Actor Raj B Shetty made a strong appeal for expanding cinema infrastructure in coastal Karnataka. He spoke at the inauguration of the three-day Karavali Film Festival on Monday. The event is part of the ongoing Karavali Utsava celebrations at Bharath Cinemas in Mangaluru.
Growing Audience Interest in Coastal Films
Raj B Shetty noted that films are receiving excellent encouragement across coastal Karnataka. He pointed out that more cinemas need to be established to meet rising audience demand. "We see a real hunger for good cinema here," he said.
The actor highlighted how tourists have been visiting coastal districts in significant numbers recently. Many of these visitors are also going to local cinemas. This trend provides strong support to the regional film industry.
Government Support and Future Prospects
Shetty emphasized that with continued audience support, the region can expect more compelling stories and visually appealing films. He urged the government to respond positively to this growing interest. "The government should recognize this momentum and help build the necessary infrastructure," he stated.
The actor praised the Dakshina Kannada district administration for organizing the Karavali Film Festival. He suggested that such events should become annual fixtures to sustain the cinematic momentum.
Regional Language Films Shine Together
Senior film director Richard Castelino inaugurated the festival alongside Shetty. Castelino expressed his happiness about seeing films in five different regional languages showcased under one roof. He believes regional language films have a very promising future ahead.
The festival represents a significant moment for coastal Karnataka's cultural landscape. Both industry veterans agree that the region's film scene is poised for substantial growth with proper support and infrastructure development.
