Mangaluru: Tulu cinema has once again earned national recognition, with ‘Imbu’ winning the Best Feature Film in Tulu award at the 72nd National Film Awards. The honour not only celebrates director Shivadhwaj Shetty’s film, but also reflects the growing recognition of the Tulu language and its rich cultural heritage.‘Imbu’ joins the distinguished list of National Award-winning Tulu films, including ‘Bangar Patle’, ‘Koti Chennaya’, ‘Gaggara’, ‘Madipu’, ‘Paddayi’, ‘Pingara’ and ‘Jeetige’.Prashanth Rai, producer of the film, said he has always aimed to tell stories from the region in its own language. “While Tulu cinema is largely driven by comedy, actors in the industry are versatile and capable of handling diverse roles, but often get typecast due to the dominance of the genre,” he said.Referring to actor Naveen D Padil’s performance in ‘Imbu’, Rai said it reflects his versatility beyond comedy. For director Shivadhwaj Shetty, this is not his first National Award, having earlier won it for ‘Gaggara’.He said the film draws from small, lived experiences of Tulunadu, and incorporates symbolic elements and layered storytelling. “Winning a National Award was a long-standing goal, especially as films like his lack commercial backing and visibility, “ Rai said.Shetty said more filmmakers are now attempting to move beyond comedy, and such storytelling will gradually find space among audiences over time.Actor Naveen D Padil, who plays the lead, said this is his second National Award after ‘Jeetige’ (2022). He credited the film’s success to teamwork and said he is now exploring roles beyond his established comic image. He also observed a shift in audience preferences, with viewers now seeking a mix of subject, emotion and comedy. He described his character in ‘Imbu’ as part of a rooted and meaningful story.The film explores themes of trust, resilience and the clash between tradition and modernity.Set in a rural backdrop, it follows Balanna, a devout man committed to his spiritual duties despite personal hardship such as illiteracy and financial struggles. His life takes a turn after he acquires a mobile phone, exposing him to digital possibilities, but also leading him into a scam that costs him his savings and social standing. As his world unravels, he struggles to rebuild his life and faith.‘Imbu’ was initially screened at the Bangalore International Film Festival. It was later selected for the Kolkata, Guwahati and Pune International Film Festivals, and the International Film Festival of India under the Indian Panorama category. The film is currently being screened at the Chitrabharati Film Festival at Suchitra Film Society, Bengaluru.
