With 155 films hitting the big screen, Tulu cinema completes 55 years on February 19

Tulu cinema celebrates 55 years with 155 films, highlighting Richard Castelino's contributions to regional cinema and award-winning productions.

With 155 Tulu cinemas hitting the big screen, Tulu cinema will complete 55 years on February 19, Thursday.

The very first Tulu film Enna Tangadi (My Sister) released in Mangaluru on February 19, 1971, was produced and directed by S.R. Rajan.

In addition to Mr. Rajan, other people, K.N. Tailor, T. A. Srinivas, Sundar Karkera, Anand Shekar, Narayan Putran, Aroor Pattabhi, K. B. Bhandary, A. Vishwanath and Malpe Madhwaraj laid the foundation for the growth of Tulu cinema. Later, several others, including Richard Castelino of Mangaluru, contributed for the growth of Tulu cinema.

Mr. Castelino who entered the cinema industry prominently as producer and director further lifted the Tulu cinema bringing the first national award to Tulu cinema. In addition to Kannada and Tulu, Mr. Castelino also made feature films in Konkani and Kodava.

Hence, Mr. Castelino, who was awarded the Karnataka government’s prestigious Dr. Vishnuvardhan Award for lifetime achievement in the cinema industry last year, stands distinct in making and promoting regional language cinemas when Tulu cinema is marching ahead.

Tulu cinema drew national attention when Bangar Patler produced and directed by Mr. Castelino won two national awards (Rajata Kamala) as ‘Best Feature Film in Tulu’ at the 41st National Film Festival in 1994. Mr. Castelino won the award as the Best Director and Best Producer. It became the first-ever national award for a Tulu feature film. This cinema was released on April 23, 1993, as the 25th Tulu cinema.