019
| produced_ref          = <ref>{{cite web|url=http://filmfed.org/downloads/Language-wise-Region-2018-19-26062019.pdf|title="INDIAN FEATURE FILMS CERTIFIED IN 2019|work=Filmfed|access-date=12 August 2020}}</ref>
| produced_total        = 336
| produced_fictional    = 
| produced_animated     = 
| produced_documentary  = 
| admissions_year       = 
| admissions_ref        = 
| admissions_total      = 
| admissions_per_capita = 
| admissions_national   = 
| box_office_year       = 2018 till September
| box_office_ref        = <ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=The Digital March Media & Entertainment in South India|url=http://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/in/Documents/technology-media-telecommunications/in-tmt-economic-contribution-of-motion-picture-and-television-industry-noexp.pdf|publisher=Deloitte|access-date=1 July 2018}}</ref>
| box_office_total      = 
| box_office_national   = 
}}
{{Indian cinema}}
'''Kannada cinema''', also known as '''Sandalwood''', '''Kannada Film Industry''' or '''Chandanavana''',<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.zee5.com/zee5news/from-the-golden-era-of-70s-to-now-a-brief-history-of-the-birth-rise-of-kannada-cinema/amp/|title=From The Golden Era Of 70s To Now: A Brief History Of The Birth & Rise Of Kannada Cinema - ZEE5 News|website=www.zee5.com}}</ref> is the segment of [[Indian cinema]]<ref name="deccanherald.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/slideshow-sandalwood-rechristened-1518654|title=Sandalwood rechristened &#124; Latest News & Updates at DNAIndia.com|first=R.|last=Manohar|date=11 March 2011|website=DNA India}}</ref> dedicated to the production of motion pictures in the [[Kannada language]] widely spoken in the state of [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite book |author=Shampa Banerjee, Anil Srivastava|title= One Hundred Indian Feature Films: An Annotated Filmography|orig-year=1988|year= 1988|publisher= Taylor & Francis|isbn= 0-8240-9483-2}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Shenoy|first=Megha|date=27 December 2010|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/124106/when-rained-films.html|title=When it rained films|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=29 July 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmfed.org/singlescreen.html|title=Statewise number of single screens|work=chitraloka.com|date=3 May 1913|access-date=29 July 2013}}</ref> The 1934 film ''[[Sati Sulochana]]'' directed by [[Yaragudipati Varada Rao|Y. V. Rao]] was the first talkie film in the Kannada language.<ref name="Rediff">{{cite news |last=Dhaan |first= M S |date=13 April 2006 |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/2006/apr/13ms.htm |title=Dr.Raj's impact on Kannada cinema |work=Rediff.com |access-date=18 March 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=First film to talk in Kannada  |url=http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050410165948/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=10 April 2005 |date=31 December 2004 |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=Chennai, India}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=A revolutionary filmmaker  |url= http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/08/22/stories/2003082201400400.htm|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20040117021114/http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/fr/2003/08/22/stories/2003082201400400.htm|url-status= dead|archive-date= 17 January 2004|date= 22 August 2003|work=[[The Hindu]]|location=Chennai, India}}</ref> It was also the first film starring [[Subbaiah Naidu]] and [[Tripuramba]], and was the first motion picture screened in the erstwhile [[Mysore Kingdom]].<ref name="ss">{{cite news|url=http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050104030339/http://www.hindu.com/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=4 January 2005|title=First film to talk in Kannada|access-date=21 April 2007|location=Chennai, India|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=31 December 2004}}</ref> The film was produced by [[Chamanlal Doongaji]], who in 1932 founded ''South India Movietone'' in [[Bangalore]].<ref name=thehindu>{{cite news |last1=Khajane |first1=Muralidhara |title=Philatelic show to mark 78th anniversary of 'Sati Sulochana' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/philatelic-show-to-mark-78th-anniversary-of-sati-sulochana/article2929333.ece/amp/ |access-date=3 September 2018 |work=The Hindu |date=25 February 2012 |language=en-IN}}</ref><ref name=dailyhunt>{{cite news |title=Wealth of material found on first Kannada talkie |url=https://m.dailyhunt.in/news/bangladesh/english/deccan+herald-epaper-deccan/wealth+of+material+found+on+first+kannada+talkie-newsid-85780599 |access-date=3 September 2018 |work=DailyHunt |language=en |publisher=Deccan Herald}}</ref>

Major literary works have been adapted to the Kannada screen such as [[B. V. Karanth]]'s ''[[Chomana Dudi]]'' (1975), [[Girish Karnad]]'s ''[[Kaadu (1973 Kannada film)|Kaadu]]'' (1973), [[Pattabhirama Reddy Tikkavarapu|Pattabhirama Reddy]]'s ''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]'' (1970) (based on a novel by [[U. R. Ananthamurthy]]), which won the Bronze Leopard at [[Locarno International Film Festival]],<ref name="1nellore.com">{{cite web|url=http://1nellore.com/1849/tikkavarapu-pattabhirama-reddy-poet-film-maker-of-international-fame/|title=Tikkavarapu Pattabhirama Reddy – Poet, Film maker of international fame from Nellore - 1Nellore.com|access-date=26 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006102018/http://1nellore.com/1849/tikkavarapu-pattabhirama-reddy-poet-film-maker-of-international-fame/|archive-date=6 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> and [[T. S. Nagabharana]]'s [[Mysore Mallige (film)|Mysuru Mallige]] (based on the works of acclaimed poet [[K. S. Narasimhaswamy]]).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bharatmovies.com/director/ts-nagabharana-movies.htm|title=TS Nagabharana movies list|website=www.bharatmovies.com|access-date=4 November 2016}}</ref>

