Make Good Movies, Not Just Subsidy Films,” says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah — Announces Annual State Film Awards, Mysuru Film City Project to Begin Soon
Mysuru/Bengaluru : Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has urged Kannada filmmakers to focus on producing socially impactful and quality films instead of making movies merely to avail subsidies. Speaking after presenting the 2018 and 2019 Karnataka State Film Awards in Mysuru, the Chief Minister said cinema should be used as a tool for social change and cultural reflection.
“Cinema is a powerful medium that influences society deeply. I urge filmmakers and artists to live by the same values they portray on screen.
Dr. Rajkumar is a timeless example — he lived by his principles both on and off the screen,” Siddaramaiah said.
Focus on Quality, Not Subsidy — CM’s Message to Sandalwood
Siddaramaiah said the government fully supports the healthy growth of the Kannada film industry, but warned filmmakers against misusing subsidies.
“Don’t make films only to claim subsidies. Make good movies that people love, that leave a positive mark on society — then the subsidy we provide will have true meaning,” he said.
He announced that all pending subsidies from previous years will be released at once, ensuring transparency and timely support for deserving filmmakers.
Mysuru Film City to Take Off Soon
In a major boost to the state’s entertainment infrastructure, the CM revealed that 160 acres of land has been handed over to the Department of Information and Public Relations in Mysuru for the construction of an international-standard Film City.
“All legal formalities will be completed within two months, and work on the Film City will begin soon,” Siddaramaiah said.
The proposed Film City aims to serve as a production hub with world-class facilities, encouraging large-scale Kannada film projects and drawing investments from across India.
Annual Film Awards from Now On
Highlighting administrative reforms, the CM said the government will ensure State Film Awards are presented every year without delay.
“Because of the previous government’s negligence, awards from 2018 onwards were pending. This won’t happen again. Every year’s awards must be given the following year to remain relevant,” he said.
Siddaramaiah added that instructions have been issued to clear pending awards for two more years within the next few weeks.
CM’s Take on Changing Cinema Trends
Reflecting on the evolution of Kannada cinema, the CM said that while the number of movies has increased significantly, social sensitivity and quality have declined.
“Earlier, we had fewer films but they carried strong social messages. Today, many films lack that depth — which is why I watch fewer movies now,” he said candidly.
ಇದನ್ನೂ ಓದಿ: Make a good film and get subsidy, don’t make a film just for subsidy: ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮಾಡಿ ಸಬ್ಸಿಡಿ ಪಡೆಯಿರಿ, ಕೇವಲ ಸಬ್ಸಿಡಿಗಾಗಿ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ಮಾಡಬೇಡಿ — ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ ಸಿದ್ದರಾಮಯ್ಯ
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