Kannada film 777 Charlie brings home a National Award; 3 more Kannada films win special mention

Kiran Raj's directorial 777 Charlie, which starred Rakshit Shetty, has been adjudged as the Best Kannada Feature Film at the 69th National Film Awards that was announced on Thursday. This year, Sandalwood has also brought home three more national awards. A documentary on Padmashree awardee Bharathi Vishnuvardhan, Baale Bangara, made by actor Aniruddh Jatkar, who is also her son-in-law, bagged special mention in the non-feature film section. An English-Kannada non-feature on HIV, Ayushman, directed by Jacob Varghese, has a special mention in the best exploration/ adventure film section. Film writer Subramanya Badoor has a special mention in the critics category.

777 Charlie is director Kiran’s debut film. A video of Kiran’s mother reacting to the news of the National Award announcement and the duo having a genuine, emotional moment has gone viral on social media. Kiran called the national award an early birthday gift. “Credit goes to everyone involved in the making of this film,” he said.

Sharing the news on social media, lead actor Rakshit Shetty wrote: “Words cannot justify the happiness and delight this news has delivered! While I am ecstatic and overwhelmed, I am also feeling humbled and grateful. This is a proud moment for all of us at @ParamvahStudios. Many congratulations @Kiranraj61, the hardwork has paid off #777Charlie" (sic)

His close friend Rishabh Shetty was one of the firsts to congratulate the team. Sharing the joy, Rishabh wrote: “Congratulations to the entire team of 777 Charlie for winning the prestigious National Award.”

Aniruddh Jatkar’s 2-hours-21 minutes long documentary on veteran actor Bharathi Vishnuvardhan bagged special mention in the non-feature film section. He said, “It took me nearly three years to conceptualise, research and direct this documentary. We must make more such documentaries about our legends so the future generations can celebrate them.”

Jacob Varghese film, Ayushman, has a special mention in the best exploration/adventure film section. The 40-minute film is about two HIV-afflicted boys pursuing a marathon. This is his third national award. Previously, in 2015, his documentary Dribbling had won the national award in the same category and in 2006, he had won the national award for his short film Andhiyum.

The Critics Special Mention award went to Subramanya Badoor, popularly known as Ba Na Subramanya, a writer and a critic. Subramanya is the third Kannadiga to win this category. Previously, N K Raghavendra and Manu Chakravarthy had won the award in this category.