Kannada cinema is known for producing experimental works such as [[Girish Kasaravalli]]'s ''[[Ghatashraddha]]'' (1977), which won the Ducats Award at the Manneham Film Festival Germany,<ref>{{cite web |title= Asiatic Film Mediale |url= http://www.asiaticafilmmediale.it/2002/uk/intro.html |publisher= asiaticafilmmediale.it|url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081116041627/http://www.asiaticafilmmediale.it/2002/uk/intro.html |archive-date= 16 November 2008 |df= dmy-all }}</ref> ''[[Dweepa]]'' (2002), which won Best Film at [[Moscow International Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite news |title= Girish Kasaravalli to be felicitated |url= http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/girish-kasaravalli-to-be-felicitated/article1765035.ece |work=[[The Hindu]]|date= 25 April 2011 |access-date= 25 March 2014}}</ref><ref name="awa">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1920/stories/20021011005912100.htm|title=A genius of theatre|work=The Frontline|date=25 October 2002|access-date=14 March 2009}}</ref> [[Singeetam Srinivasa Rao]]'s silent film ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' (1987), screened at the [[Cannes Film Festival]] and [[Prashanth Neel]]'s [[historical drama]], ''[[K.G.F: Chapter 1]]'' (2018),<ref name="Oscar nominees among 240 films to be screened during Biffes">{{cite web | url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/Oscar-nominees-among-240-films-to-be-screened-during-Biffes/article17104930.ece | title=Oscar nominees among 240 films to be screened during Biffes | work=The Hindu | access-date=27 January 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sharadhaa |first1=A |title=Killing Veerappan is a Slick RGV Thriller |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/Killing-Veerappan-is-a-Slick-RGV-Thriller/2016/01/02/article3206836.ece |access-date=11 April 2021 |work=The New Indian Express |date=2 January 2016}}</ref> which became the first Kannada language film to have grossed ₹250 crores worldwide at the box office.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-becomes-first-kannada-film-to-break-into-rs-200-cr-club-njan-prakashan-declared-blockbuster-5862501.html/amp|title=KGF becomes first Kannada film to break into Rs 200 cr clubs; Njan Prakashan declared blockbuster|date=9 January 2019|archive-date=13 January 2019|work=Firstpost|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190113152018/https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/kgf-becomes-first-kannada-film-to-break-into-rs-200-cr-club-njan-prakashan-declared-blockbuster-5862501.html/amp}}</ref>

==History==
===Early history===
[[File:Honnappa Bhagavathar 1948.jpg|thumb|150px|upright|right|Kannada film doyen [[Honnappa Bhagavathar]]]]
[[File:Rajkumar 2009 stamp of India.jpg|thumb|150px|upright|right|[[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]] on a 2009 stamp in India]]
In 1934, the first Kannada [[talkie]], ''[[Sati Sulochana]]'',<ref>[http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm "First film to talk in Kannada"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070105012711/http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/fr/2004/12/31/stories/2004123102420300.htm |date=5 January 2007 }} article in ''The Hindu''</ref> appeared in theatres, followed by ''[[Bhakta Dhruva]]'' (aka ''Dhruva Kumar''). ''Sati Sulochana'', starring [[Subbaiah Naidu]] and [[Tripuramba]] in lead roles, was shot in [[Kolhapur]] at the Chatrapathi studio; most filming, sound recording, and post-production was done in [[Chennai]].<ref name="Routledge">{{cite book|author1=K. Moti Gokulsing|author2=Wimal Dissanayake|title=Routledge Handbook of Indian Cinemas|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=djUFmlFbzFkC|date=17 April 2013|publisher=Routledge|isbn=978-1-136-77284-9}}</ref>

In 1949, [[Honnappa Bhagavathar]], who had earlier acted in Gubbi Veeranna's films, produced ''[[Bhakta Kumbara]]'' and starred in the lead role along with [[Pandaribai]]. In 1955, Bhagavathar again produced a Kannada film, ''[[Mahakavi Kalidasa]]'', in which he introduced actress [[B. Saroja Devi]].<ref name="Routledge"/> [[B. S. Ranga]] was an Indian photographer, actor, writer, producer and director made many landmark movies in [[Kannada]], under Vikram Studios.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/ratnapuri-ilavarasi-1960/article6229101.ece|title=Ratnapuri Ilavarasi (1960)|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=19 July 2014|access-date=5 April 2018|last=Guy|first=Randor|author-link=Randor Guy|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170731094156/http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/ratnapuri-ilavarasi-1960/article6229101.ece|url-status=live| archive-date=31 July 2017}}</ref>

===Mainstream===
[[Matinee idol]], [[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]] entered Kannada cinema after his long stint as a dramatist with [[Gubbi Veeranna]]'s ''Gubbi Drama Company'', which he joined at the age of eight, before he got his first break as a lead in the 1954 film ''[[Bedara Kannappa]]''.<ref name="Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema">{{cite news|last=PTI|date=12 April 2006|title=Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema |url=http://www.rediff.com/movies/report/rajobit/20060412.htm|work=Rediff.com|access-date=24 April 2017}}</ref>

He went on to essay a variety of roles and excelling in portraying mythological and historical characters in films such as ''[[Bhakta Kanakadasa]]'' (1960), ''[[Ranadheera Kanteerava]]'' (1960), ''[[Satya Harishchandra (1965 Kannada film)|Satya Harishchandra]]'' (1965), ''[[Immadi Pulikeshi (film)|Immadi Pulikeshi]]'' (1967), ''[[Sri Krishnadevaraya (film)|Sri Krishnadevaraya]]'' (1970), ''[[Bhakta Kumbara]]'' (1974), ''[[Mayura (film)|Mayura]]'' (1975), ''[[Babruvahana (film)|Babruvahana]]'' (1977) and ''[[Bhakta Prahlada (1983 film)|Bhakta Prahlada]]'' (1983). His wife [[Parvathamma Rajkumar]] founded Film production and distribution company, Vajreshwari Combines.<ref name="Rajakumar, king of Kannada cinema"/>

Method actor [[Shankar Nag]] received the inaugural [[IFFI Best Actor Award (Male)]]: Silver Peacock Award" at the [[7th International Film Festival of India]] for his work in the film ''[[Ondanondu Kaladalli]]''.<ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EKo-DwAAQBAJ&q=iffi+girish+karnad+1979&pg=PT157|title=Conscience of The Race|first=BIBEKANANDA|last=RAY|date=5 April 2017|publisher=Publications Division Ministry of Information & Broadcasting|isbn=9788123026619|via=Google Books}}</ref> He is the younger brother of actor [[Anant Nag]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=C R |first1=Sharanya |title=This one's for Shankar Nag |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/this-ones-for-shankar-nag/articleshow/18970477.cms |access-date=11 April 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=14 March 2013 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YbG4HPNDlsk|title=Shankar Nag Last Interview - Part 2|last=Anand Chandrashekar|date=7 November 2009|via=YouTube}}</ref> [[M. V. Vasudeva Rao]], the first Kannada actor to win [[National Film Award for Best Actor]], was starred in over 200 films in his career; however, post ''[[Chomana Dudi]]'', he only played minor roles.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Rao|first1=M. K. Bhaskar|date=14 April 2002|title=A natural|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr13/at3.htm|work=Deccan Herald|access-date=2 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020425090527/http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/apr13/at3.htm|archive-date=25 April 2002}}</ref>

