2020 recap: Memorable performances in Kannada cinema

While 2020 might not have gone as planned for Sandalwood, nor did it have the usual number of releases, there were still some memorable films in the few that hit the big screens. Here's a look at 10 such performances that stood out.

The reality television show comedian turned leading man in a film that showcased the love between an auto driver and his dog. Shivaraj got ample space to show his acting prowess beyond comedy and excelled in a memorable performance.

He played a lover who every man could relate to and every woman would desire in his debut directorial. Krishna's Adi came out tops and he's already ready with the sequel to this film that was a 2020 fan favourite.

A pint sized dynamite from the Tulu industry, Pruthvi made a solid entry into Sandalwood as the lover who wore his heart on his sleeve in Dia.

This newcomer played the titular role in the film which saw her playing an introverted girl whose tryst with love won the hearts of many cinephiles

After Daali in Tagaru, Duniya Suri gave Dhananjaya another powerful role as Tiger Seena which showcased the rise of a gangster and his tryst with relationships too. The film had Dhananjaya cement his place as a mass hero.

This State Award winning actress charmed viewers with her act as Popcorn Devi in the film, where she was seen in two opposing shades and stood tall with her performance.

The veteran actor and filmmaker became Sandalwood's version of Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, as he solved an unusual case in this film that already has a sequel in the offering.

It is hard to stand out in a film that has an ensemble cast of good performers, but Raj's comical yet criminal act in this film that dealt with demonetization showed why he's considered to be a fine talent.

In the first post pandemic release in Kannada, Yagna played a wronged woman who takes on the system with a shocking move as she delivered one of the most memorable performances of 2020.

This former RJ and voiceover artiste played a cop in this neo noir drama that had him tailing an unusual case with equally bizarre suspects. He lived his character, sometimes mean and cringeworthy at other times, to show how he's someone to look forward to in Sandalwood.