Jul 19, 2026 7:30pm IST
‘Mithya’ Wins 3 National Film Awards; Director Sumanth Bhat Calls It ‘The Ultimate Validation’ For Young Filmmakers (EXCLUSIVE)
Director Sumanth Bhat says winning the National Award for Best Kannada Feature Film for “Mithya” is a dream he is still struggling to process, describing the honour as "the ultimate validation" for a young filmmaker.
"I feel elated that Mithya has won the National Award for Best Kannada Film. Growing up watching masters like Girish Kasaravalli, this was always the ultimate dream. The National Award is the ultimate validation for a young filmmaker, and to find myself on a list alongside filmmakers like them is something I still can't quite believe," Bhat tells Variety India.
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The filmmaker said the recognition has reinforced his belief in telling unconventional stories while acknowledging producer-actor Rakshit Shetty for backing the film through Paramvah Studios.
"This gives me tremendous confidence as a filmmaker and inspires me to do a lot more. The other wonderful aspect is that somebody like Rakshit Shetty had faith in me and in ‘Mithya.’ This win encourages producers like Rakshit to continue backing new talent and gives the industry the confidence to invest in films like mine. It takes courage to back unconventional films."
Bhat also believes Shetty's greatest legacy will extend beyond his own body of work. He says, "I have always believed that Rakshit is not going to be remembered only for the films he has made. Years from now, he will also be remembered for the talent he has introduced to the industry, much like what Anurag Kashyap has done for Hindi cinema. Awards like this ensure that many films like ‘Mithya’ get made and that such stories are told."
He added that he had texted Shetty after the awards announcement and was waiting to hear back.
Bhat also celebrated the performances recognised by the National Film Awards. He says, "I am especially delighted that Athish S. Shetty has won the National Award for Best Child Artist. Another moment that literally had me jumping out of my seat was seeing Roopashree Varkady win Best Supporting Actress. It is very easy for understated performances to go unnoticed, so when someone recognizes the nuances and honesty that go into such a performance, it is truly wonderful."
Reacting to the film's success, Rakshit Shetty shared a heartfelt message on social media: "Dreams are beautiful. But watching a story you believed in, find its place in people's hearts and now in the history of Indian cinema, is something else entirely," he wrote. Congratulating Bhat, Athish S. Shetty, Roopashree Varkady and the entire “Mithya" team,, he added, "Thank you for proving, once again, that stories told with honesty never go unnoticed. Here's to the magic of cinema."
“Mithya” emerged as one of Kannada cinema's biggest winners at the 72nd National Film Awards, taking home honours for Best Kannada Feature Film, Best Child Artist and Best Supporting Actress.
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