In a significant development for the Kannada film industry, veteran actress and former minister Jayamala has been elected as the president of the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC). The election, held on Saturday in Bengaluru, saw Jayamala defeat Sandalwood producer Bhama Harish in a closely watched contest that drew active participation from across the industry.
Comfortable Victory Margin
Polling and counting took place on the same day at the Gururaja Kalyana Mantapa, located adjacent to the Film Chamber premises. Jayamala secured a comfortable victory by obtaining 512 out of the 813 votes cast for the top post, demonstrating strong support from various segments of the film fraternity.
Industry-Wide Participation
The election witnessed remarkable engagement from prominent figures across the Kannada film ecosystem. Actors, producers, distributors, exhibitors, and technicians all turned up to exercise their franchise. Notable personalities present at the polling venue included acclaimed actors Shiva Rajkumar and Dali Dhananjay, highlighting the importance of this electoral exercise for the industry's future direction.
Jayamala's Second Stint as President
This victory marks Jayamala's second term as KFCC president, having previously served in this crucial role back in 2008. Her return to leadership comes at a pivotal moment for the Kannada film industry, which is currently navigating multiple challenges including fluctuating theatrical revenues, ongoing distribution reforms, and evolving exhibition models in the digital age.
Other Key Positions Filled
Elections were also conducted for several other important positions within the KFCC organizational structure. The results saw Sundar Raju (producer), K Manju (distributor), and Kishore (exhibitor) elected as honorary vice-presidents. Meanwhile, A Ganesh (producer), Ramesh (distributor), and Ashok (exhibitor) secured secretary posts. Jayasimha Musuri was elected as the treasurer, completing the new leadership team.
The newly elected office-bearers are expected to address the pressing issues facing the Kannada film industry, with Jayamala's experience and industry connections potentially playing a crucial role in steering the chamber through current challenges and opportunities.
