Latest news with #SunflowersWeretheFirstOnestoKnow
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
As a writer I believe a story can, and must, transcend genres, says Chidananda S Naik
In an industry often eager to categorise, Chidananda S Naik resists limiting stories to a single genre. 'Today's films are rarely one-note. So I'm writing across genres — layered, organic, evolving, and free-flowing. I've always believed in genre-blending, and I think stories now demand that,' says the Kannada filmmaker who has been quietly carving out a space for himself. His folk tale adaptation, Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know premiered at Cannes 2024, marking a significant moment in his career. It also recently won Best Script in the Non-Feature Film category at the 71st National Film Awards. Following Sunflowers, Chidananda is now working on his first feature-length film. 'It's the kind of film I've always wanted to make. That's why it's taking a little longer to shape. I want to go deep into it—not just technically, but emotionally. I'm still in the thick of writing and collaborating. But I'm fully immersed. Fully invested.' Even as he shapes the story, he remains wary of creative constraints. 'Marketing might want a label, but as a writer, I feel a story shouldn't be limited that way,' he says. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like She Was Everyone's Dream Girl In 90's, This Is Her Now The Latest Article Undo 'Recognition makes people sit up and pay attention' Has recognition changed the way people respond to him? 'Recognition like this makes people take you more seriously. But more than anything, I think it shrinks time—the time it takes to put yourself out there.' The Mysuru-born director is taking it all in stride. 'With recognition comes more responsibility. Of course, expectations are higher too — but that's a good kind of pressure. Also, with recognition, the seriousness of your work begins to show. Earlier, it was hard to even get meetings. Now, people listen. They're willing to collaborate. And more than that, they expect more from me. That's a sign of trust. I just hope I continue to deserve it,' he says.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Film society congratulates Chidanand S. Naik
The Mysuru Cinema Society has congratulated director Chidanand S. Naik after his short film 'Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know', was selected for the 71st National Film Awards. Chidanand S. Naik, an alumnus of Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, has earned acclaim for his work. The film first gained recognition by winning an award at the Paridrishya – International Festival of Short Films and Documentaries held on February 3 and 4, 2024, in Mysuru. 'This film delivers a poetic experience on screen,' said Chandrashekar G.R., president of the Mysuru Film Society, along with secretary Padmavathi Bhat and coordinator Chetan G.R., in their statement. 'Through this film, Chidanand has crafted a compelling narrative,' they said. ==eom==
Time of India
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
This win opens new doors, raises expectations, says Chidananda S Naik
Kannada short film Sunflowers Were the First Ones to Know, bagged Best Script in the Non-Feature Film category. Directed by Mysuru-born filmmaker Chidananda S Naik and produced as part of his year-end exercise at the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), the folk tale adaptation first garnered global attention at Cannes 2024. 'This win will make access to the right rooms smoother,' the filmmaker tells Bangalore Times. 'Recognition makes people take you seriously. Of course, expectations are higher too—but that's a good kind of pressure.' He tells us that the win came as a surprise. 'I was working on my next film when someone messaged 'Congratulations on the National Award!' I wasn't even aware the announcements were happening. It was a very different kind of joy. Quiet. Grounded. I'm happy for the boy who began this journey so long ago. If I could go back in time and tell him this, he wouldn't believe it.