[[Vishnuvardhan (actor)|Vishnuvardhan]] entered Kannada cinema with the National Award-winning movie ''[[Vamshavruksha]]'' (1972) directed by [[Girish Karnad]] based on the novel written by [[S. L. Bhyrappa]]. His first lead role was in ''[[Naagarahaavu]]'', directed by [[Puttanna Kanagal]] and based on a novel by [[T. R. Subba Rao]]. It was the first in Kannada film history to complete 100 days in three main theatres of Bangalore. In his 37-year career, he has played a variety of roles in more than 200 films.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/vishnuvardhan-helped-me-to-get-stardom-rajinikanth/article76796.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Vishnuvardhan helped me to get stardom: Rajinikanth | date=7 January 2010}}</ref>

With his debut in [[Puttanna Kanagal]]'s National Award-winning Kannada film ''[[Naagarahaavu]]'' (1972), [[Ambareesh]]'s acting career commenced with a brief phase of portraying antagonistic and supporting characters. After establishing himself as a lead actor portraying rebellious characters on screen in a number of commercially successful films, he earned the moniker "rebel star".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/174720/when-rebel-star-rewinds-past.html|title=When 'Rebel Star' rewinds past days in Mysore|newspaper=Deccan Herald|date=20 September 2014}}</ref> He also earned the nickname ''Mandyada Gandu'' (English: Man of [[Mandya]])<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/mandyada-gandu-gets-rousing-welcome/article5907186.ece|title='Mandyada Gandu' gets rousing welcome|newspaper=The Hindu|date=13 April 2013}}</ref>

[[B. Saroja Devi]] is One of the most successful female leads in the history of Indian cinema, she acted in around 200 films in over six decades.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.chitramala.com/articles/saroja-devi-4189.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711020420/http://www.chitramala.com/articles/saroja-devi-4189.html|url-status=dead|title=Documentary on legendary Saroja Devi - Chitramala.com|archive-date=11 July 2011}}</ref><ref name="ToI_greatest_2013">{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/B-Saroja-Devi-in-the-list-of-greatest-Indianactresses-ever/articleshow/19895895.cms |title=B Saroja Devi in the list of greatest Indian actresses ever |author=Taniya Talukdar |date=5 May 2013 |newspaper=The Times of India }}</ref> She is known by the epithets "''Abinaya Saraswathi''" ([[Saraswati]] of acting) in Kannada and "''Kannadathu Paingili''" (Kannada's Parrot) in Tamil.<ref name="ToI_greatest_2013"/>

===Neo-realistic cinema===
{{main|Parallel cinema}}
Kannada Cinema majorly contributed to the [[Parallel Cinema]] movement of India.<ref name="Kasaravalli">{{citation|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/parallel-cinema-girish-kasaravalli-look-kannada-industrys-stalwart-filmmaker-72172|title=The parallel cinema of Girish Kasaravalli: A look at Kannada industry's stalwart filmmaker|date=7 November 2017|work=The News Minute}}</ref> Directors like [[Girish Kasaravalli]],<ref name="Kasaravalli"/> [[Girish Karnad]],<ref name="Karnad">{{citation|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/kannadas-parallel-cinema-loses-its-star/article26662943.ece|title=Kannada's parallel cinema loses its star|date=28 March 2019|work=The Hindu}}</ref> [[G. V. Iyer]]<ref name="Karnad"/> were the early names to join the movement. [[T. S. Nagabharana]]<ref>{{cite book |date=2003 |title=Cinema in India, Volume 3 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WQtlAAAAMAAJ&q=Puttanna+Kanagal |publisher=Mangala Chandran |access-date=11 July 2015}}</ref> and [[BV Karanth]] were also popular names in the movement. [[Puttanna Kanagal]]'s films were however considered a bridge between Mainstream and Parallel Cinema.

===Modern era===
[[Prakash Raj]] began his acting career with [[Doordarshan]] serials such as ''Bisilu Kudure'' (Kannada) and ''[[Guddada Bhootha]]'' ([[Tulu language|Tulu]] and Kannada).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/if-artistes-become-cowards-they-make-society-a-coward-prakash-raj-4975924/|title=If artistes become cowards, they make society a coward: Prakash Raj|date=10 December 2017|website=The Indian Express}}</ref> He later took up supporting roles in [[Kannada language|Kannada]] films such as ''Ramachari'', ''[[Ranadheera]]'', ''[[Nishkarsha]]'' and ''[[Lockup Death]]''. He was known for his dialogue delivery and histrionics. His breakthrough role came in ''[[Harakeya Kuri]]'', directed by [[K. S. L. Swamy]] starring Vishnuvardhan, with whom he had acted in other films such as ''[[Mithileya Seetheyaru]]'', ''[[Muthina Haara]]'' and ''[[Nishkarsha]]''. Prakash re-entered Kannada films through ''[[Nagamandala]]'' in 1997, directed by [[T. S. Nagabharana]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.firstpost.com/india/prakash-raj-exclusive-everyone-has-the-right-to-differ-but-this-is-orchestrated-trolling-and-you-cannot-threaten-me-with-continuous-abuse-4174937.html|title=Prakash Raj exclusive: Everyone has the right to differ, but this is orchestrated trolling. And you cannot threaten me with continuous abuse - India News, Firstpost|website=Firstpost}}</ref> Veteran Kannada actor [[Shakti Prasad]]'s son [[Arjun Sarja]] is known for his work in South Indian cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.supergoodmovies.com/41510/sandalwood/four-films-announced-for-23rd-march-news-details |title=Archived copy |access-date=21 March 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120320165539/http://www.supergoodmovies.com/41510/sandalwood/four-films-announced-for-23rd-march-news-details |archive-date=20 March 2012 }}</ref> He starred in movies such as [[Prasad (2012 film)|Prasad]]; the film was screened at the [[Berlin Film Festival]] and Arjun received the Karnataka State Award for his performance in it.<ref>[https://archive.today/20120702020941/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-02-23/news-interviews/31090458_1_martin-gropius-bau-festival-director-indian-film]</ref>

[[Sanchari Vijay]]'s portrayal of a transgender won him the [[National Film Award for Best Actor|National Best Actor Award]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Vijay bags National Award for Best Actor|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Vijay-bags-National-Award-for-Best-Actor/articleshow/46676471.cms|publisher=timesofindia|date=24 March 2015|access-date=24 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Sanchari Vijay Actor–Profile and biography|url=http://cinetrooth.in/2015/06/21/sanchari-vijay-actor-profile-and-biography/|publisher=cinetrooth|date=21 June 2015|access-date=22 August 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Vijay elated on winning best actor award|url=http://www.deccanherald.com/content/467499/vijay-elated-winning-actor-award.html|publisher=deccanherald|date=25 March 2015|access-date=26 March 2015}}</ref> With the award, Vijay became the third actor after [[M. V. Vasudeva Rao]], and [[Charuhasan]] to win the National Award for Best Actor for a performance in a [[Kannada film]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rediff.com/movies/report/meet-the-first-kannada-actor-to-win-a-national-award-south/20150325.htm|title=Meet the first Kannada actor to win a National Award|first=Praveen|last=Sundaram|website=Rediff}}</ref>

