Here's a Kannada
film featuring an unassuming cast of first-timers ' people from a small village in Mandya, Karnataka ' who had zero acting aspirations. This film has also won over 10 international awards at various iconic film festivals across the globe and, more recently, the National Award for Best Film in Kannada.
Each of the new awards may be adding another bright feather to the team's hat, but the film's 26-year-old director
Raam Reddy gushes over some of the 'coolest' compliments he has been showered with. One that he is thrilled about comes from
Francis Ford Coppola, director of the Godfather series, who, after watching the film, said, 'I want to grow up and be like
Century Gowda (one of the main characters of the film).' His official review says this: 'Thithi is joyous with unforgettable characters.' Raam adds, 'Our last festival participation in Morocco was unbelievable, as the jury included just about every international filmmaker I have adored. In addition to the directors, I know that personalities like Wes Anderson, Jean-Pierre and even Tom Cruise know of
Thithi
, while some have watched it as well.'
While the film revolves around a simple story line, Raam says that the universality in the characters of the film is probably what has appealed to people across cultures. It is also one of the reasons the film is backed by a
Hollywood
co-producer, Sunmin Park and her brother Ethan Park. 'I had first submitted my film for consideration at the Film Bazaar. It was a cold submission, but our win, over films like the recently released Nil Battey Sannata, was encouraging. This was what really kick-started Thithi's international journey,' says Raam.
Going by the accolades and recognition Thithi has been receiving over the last few months, it is natural for one to assume that it might not be what one would classify as a regular commercial fare. However, Raam adds, 'There are a few films in the past that have successful crossed the art versus commercial battle to also to do well commercially, and that is the reason behind the theatrical release of Thithi next week.'