Newcomers vie for honours at critics’ awards

Two of the biggest hits of 2022, KGF 2 and Kantara have secured nominations in most of the top categories including Best Film

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Films of big stars and those made by newcomers are fighting it out to win the honours at the IV Chandanavana Film Critics’ Academy Awards. While the films of big stars including Kantara, KGF Chapter 2, Vikrant Rona and 777 Charlie have managed to bag multiple nominations, those made by debutants are also fighting it out for the top honours.

These films include Wheelchair Romeo, Dharani Mandala Madyadolage, Kamblihula and Dollu. Nominations for the fourth edition of the awards given away by film journalists and critics were announced on Sunday.

Two of the biggest hits of 2022, KGF Chapter 2 and Kantara have secured nominations in most of the top categories including Best Film, Best Direction, Best Screenplay and Best Actor awards. Other films which have secured multiple nominations include 777 Charlie, Vikrant Rona and Dharani Mandala Madyadolage.

There were no surprises in these nominations but films by newcomers have joined these categories giving them a tough fight. The awards are constituted by the Chandanavana Film Critics’ Academy and the nominations are based on voting by Kannada film journalists and critics. Seven new award categories have been included this year along with the existing 20.

The new awards include Best Actor (Debut) Sanchari Vijay Award, Best Actress (Debut) Tripuramba Award, Best Director (Debut) Shankar Nag Award, Best Producer (Debut) Puneeth Rajkumar Award, and Best Writer (Debut) Chi Udayshankar Award. The trophy of the 4th edition was unveiled by Sandalwood’s popular director Yogaraj Bhat and actors Iti Acharya, Pavana Gowda and Sangeetha Bhat, Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Ba Ma Harish and director Santhosh.

“I have fought with reviewers and critics all through my career. We have our differences, but in the end both of us love films and that is why we fight over them. These awards are unique. I was a recipient of the Best Lyricist award last year and I know its value.

The opinions of critics shape new creations and force film makers to upgrade, improve and strive for something special all the time. The stature of the Chandanavana Film Critics’ Awards is growing with the passing year and as filmmakers we look forward to this annual event with so much expectation,” Yogaraj Bhat said. The Awards event is scheduled on March 5.