[[Shiva Rajkumar]] is known for his work in ''[[Janumada Jodi]]'', ''[[Anand (1986 film)|Anand]]'', ''[[Ratha Sapthami]]'', ''[[Nammoora Mandara Hoove]]'', ''[[Om]]'', ''[[Simhada Mari]]'' and ''[[Chigurida Kanasu]]''. He acted in ''[[Sugreeva (film)|Sugreeva]]'', which was shot in 18 hours. His ''[[Om (Kannada film)|Om]]'', directed by [[Upendra (actor)|Upendra]], set a trend of gangster movies in [[Kannada]] and other film industries in India. It continues to be shown even to this day.<ref>[http://kannada.oneindia.in/movies/news/2010/09/01-upendra-om-re-release-on-sept-3.html ಪ್ರೇಕ್ಷಕರ ಒತ್ತಾಯದ ಮೇರೆಗೆ ಮತ್ತೆ ಬಂದಿದೆ ಓಂ!], One India, 1 September 2010</ref>

[[Rockline Venkatesh]] founded [[Rockline Entertainments]] which has produced over twenty five films as of 2012.<ref name="63rdaward">{{cite press release|title=63rd National Film Awards|url=http://dff.nic.in/writereaddata/Winners_of_63rd_NFA_2015.pdf|publisher=[[Directorate of Film Festivals]]|date=28 March 2016|access-date=28 March 2016}}</ref> New age actors - [[Yash (actor)|Yash]], [[Darshan (actor)|Darshan]], [[Puneeth Rajkumar]], [[Rakshith Shetty]] and [[Sudeep]] are some of the highest paid actors in Sandalwood.<ref>[http://www.ibtimes.co.in/box-office-collection-pk-mr-mrs-ramachari-dominate-bengaluru-collection-centres-619818 Box Office Collection: 'PK', 'Mr & Mrs Ramachari' Dominate Bengaluru Collection Centres]. Ibtimes.co.in (9 January 2015). Retrieved on 11 November 2016.</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.sify.com/movies/birthday-gift-to-yash-ramachari-to-enter-20-cr-club-soon-news-kannada-pbikMujcjecag.html|title=Birthday gift to Yash: Ramachari to enter cr club soon!|agency=www.sify.com|access-date=22 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822145507/https://www.sify.com/movies/birthday-gift-to-yash-ramachari-to-enter-20-cr-club-soon-news-kannada-pbikMujcjecag.html|archive-date=22 August 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari' Review: Audience Live Response |url= http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mr-mrs-ramachari-review-audience-live-response-618291 |publisher= ibtimes.co.in |date= 25 December 2014 |access-date= 2 January 2015}}</ref> The [[Rakshith Shetty]] starrer ''[[Kirik Party]]'' went on to become one of the [[List of highest-grossing Indian films|highest-grossing Kannada films]] by collecting ₹ 50 [[crores]]<ref name="ittt">{{cite web|url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/rakshit-shettys-kirik-party-telugu-remake-rights-sold-talks-other-language-rights-721075|title=Rakshit Shetty's Kirik Party dubbed by malayalam movie premam and Telugu remake rights sold; talks on for other language rights|work=International Business Times|date=28 March 2017|access-date=28 March 2017}}</ref> against a production budget ₹ 4 crores<ref name="th">{{cite web|title=The budget of 'Kirik Party' would be around ₹4crore|url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/rakshith-shettys-kirik-party-to-go-on-the-floors-in-march/article8191273.ece
|work=The Hindu}}</ref> and completed 150 days in the main cities of [[Karnataka]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/amp/movies/regional-cinema/story/krik-party-rakshit-shetty-rashmika-mandanna-celebrate-150-days-981176-2017-06-06|title=Kirik Party completes 150 days: Rakshit Shetty, Rashmika Mandanna celebrate with fans|website=India Today}}</ref>

The 2015 release ''[[RangiTaranga]]'' starring [[Nirup Bhandari]] and directed by [[Anup Bhandari]], created overseas market for Kannada cinema with a mega release, amassing $318,000 in USA alone. It went on to become the first Kannada film to enter the New York Box office listing, the first Kannada film to complete 50 days in USA and the first Kannada movie ever to release in several countries across the world. It ran for 365 days in Bangalore.

In 2018, Yash starrer [[K.G.F: Chapter 1]] became the first [[Kannada]] film to gross ₹100 crores and ₹200 crores at the box office. Its sequel, [[K.G.F: Chapter 2]], slated to release in 2021, gained more than 197 million views on [[YouTube]] as of July 2021.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite news|title=Raveena Tandon, Sanjay Dutt Respond To 'Overwhelming' Response To KGF 2 Teaser|url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/kgf-2-teaser-sanjay-dutt-raveena-tandon-respond-to-fans-world-record-setting-response-4324286/|access-date=14 January 2021 |work=India.com |date=11 January 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=KGF 2 Teaser Sets Big YouTube Record: Yash Starrer Gets Over 130 Million Views And 6.6 Likes |url=https://www.india.com/entertainment/kgf-2-teaser-sets-big-youtube-record-yash-starrer-gets-over-130-million-views-and-6-6-likes-4323528/ |access-date=14 January 2021 |work=India.com |date=11 January 2021}}</ref>

===Film scores===
Composer [[Hamsalekha]] is usually referred to by the title ''Naadha Brahma'' (English: The [[Brahma]] of Music) who is considered to be the major cause for the change in the music composing and lyric writing style which would appeal much to the younger generation. He integrated folk and introduced western musical sensibilities into the Kannada cinema.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.chitraloka.com/news/1472-hamsalekha-60.html|title=Hamsalekha 60|publisher=Chitraloka|date=23 June 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/dr-hamsalekha-now-kannada-news-107448|title=Dr. Hamsalekha now|publisher=Indiaglitz|date=14 May 2014}}</ref>

[[Mano Murthy]] scored the blockbuster film [[Mungaru Male]] starring [[Ganesh (actor)|Ganesh]] and [[Pooja Gandhi]]. Upon the album's release, it topped the charts with the song "[[Anisuthide]]" receiving significant radio and TV air time.<ref name = hindu>{{cite news |title='Mungaru Male' still tops the charts |url=http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/mungaru-male-still-tops-the-charts/article1843484.ece |newspaper=The Hindu |date=17 May 2014 |access-date=6 November 2014}}</ref> The album emerged as a massive success topping every Kannada music chart. It was reported that by mid-May 2007, over 200,000 copies were sold in [[compact disc]]s.<ref>{{cite news |title='Mungaru Male' album a mega hit |url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1273374021.html |access-date=10 October 2015 |work=Hindustan Times |date=18 May 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151010052639/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P3-1273374021.html |archive-date=10 October 2015}}</ref>

