P. Sheshadri’s Mohandas was crowned Best Film, while V. Harikrishna earned the Best Music Director title for his exceptional work in Yajamana.
Major Winners
Sudeep and Anupama Gowda were named Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively, as the Karnataka State Film Awards for 2019 were revealed on Wednesday, January 22, 2025. Sudeep received the honor for his role in the sports drama Pailwan, while Anupama Gowda was recognized for her performance in the thriller Trayambakam.
Veteran filmmaker P. Sheshadri’s Mohandas claimed the top prize as Best Film. Love Mocktail, starring Darling Krishna and Milana Nagaraj, was awarded Second Best Film, and Arghyam took Third Best Film. Love Mocktail also secured awards for Best Screenplay and Best Playback Singer (Male), with Raghu Dixit taking the latter prize.
Nagathihalli Chandrashekar’s India vs England was declared Best Popular Film, while Kanneri won Best Film on Social Cause. V. Harikrishna, who co-directed and composed music for Darshan’s Yajamana, bagged the award for Best Music Director.
Pandemic Delays
The Karnataka government cited the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for delays in announcing the awards. While the winners for 2018 were announced, the ceremony has not yet taken place. During the inauguration of the 15th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) in March 2024, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah assured that a committee was formed to finalize the 2019 awardees.
Full List of Winners
- Best Art Direction: Hosmane Murthy (Mohandas)
- Best Cinematography: G.S. Bhaskar (Mohandas)
- Best Story: Jayanth Kaikini (Illu Iralaare Ali Hogalaare)
- Best Supporting Actor (Male): Tabala Nani (Chemistry of Kariappa)
- Best Supporting Actor (Female): Anusha Krishna (Brahmi)
- Best Child Actor (Male): Master Preetam (Minchulu)
- Best Child Actor (Female): Vaishnavi Adiga (Sugandhi)
- Best Playback Singer (Male): Raghu Dixit (Love Mocktail)
- Best Playback Singer (Female): Jayadevi Jangamashetti (Raga Bhairavi)
With these announcements, the Karnataka State Film Awards celebrate the diverse talent and creativity in the Kannada film industry, showcasing a mix of fresh and seasoned talent.
