Mangaluru : Scholar and Hampi Kannada University former vice chancellor B A Vivek Rai said Tulu films will gain eligibility to compete for national awards if Tulu language is added to the Eigth Schedule of the Constitution.

Speaking at the 100th day celebrations of Tulu fim ‘Chandikori’ at the Town Hall here on Monday, he stressed on the need to build pressure on elected representatives to urge the Union government to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Good Tulu films should be provided a platform in the national level, he said and added that more and more young people are watching Tulu films these days. It is a good development, he added.

Minister for Youth Empowerment, Sports and Fisheries K Abhayachandra Jain said Tulu film artistes should not confine themselves to Tulu film industry, but should also extend their space to appear in Kannada and Hindi films as well.

Former vice-chancellor of Karnataka State Open University Prof B A Vivek Rai said, ‘Chandi Kori’ is an excellent movie. It is no less than any Hindi movie, with Arjun Kapikad as the lead actor. Devdas Kapikad through his drama and movies has taken the Tulu language to a greater height.

Tulu Sahitya Academy former President Umanath Kotian said that the Tulu film industry has provided bread and butter to many theatre artistes, who were once neglected.

Sathish Kumpala, Devdas Kapikad, Sharmila Kapikad, Prakash Pandeshwar and many others were present.