== International Recognition==

The 1964 movie ''[[Naandi (film)|Naandi]]''  set a landmark by being the first ever Kannada film to be screened at an international film festival.<ref>[http://www.chitraloka.com/history/3857-history-44-naandi-gets-international-recognition.html History 44 - Naandi Gets International Recognition]</ref><ref>https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/Kannada-cinema-makes-its-presence-felt-at-Bengaluru-film-fest/article17102789.ece</ref><ref>https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-your-bond-with-bengaluru/kannada-films-for-all-time-700916.html</ref><ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20040316075610/http://www.hindu.com/2004/02/07/stories/2004020701180400.htm Comedian Vadiraj is dead]</ref> This film was screened at [[International Film Festival of India|IFFI]] 1992 Kannada cinema Retrospect.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/celebration-of-kannada-power-at-biffes/article22860036.ece</ref>

The 1970 movie ''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]'' won the Bronze Leopard at [[Locarno International Film Festival]]<ref name="1nellore.com"/> The 1977 movie ''[[Ghatashraddha]]'' which had the distinction of being shown at the Museum of Modern Art, New York,<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/a-film-festival-organised-to-celebrate-the-70th-birthday-of-girish-kasaravalli/article30185472.ece/amp/</ref>
became the only Indian film to be chosen by the [[Cinémathèque Française|National Archive of Paris]] among 100 others, during the centenary celebrations of cinema.<ref>{{cite web |title= Asiatic Film Mediale |url= http://www.asiaticafilmmediale.it/2002/uk/intro.html |website= asiaticafilmmediale.it |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20081116041627/http://www.asiaticafilmmediale.it/2002/uk/intro.html |archive-date= 16 November 2008 |df= dmy-all }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title= Girish Kasaravalli to be felicitated |url= http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-karnataka/girish-kasaravalli-to-be-felicitated/article1765035.ece |newspaper= [[The Hindu]] |date= 25 April 2011 |access-date= 25 March 2014}}</ref> At the 2009 [[International Film Festival of India]], it was announced one of the 20 best films in [[Cinema of India|Indian cinema]], having received 1.6 million votes.<ref>{{cite news |title= Ghatashraddha, one of the 20 best movies |url= http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/Ghatashraddha-one-of-the-20-best-movies/articleshow/5297716.cms |newspaper= The Times of India |date= 4 December 2009 |access-date= 1 April 2015}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/music/a-film-festival-organised-to-celebrate-the-70th-birthday-of-girish-kasaravalli/article30185472.ece|title = A journey in reels|newspaper = The Hindu|date = 5 December 2019|last1 = Khajane|first1 = Muralidhara}}</ref> The 1978 movie ''[[Ondanondu Kaladalli]]'' was released at The Guild Theatre, [[50 Rockefeller Plaza]] on 17 May 1982. [[Vincent Canby]], the chief film critic of [[The New York Times]], called the movie "that is both exotic as well as surprising in view of all the bodies on the ground at the end, sweet natured!".<ref>https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/17/movies/from-india-once-upon-a-time.html</ref> The film was subtitled into English for its American premiere on 18 October 1995 in [[Homewood Campus of Johns Hopkins University#Shriver Hall|Shriver Hall]] at the [[Johns Hopkins University]] as part of the 1995 [[Milton S. Eisenhower Symposium]] "Framing Society : A Century of Cinema".<ref Name="Johns Hopkins Gazette">[http://pages.jh.edu/gazette/julsep95/sep1895/18sympos.html  MSE Symposium Considers the Cinema at 100, 18 Sept 1995]</ref>

The 1987 film ''[[Pushpaka Vimana (1987 film)|Pushpaka Vimana]]'' premiered at the [[International Film Festival of India]], [[1988 Cannes Film Festival]] in the International Critics' Week <ref>{{Cite news |last=Biswas |first=Nilosree |date=6 May 2007 |title=Need for a universal story |work=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/need-for-a-universal-story/article2275204.ece |url-status=dead |access-date=30 November 2019 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191130130310/https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-sundaymagazine/need-for-a-universal-story/article2275204.ece |archive-date=30 November 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Sakhya Indian Cinema Club: Pushpaka Vimanam (The Love Chariot) |url=http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006065815/http://www.gradunion.cam.ac.uk/events/sakhya-indian-cinema-club-pushpaka-vimana-the-love-chariot/ |archive-date=6 October 2014 |website=Graduate Union}}</ref> and retrospective at the [[Shanghai International Film Festival]], and [[Whistling Woods International]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Celebrate Cinema |url=http://whistlingwoods.net/Celebrate-Cinema/screening-schedule.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141008212155/http://whistlingwoods.net/Celebrate-Cinema/screening-schedule.pdf |archive-date=8 October 2014 |access-date=6 October 2014 |website=Whistling Woods}}</ref>

The 2000 movie ''[[Munnudi]]'' was screened at [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]] (2002).<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20020323095430/http://www.chirag-entertainers.com/Munnudi.htm</ref> The 2002 movie ''[[Atithi (2002 film)|Atithi]]'' was screened at [[Cairo International Film Festival]].<ref>http://www.screenindia.com/old/fullstory.php?content_id=2849</ref> The 2004 movie ''[[Hasina (film)|Hasina]]'' was screened at Berlin's Asia Pacific Film Festival.<ref name="nowrunning.com">https://www.nowrunning.com/news/kannada/naayi-neralu-selected-for-international-film-fests/8319/story.htm</ref> The 2006 movie ''[[Thutturi]]'' won the ''Best Audience Award'' at the 9th [[Dhaka International Film Festival]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dhakafilmfest.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=54 |title=9th Dhaka International Film Festival |publisher=Dhakafilmfest.org |accessdate=22 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003002842/http://www.dhakafilmfest.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=45&Itemid=54 |archive-date=3 October 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
and won the ''Earth Vision Award of 2005-06'' at the 15th Tokyo Global Environmental Film Festival.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.earth-vision.jp/english/3-0film_entries.htm |title=EARTH VISION-Tokyo Global Environmental Film Festival |website=Earth-vision |accessdate=22 March 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714061142/http://www.earth-vision.jp/english/3-0film_entries.htm |archive-date=14 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The 2006 movie ''[[Naayi Neralu]]'' was screened at six international film festivals including [[International Film Festival Rotterdam]], [[Bangkok International Film Festival]], [[Palm Springs International Film Festival]] , Osian's Film Festival and the Karachi International Film Festival.<ref name="nowrunning.com"/> The 2006 movie ''[[Care of Footpath]]'' was selected for the ''Kids for Kids Film Festival'' at Cyprus and the 2006 film ''[[Cyanide (2006 film)|Cyanide]]'' was selected for the London Film Festival.<ref>https://www.indiaglitz.com/nayi-neraluto-asian-film-festival--_amp-news-23579</ref>

