Our culture has universal resonance, says Shivadwaj Shetty on Imbu’s IFFI selection

Shivadwaj Shetty’s Tulu film Imbu, selected for the Indian Panorama section at IFFI, follows the life of a patri (Bhootha Kola performer) whose world changes with the arrival of technology. Actor Naveen Padil plays the respected patri whose accurate predictions earn him a mobile phone from a patron, setting off a chain of events that upend his life. “I’ve seen similar stories back home,” says Shivadwaj. “Imbu (meaning ‘blessing’) is about how technology, when misused, can disrupt our connection with the divine — a reminder for our times.”

‘Karavali has become a treasure trove for filmmakers’
Talking about his film Imbu, Shivadwaj Shetty says its themes tie closely to the cultural richness of Tulunadu. “Kantara beautifully showcased Tulunadu’s art, traditions, and belief systems. Beyond Bhootha Kola, the region has Kambala, Naga worship, and many other rooted practices waiting to be explored. Karavali has become a treasure trove of stories for both commercial and arthouse filmmakers,” he notes, adding, “In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, it’s vital to stay grounded through stories of art, history, and culture — and films do that beautifully.”

‘Audiences are now tired of formula films and want more engaging content’
“There was a time when masala entertainers ruled the box office, but that’s changed,” says Shivadwaj. “Audiences are now tired of formula films and want more engaging content — which is why movies like Kantara and Su from So are doing so well. They blend strong stories with quality filmmaking. Of course, KGF is in a league of its own and has made us proud, too. I’m in Kolkata right now, and everyone here is talking about KGF and Kantara — it makes me so proud.”