Udupi: The Tulu film ‘Kanchilda bale’(golden girl) personified by child actress 12 years old Charitra Hegde, has won that best regional film award given only to quality pictures.

The Tulu filmdom is in its golden era, after its stage achievements in an earlier period of growth.

There is a ‘Kanchil Seve’(golden service), attached to the religious and contracted Kind of worship that involves rites and offerings, even penance. The award-winning picture has a story woven round this faith of sacrifice.

The film was directed by Kumbra Raghunath Rai and the main character is from Udupi. Thus Udupi bags a lion’s share in the success of this merit film.

The hero is Pradeep Ganiga from Udupi, son of stage personality of Yesteryears, late Ananda Ganiga. Heroine Manasi Sudhir is also from Udupi. The entire shooting was done in Udupi district.

Former MLA Shakuntala Shetty of Puttur had a major role of an elderly lady in the film, around whom ‘Kanchil Seve’ is built. The story and screen play is by Krishna Uppoor.

The main role of a girl is done by Charitra Hegde who is a student in Brahmavara school in 6th class. She has stage experience even as a child.

The director expressed gratitude for the honour done to age-old Tulu traditions and culture, by making his film the best regional offering.