The 2010 movie ''[[Kanasemba Kudureyaneri]]''  won the [[NETPAC]] Award at the ''Asiatica Film Mediale (Italy)'' (2010).<ref>{{cite web |title=Riding the Stallion of Dream  |url=http://netpacasia.org/item248 |website=NETPAC |access-date=11 September 2019}}</ref> The 2011 film ''[[Koormavatara]]'' was screened in 17 film festivals and won acclaims at the film festivals of [[Bangkok International Film Festival|Bangkok]], [[New York Film Festival|New York]] and [[Vancouver International Film Festival|Vancouver]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Suresh|first1=Sunayana|title='Kurmavatara' in 17 film festivals|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Kurmavatara-in-17-film-festivals/articleshow/16964973.cms|access-date=20 October 2015|work=The Times of India|date=27 October 2012}}</ref> The 2013 movie ''[[Lucia (film)|Lucia]]'' premiered at the [[London Indian Film Festival]] on 20 July 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title= Lucia to premiere at LIFF |url= http://newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/Lucia-to-premiere-at-LIFF/2013/07/02/article1662455.ece |newspaper= The Indian Express |date= 2 July 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title= Indian Film Festival 2013&nbsp;– London |url= http://www.britishsouthindians.co.uk/indian-film-festival-2013-london/ |publisher= britishsouthindians}}</ref> It won the Best Film Audience Choice award at the festival.<ref>{{cite news |title= Crowd-funded 'Lucia' wins smash hit 4th edition of LIFF |url= http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/cgi-bin/template.pl?t=npd&ID=130 |publisher= London Indian Film Festival |access-date= 15 August 2013 |archive-url= https://archive.today/20130815032638/http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/cgi-bin/template.pl?t=npd&ID=130 |archive-date= 15 August 2013 |url-status= dead }}</ref> The 2015 movie ''[[Thithi (film)|Thithi]]'' won accolades at multiple international film festivals including the 68th [[Locarno Festival|Locarno International Film Festival]].<ref>https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2015/aug/16/Kannada-Film-Thithi-Wins-Two-Awards-at-Locarno-International-Film-Fest-800119.html</ref> The 2016 movie ''[[Railway Children (film)|Railway Children]]'' won the ''Ecumenical Jury Award'' (special mention) at [[Zlín Film Festival]].<ref>https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/award-winning-kannada-film-struggles-screens-theatres-say-not-commercial-enough-73758</ref><ref>https://www.newskarnataka.com/sandalwood/award-winning-railway-children-releases-in-mangaluru-today</ref> The 2018 movie ''[[Nathicharami]]'' and '''''Bale Kempa''''' were screened at the [[Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image|MAMI Mumbai Film Festival]].<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/bangalore/two-women-centric-kannada-films-in-mami-festival/article25060973.ece/amp/</ref> The 2019 movie ''[[Arishadvarga]]'' also premiered at the [[London Indian Film Festival]]<ref>https://www.deccanherald.com/metrolife/metrolife-cityscape/thriller-set-in-bengaluru-to-premiere-in-london-738494.html</ref><ref>https://kannada.asianetnews.com/entertainment/london-film-festival-features-kannada-movie-arishadvarga-prn06a</ref> followed by the Asian Premiere at the [[Singapore International Film Festival|Singapore South Asian International Film Festival]]<ref>https://www.sgsaiff.com/product/arishadvarga/</ref> and the North American Premiere at the [[Vancouver International Film Festival|Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival]].<ref>https://tickets.surrey.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent2236.html</ref>

In the post - pandemic era, Kannada cinema started making waves across the world in several international film festivals. '''''Pinki Elli?''''' which was a part of Indian Panorama, also opened the [[Busan International Film Festival]] and was screened at [[Hong Kong International Film Festival]]. It also won awards at the [[New York Indian Film Festival]] . '''''Amruthamathi''''' was screened at 9 international film festivals including [[Boston Film Festival]] , [[Atlanta Film Festival]] , Austria Film Festival and won multiple awards. Abhilash Shetty's '''''Koli Taal''''' premiered at the 21st [[New York Indian Film Festival]].<ref>https://www.vijayavani.net/koli-taal-movie-is-selected-for-new-york-indian-film-festival/</ref><ref>https://english.udayavani.com/article/kannada-feature-film-koli-taal-to-be-screened-at-the-new-york-indian-film-festival/1053478?</ref> It was then screened at various film festivals including the 18th Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart <ref>https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/koli-taal-kannada-indie-film-set-to-screen-at-the-18th-indian-film-festival-stuttgart-is-a-replication-of-my-childhood-memories-says-director-abhilash-shetty/</ref> and the 12th [[Indian Film Festival of Melbourne]]. '''''Neeli Hakki''''' was selected for multiple international Film festivals including the [[New York Indian Film Festival]]. '''''Daari Yaavudayya Vaikunthakke ?''''' won multiple awards at [[Rajasthan Film Festival]] and other international film festivals like Barcelona, Nawada and Golden Sparrow International Film Festivals.<ref>https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/kannada-cinema-making-waves-in-international-film-festivals/article35010993.ece</ref> '''''Illiralaare Allige Hogalaare'''''  won the ''Director's Vision Award'' at the 18th Indian Film Festival of Stuggart.<ref>https://www.m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/girish-kasaravallis-illiralaare-allige-hogalaare-bags-an-international-award/amp_articleshow/85181934.cms</ref> It was earlier screened at the [[Dhaka International Film Festival]]<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/illiralare-allige-hogalare-to-be-screened-at-two-international-film-festivals/amp_articleshow/79578675.cms</ref> and had won an award at the [[Rome Film Festival]].<ref>https://www.bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/bangalore/others/kasaravallis-latest-wins-at-film-festival-in-germany/amp_articleshow/85290287.cms</ref> [[Baraguru Ramachandrappa]]'s '''''Mooka Nayaka''''' won the ''Best Picture of the Decade'' Award by competing with movies from different languages around the globe.<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/baraguru-ramachandrappas-mooka-nayaka-wins-an-award-at-an-international-film-competition/amp_articleshow/85241277.cms</ref> '''''Jeevnane Nataka Samy''''' (2021) was screened at [[Miami International Film Festival]].<ref>https://m.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2021/aug/04/jeevnanenatka-samy-to-release-on-august-19-25880.amp</ref> '''''Avalakki Pavalakki'''''  won five awards in various categories at Uravatti International Film Festival, Indo Global International Film Festival, American Golden Pictures International Film Festival, Oniros Film Festival and the Sweden Film Festival.<ref>https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/state/karnataka-districts/mysuru-team-of-avalakki-pavalakki-bags-five-intl-awards-944077.html</ref>

