From ‘KGF Chapter-2’ to ‘Kantara’ to Puneeth Rajkumar's ‘Gandhadagudi’, Sandalwood watched a few memorable films in 2022, marking a milestone of a different kind.
Year-end Roundup: Best Kannada movies of 2022. (Supplied)
Around 200 Kannada movies were released this year, across various platforms, a majority being in the traditional form (theatres).
The Kannada film industry witnessed a new high with not just one, but two movies, successfully making it to the national level (termed as pan-India ventures).
The sequel to the most successful venture in the Kannada film industry, KGF: Chapter 2 was made for an pan-India audience. Kantara, made by the same banner (Hombale films), surprised everyone, including the film pundits.
It was initially made only for the Kannada audience but the phenomenal response automatically led it to become one of the most successful movies in the Indian film industry in 2022.
Here is a list of Sandalwood’s top 10 in 2022 even as at least five movies are up for release this week (30 December): Padavipura, Once Upon a Time in Jamaligudda, Made in Bengaluru, Nanu Adu Mattu Saroja, Jordon, and Dwipatra.
A poster of ‘Kantara’. (Supplied)
Undoubtedly, the most successful movie — both critically and commercially — Kantara broke barriers and became one of the finest in the Indian film industry in the calendar year.
Made by pan-India sensation Hombale Films, the movie is written and directed by its lead actor, Rishab Shetty.
The film unfurled a magical experience on the silver screen. The first and the final 15 minutes are the actual highlights of the project which focuses on the age-old traditions of coastal Karnataka.
Both on and off-screen performance of Rishabh elevated Kantara to another level with good numbers including “Varaharoopam” and “Singara Siriye”. Though “Varaharoopam” faced criticism over copyright, it was eventually cleared by the courts.
While the makers haven’t announced it yet, a sequel is definitely on cards.
The most successful pan-Indian release from the Kannada film industry, KGF, saw its sequel breaking more records at the box office.
Directed by Prashanth Neel, KGF: Chapter 2 saw Rocking Star Yash joined by a galaxy of superstars from Bollywood, including Sanjay Dutt and Raveena Tandon.
Yash has not announced his next venture yet but with his birthday being on January 8, sources revealed that another biggie is very much on the cards.
This one was a heart-warming tale of man’s best friend: a dog.
Directed by Kiranraj K and produced by lead actor Rakshit Shetty, 777 Charlie won the hearts of many and was eventually released in multiple languages.
The film ran for over 100 days with better success on the OTT platform.
A national award-winning Kannada film, Dollu was produced by filmmaker Pawan Wadeyar and his better-half Apeksha Purohit.
The film focuses on the folk tradition with a brilliant twist in its making. It was directed by Sagar Puranik.
The film produced by Sharan and Tharun Sudhir was a pleasant surprise for the audience. It was directed by Jadesh K Hampi.
Sharan and Nishvika Naidu’s chemistry, the unique tale, and impressive making helped Guru Shishyaru achieve both commercial and critical success.
Sharan was a treat to watch as a physical trainer and the circumstances that further led to a gripping venture in the end.
Gultoo-fame hero Naveen Shankar returned in this one, which was all about “coincidences” in life.
Directed by Sridhar Shikaripura, Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage was weaved in brilliantly with multiple plots that end on a high note.
That apart, it was the making of the film which stood out along with good performances.
Daali Dhananjay had a few releases this year including Head Bush, which received mixed responses. However, it was Monsoon Raaga that stood out for him in 2022.
This S Ravindranath’s directorial was a remake that revolved around four separate couples. And guess what? The audience did give a thumbs-up to it in the end.
One of the last releases of the late Puneeth Rajkumar, director Chethan Kumar’s James proved to be a commercial success.
The audience, especially the diehard fans of Power Star, thronged the theatres to celebrate the film’s release.
Irrespective of its content or its average making, the movie was an emotional experience for the fans.
This direct OTT release was all about idealism versus reality.
Further, Dear Vikram impressed the audience, thanks to the brilliant performance of Ninasam Satish and Shraddha Srinath. It was directed by KS Nadheesh.
Though a documentary on the rich and diverse wildlife of Karnataka, Gandhadagudi featured late Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar along with wildlife filmmaker Amoghavarsha.
It saw a theatrical release like any other full-length feature film.
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