Although there are several books on the best films in Kannada, Chandanavana Chilumegalu is special for a few unique reasons. Firstly, it highlights the best 90 Kannada films, coinciding with the 90 years of the Kannada cinema industry, which began in 1934. Secondly, this is a bilingual book, presented in both Kannada and English.
The coffee table book, titled Chandanavanada Chilumegalu in Kannada, has also been released in English under the name Landmarks of Sandalwood. Dr. Sharan Hullur, a senior journalist, contributed the Kannada content, while another senior journalist, S. Shyam Prasad, authored the English version.
In celebration of 90 years of Kannada cinema, the book provides information about 90 significant Kannada films. Starting from the classics Sati Sulochana and Bhakta Dhruva made in 1934, to the blockbuster KGF 2 released in 2022, the book features rare insights and photographs. It not only shares information but also elaborates on the significance of these films and the contributions and milestones they brought to the Kannada cinema industry.
The bilingual book, written in Kannada by Dr. Sharan Hullur and in English by S. Shyam Prasad, was released by renowned music director Hamsalekha, National Award-winning directors Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar, T.S. Nagabharana, and actor Srimuruli, along with Media Academy President Ayesha Khanam.
The event, held at MMB Legacy in Bengaluru, saw the presence of many actors and actresses from the film industry, technicians, journalists, and literary enthusiasts.
