New Faces and Interesting Stories - KFI 2024
2024 was an interesting year for the Kannada film industry. While it wasn't a year of big blockbusters, it was a year of firsts. We saw many first-time directors releasing amazing movies in genres that are not usually explored in Kannada cinema.
The year kicked off with "Bachelor Party," directed by Abhijit Mahesh. This film attempted to recreate "The Hangover" for Kannada audiences, but it left a lot to be desired. The plot was mediocre, and the portrayal of women was not great. However, it did give us the opportunity to see Loose Mada Yogi in a different light, and he truly stood out, reminding us why we love him.
Next, we had "Blink," a sci-fi thriller directed by Srinidhi Bengaluru. This movie successfully introduced the Kannada audience to a whole new genre. With a compelling plot, interesting graphics, and wonderful acting by the talented Dheekshith Shetty, this film was a highlight for me last year.
Then came "Shaakhaahaari," directed by Sandeep Sunkad, another debut director. This thrilling movie allowed us to see Rangayana Raghu in a new type of role. Although he is known for his comedic talent, this role showcased the full scope of his acting abilities. The writing and story were so gripping that I was glued to my screen from beginning to end. Since it’s a thriller, I won't spoil the plot, but if I could recommend one Kannada movie to watch this year, it would be this one.
We also watched "Chili Chicken," directed by newcomer Prateek Prajosh. The highlight of the film is the outstanding performances from the entire cast. The plot, based on real-life events, is equally fascinating, as it highlights the experiences of immigrants in Karnataka, particularly in Bangalore, and the struggles they face. One standout aspect of this film is the authentic locations chosen for filming, from the houses where the characters lived to the restaurant where they worked. Everything felt genuine, making it easy to believe that these characters truly inhabited those spaces. Overall, this film is captivating from beginning to end.
While I love celebrating new talent in the industry, we must also acknowledge the work of seasoned directors and actors who delivered amazing films this year. For example, "Bagheera," a project by Prashanth Neel, featured our first superhero in the industry. Although the film followed a typical superhero storyline, I absolutely loved it.
Finally, "Bhairathi Ranagal," directed by Narthan, was hands down my favorite film of the year. The amazing Shivaraj Kumar delivered a remarkable performance. The story provided a backstory about Bhairathi Ranagal that I didn’t know I needed, and I’m so glad we got it. Overall, this movie was perfection for me.
As Kannada film audiences, we often feel frustrated that our films do not earn as much as those from other industries. However, with the emerging talent in our cinema, it's essential to remember that money isn't everything. The quality of films may be even more important. If we continue to support these young directors, who knows how many of them we can help compete with the box office numbers of other industries?