== National Recognition==

* The song ''Baare Baare'' from the 1972 movie ''[[Naagarahaavu]]'' was the first slow-motion song of Indian cinema.<ref>https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-kannada-song-baare-baare-chandada-cheluvina-taare-from-naagarahaavu-was-the-first-slow-motion-song-of-indian-cinema/amp_articleshow/75735112.cms</ref>
* The 1986 movie ''[[Anuraga Aralithu]]'' was the first Indian movie to be remade in six other languages.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/amp/entertainment/not-rajinikanth-or-amitabh-bachchan-rajkumar-s-film-was-first-to-be-remade-in-6-languages-in-india-q9ykmn|title=Not Rajinikanth or Amitabh Bachchan, Rajkumar's film was first to be remade in 6 languages in India|website=newsable.asianetnews.com}}</ref>
* The 1986 movie ''[[Africadalli Sheela]]'' was the first Indian movie to be shot in African forests.<ref>https://www.chitraloka.com/profiles/4716-dwarkish-profile.html</ref>
* The 1987 movie ''[[Ondu Muttina Kathe]]'' was the first Indian film to have an underwater action sequence shot in an ocean outside India without the help of oxygen mask.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/OnduMuttina-Kathe-is-the-first-Indian-movie-to-be-shot-under-water/articleshow/31327553.cms|title=Ondu Muttina Kathe is the first Indian movie to be shot under water - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* The 1989 movie ''[[Idu Saadhya]]'' created a record by becoming the first Indian movie to be shot within a span of 36 hours.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/fe/daily/19990509/fle09047.html|title=A day in a director's life -- Giridharilal Nagpal shoots film in 24 hours|date=9 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309221523/http://expressindia.indianexpress.com/fe/daily/19990509/fle09047.html|archive-date=9 March 2016}}</ref>
* The 1995 movie ''[[Om (1995 film)|Om]]'' is the only Indian movie to have been re-released 550 times.<ref>{{cite news |date=9 March 2015 |title=Shivarajkumar sets a new record!|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/shivarajkumar-sets-a-new-record/articleshow/46500011.cms |access-date=25 March 2021 |work=The Times of India |language=en}}</ref>
* The 2005 movie ''[[Shanti (film)|Shanti]]'' was the second Indian film to enter the Guinness Book of World Records in the ''Fewest actors in a narrative film'' category. It had only one actor with the other characters represented through voice and no physical appearance.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-shanthi-was-the-first-kannada-movie-and-second-indian-movie-to-enter-the-guinness-book-of-world-records-for-featuring-only-one-actor-in-the-film/articleshow/75694472.cms|title=Did you know 'Shanthi' was the first Kannada movie and second Indian movie to enter the Guinness Book of World Records for featuring only one actor in the film? - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
* The 2006 Kannada movie ''[[Mungaru Male]]'' was the first Indian movie to run for a year in a multiplex.<ref>{{cite news |title=Did you know? 'Mungaru Male' was the first film to cross Rs 50 crore at the box office as well as run for a year in a multiplex |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-mungaru-male-was-the-first-film-to-cross-rs-80-crore-at-the-box-office-as-well-as-run-for-a-year-in-a-multiplex/articleshow/75402151.cms |access-date=25 March 2021 |work=The Times of India |date=27 April 2020 |language=en}}</ref>

===Awards===

====[[Dadasaheb Phalke Award]]ees====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
!Year
!Recipient
!Note(s)
|-
|[[43rd National Film Awards|1995]]
|[[Rajkumar (actor)|Rajkumar]]
|Actor
|-
|}

====[[National Film Award for Best Feature Film]]====
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#d3d3d3;"
!Year
!Film
!Director
!Producer
|-
|1970
|''[[Samskara (film)|Samskara]]''
| [[Pattabhirama Reddy]]
| [[Pattabhirama Reddy]]
|-
|1975
|''[[Chomana Dudi]]''
| [[B. V. Karanth]]
| Praja Films
|-
|1977
|''[[Ghatashraddha]]''
| [[Girish Kasaravalli]]
| Sadanand Suvarna
|-
|1986
|''[[Tabarana Kathe]]''
| [[Girish Kasaravalli]]
| [[Girish Kasaravalli]]
|-
|1997
|''[[Thaayi Saheba]]''
| [[Girish Kasaravalli]]
| [[Jayamala]]
|-
|2001
|''[[Dweepa]]''
| [[Girish Kasaravalli]]
| [[Soundarya]]
|-
|}

==State Recognition==

* [[Karnataka State Film Awards]]
* [[Udaya Film Awards]]
* [[Suvarna Film Awards]]

=== State film festivals ===
* [[Bangalore International Film Festival]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.biffes.in/|title=Bengaluru International Film Festival - BIFFES|work=Bengaluru International Film Festival}}</ref>

=== Other awards ===
* [[Filmfare Awards South]]
* [[SIIMA Awards]]
* [[IIFA Utsavam]]
* [[Mirchi Music Awards South]]
* [[South Scope|South Scope Awards]]
{{clear}}

===Film schools===
The first government institute in India to start technical courses related to films was established in 1941 named as occupational institute then called the Sri Jayachamarajendra (S J) Polytechnic in [[Bangalore]]. In September 1996, two specialized courses, Cinematography and Sound & Television were separated and the [[Government Film and Television Institute]] was started at [[Hesaraghatta]], under the World Bank Assisted Project for Technician Development in India.<ref>{{cite web|title=GFTI|url=http://www.filminstitutebangalore.com/index.htm|website=www.filminstitutebangalore.com|access-date=22 August 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140821235404/http://www.filminstitutebangalore.com/index.htm|archive-date=21 August 2014}}</ref>

