Mangaluru: Actor Raj B Shetty on Monday said that films are receiving strong encouragement in coastal Karnataka and called for the establishment of more cinema theatres to meet growing audience interest. He was speaking at the inauguration of the three-day Karavali Film Festival (KFF), organised as part of the Karavali Utsava at Bharath Cinemas.
Growing audience support for cinema
Raj B Shetty observed that the coastal belt has seen an increase in movie-going audiences in recent times. He noted that tourists visiting coastal districts in large numbers have also been visiting cinema halls, offering strong support to the regional film industry.
“With such encouragement from audiences, good stories and visually appealing films will naturally emerge in the future,” he said. He added that cinema culture in the region is evolving and requires better infrastructure to sustain and grow further.
Call for government support
Emphasising the role of the government, Raj B Shetty urged authorities to respond positively to the growing interest in cinema. He said that establishing more theatres would not only cater to audiences but also help filmmakers reach wider sections of society.
He pointed out that access to quality cinema halls plays a crucial role in nurturing local film industries, particularly those producing content rooted in regional culture and language.
Praise for Karavali Film Festival
Raj B Shetty lauded the Dakshina Kannada district administration for organising the Karavali Film Festival and providing a platform for regional cinema. He said such initiatives help promote local filmmakers and create awareness among audiences about diverse film cultures.
He expressed hope that the Karavali Film Festival would be organised every year, allowing filmmakers and audiences to come together and celebrate cinema from the coastal region.
Regional language films under one roof
Senior film director Richard Castelino, who inaugurated the festival, expressed happiness that films in five regional languages are being showcased under one roof at the event. He said such festivals play an important role in strengthening regional cinema and encouraging creative talent.
Castelino added that regional language films have a promising future, especially when platforms like KFF help them reach audiences beyond linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Platform for coastal cinema
The Karavali Film Festival, held as part of Karavali Utsava, aims to highlight films from the coastal belt and neighbouring regions. By showcasing cinema in multiple regional languages, the festival seeks to promote cultural exchange and provide visibility to filmmakers working outside the mainstream film industry.
Conclusion
The remarks by Raj B Shetty and Richard Castelino underscored the growing importance of regional cinema in coastal Karnataka. With increasing audience support, tourist interest and initiatives like the Karavali Film Festival, stakeholders believe the region is poised for a vibrant cinematic future, provided infrastructure and policy support keep pace with demand.