Mangaluru, 22 September 2026: Tulu Film Producers’ Association has urged Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar to provide subsidies for at least 10 films produced in regional languages.
Association president R Dhanraj met Chief Minister D K Shivakumar in Mangaluru and submitted a memorandum seeking government support for regional-language cinema. Tulu theatre and cinema have made a significant contribution to the growth and promotion of the Tulu language, the association said.
Tulu cinema has a history of around 55 years. The first Tulu film, Enna Thangadi, was released in Mangaluru in 1971. By 2026, around 155 Tulu films had been released. Several Tulu films have received recognition at the state and national levels. The association said more than 15 Tulu films are being released every year.
Against this background, the association requested the government to provide subsidies to at least 10 films made in regional languages.
Regional Language International Film Festival
Association also requested the Chief Minister to inaugurate the Regional Language International Film Festival, proposed to be held in Mangaluru from December 25 to 27. Festival is expected to provide a platform for regional-language films and filmmakers.
Representation in Film Committees
Association also requested representation for regional-language film producers in the government’s subsidy committee, award committee and censor committee. Memorandum highlighted the need for greater participation of regional-language filmmakers in decisions concerning subsidies, awards and film certification.
Demands come at a time when Tulu has received renewed institutional attention in Karnataka. The Karnataka Cabinet recently recognised Tulu as an additional official language for administrative purposes in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. Association has sought similar institutional support for the Tulu film industry and other regional-language cinema in Karnataka.
Keywords: Tulu cinema, Tulu Film Producers Association, DK Shivakumar, Tulu film subsidy, regional language cinema, Mangaluru, Citizen News Puttur