==Highest-grossing Kannada films==
{| style="margin:auto; margin:auto;" class="wikitable sortable"
|-
!Rank
!Film
!Year
!Director(s)
!Studio(s)
!Gross
! {{Tooltip|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|- 
|1 
|''[[K.G.F: Chapter 1]]''
|2018
|[[Prashanth Neel]]
|[[Hombale Films]]
|{{INRConvert|250|c}}
|<ref name="Photostory"/>
|-
|2
| ''[[Kurukshetra (2019 film)|Kurukshetra]]''
|2019
|[[Naganna]]
| Vrushabhadri Productions
|{{INRConvert|90|c}}
|<ref name="Photostory">{{cite news |title='K.G.F.: Chapter 1' To 'Avane Srinamnarayana': Top 5 Highest-Grossing Films In The History Sandalwood |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/k-g-f-chapter-1-to-avane-srinamnarayana-top-5-highest-grossing-films-in-the-history-sandalwood/photostory/77084520.cms |access-date=25 December 2020 |work=The Times of India |date=21 July 2020}}</ref>
|-
|3
| ''[[Roberrt]]''
|2021
|[[Tharun Sudhir]]
|Umapathy Films
|{{INRconvert|78.36|c}}
| <ref>{{cite news |title=Roberrt Collection: 8 ದಿನಗಳಲ್ಲಿ 78 ಕೋಟಿ ಗಳಿಸಿದ ರಾಬರ್ಟ್ ಸಿನಿಮಾ..!|trans-title=Roberrt Collection: Robert Cinema earns 78 crores in 8 days |url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/darshan-starrer-roberrt-movie-earned-78-crore-in-sandalwood-box-office-in-8-days-ae-544223.html |access-date=5 April 2021 |work=News18 |date=19 March 2021 |language=kn}}</ref>
|-
|4
|''[[Raajakumara]]''
|2017
|[[Santhosh Ananddram]]
|[[Hombale Films]]
|{{INRconvert|75|c}}
|<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/puneeth-rajkumar-sudeep-yash-darshan-salary-raajakumara-anjaniputra-kannada-stars-salary|title=This man is the highly paid actor in Kannada film industry|date=12 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612214614/https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/puneeth-rajkumar-sudeep-yash-darshan-salary-raajakumara-anjaniputra-kannada-stars-salary|archive-date=12 June 2018|work=Asianet|access-date=6 April 2021}}</ref>
|-
|5
|''[[Mungaru Male]]''
| 2006
|[[Yograj Bhat]]
| E. K. Entertainers
|{{INRConvert|70|c}}
|<ref name="TOI Mungaru 50 crore">{{cite news |title=Mungaru Male Mints 70 crore at box office |url=https://m.timesofindia.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/did-you-know/did-you-know-mungaru-male-was-the-first-film-to-cross-rs-50-crore-at-the-box-office-as-well-as-run-for-a-year-in-a-multiplex/articleshow/75402151.cms}}</ref>
|-
|6
|''[[The Villain (2018 film)|The Villain]]''
|2018
|[[Prem (film director)|Prem]]
|Thanvi Shanvi Films
|{{INRconvert|60|c}}
|<ref>{{cite news |title=Will Shiva Rajkumar's 'The Villain' reach the magic Rs 100 crore mark? |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/will-shiva-rajkumar-s-villain-reach-magic-rs-100-crore-mark-90621 |access-date=3 April 2021 |work=The News Minute |date=26 October 2018 |language=en}}</ref>
|-
|7
|''[[Avane Srimannarayana]]''
| 2019
| Sachin Ravi
| [[Pushkar Films]], [[Paramvah Studios]] and Sri Devi Entertainers
| {{INRconvert|56|c}}
| <ref name="Photostory"/>
|-
|8
|''[[Pailwaan]]''
| 2019
| [[S. Krishna]]
| RRR Motion Pictures
| {{INRConvert|53|c}}
| <ref>{{cite news |title=Top 8 highest-grossing Kannada movies of all time |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/kannada/article/top-8-highest-grossing-kannada-movies-of-all-time/737261 |access-date=3 April 2021 |work=Times Now |date=25 March 2021}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=3| 9
| ''[[Yajamana (2019 film)|Yajamana]]''
| 2019
|[[Pon Kumaran]] and [[V. Harikrishna]]
| Media House Studio
| rowspan=3| {{INRConvert|50|c}}
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://newsable.asianetnews.com/entertainment/yajamana-grosses-rs-50-crore-becomes-darshan-s-first-movie-to-cross-the-mark-kgf-rajakumara-the-villain-pod1xd|title=Yajamana grosses Rs 50 crore, becomes Darshan's first movie to cross the mark|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Kirik Party]]''
| 2016
| [[Rishab Shetty]]
| [[Paramvah Studios]]
| <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/rakshit-shettys-kirik-party-telugu-remake-rights-sold-talks-other-language-rights-721075|title=Rakshit Shetty's Kirik Party Telugu remake rights sold; talks on for other language rights|first=Prakash|last=Upadhyaya|date=28 March 2017|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari]]''
| 2014
|[[Santhosh Ananddram]]
| [[Jayanna Combines]]
| <ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/content-over-star-power-story-of-south-cinema-in-first-half-of-2015/story-KaqHkEArfSnQWbN6iJ5dCI.html|title=Content over star power: Story of south cinema in first half of 2015|date=1 July 2015|work=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>
|-
|rowspan=3|10
|''[[Doddmane Hudga]]''
| 2016
| [[Duniya Soori]]
| Ajay Pictures
| rowspan =3|{{INRconvert|40|c}}
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/raajakumara-box-office-collection-puneeth-rajkumars-film-cashing-ugadi-holiday-721178|title=Raajakumara box office collection: Puneeth Rajkumar's film cashing in on Ugadi holiday|first=Prakash|last=Upadhyaya|date=29 March 2017|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Uppi 2]]''
| 2015
| [[Upendra (actor)|Upendra]]
| Upendra Productions
|<ref>{{cite news|author=A Sharadhaa |url=http://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/bengaluru/Sandalwood-hits-Rangitaranga-and-Uppi-2-Run-to-Full-House-in-USA/2015/08/17/article2977653.ece |title=Sandalwood hits Rangitaranga and Uppi 2 Run to Full House in USA |newspaper=The New Indian Express |date=17 August 2015 |access-date=24 August 2015}}</ref>
|-
| ''[[Sangolli Rayanna (film)|Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna]]''
| 2012
| [[Naganna]]
| Sri Sangolli Rayanna Cine Combines
|<ref name="TOISangolliRayanna">{{cite news|date=16 January 2017|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/Sangolli-Rayanna-set-to-complete-100-days/articleshow/18239373.cms|title=Sangolli Rayanna set to complete 100 days|work=The Times of India|access-date=30 December 2015}}</ref>
|}

==See also==
* [[List of Kannada-language films]]
* [[Media in Karnataka]]
* [[Cinema of India]]
* [[Media of India]]
* [[List of Kannada film actresses]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* {{Commons category-inline}}

{{National Film Award Best Feature Film Kannada}}
{{Cinema of Karnataka|state=collapsed}}
{{Cinema of India}}
{{Media of India}}
{{Worldcinema}}
{{Karnataka topics}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cinema Of Karnataka}}
[[Category:Kannada cinema| ]]
[[Category:Cinema of Karnataka]]
[[Category:Kannada-language films]]