Khanty-Mansiysk, Russia — Indian filmmaker Natesh Hegde’s latest Kannada language film, “Vagachipani” (Tiger Pond), has earned the Special Jury Mention Award at the Spirit of Fire Festival. This notable event, directed by esteemed Serbian filmmaker Emir Kusturica, showcases international cinema in the scenic Russian town of Khanty-Mansiysk.
“Vagachipani” debuted globally at the Berlin International Festival earlier in February 2025. The production of the film includes contributions from an impressive international ensemble including renowned Hindi filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, Singapore’s Jeremy Chua, and Ranjan Singh, known for his Cannes-selected project “Kennedy.”
The Spirit of Fire Festival’s recognition comes shortly after the film’s premiere in Berlin, affirming its early acclaim. “Being recognized at such a prestigious festival is exhilarating,” shared Ranjan Singh, reflecting the sentiment of the film’s team. He further highlighted the delight of Natesh Hegde in getting the opportunity to meet and exchange ideas with Kusturica, a momentous experience for the aspiring director.
Set against the backdrop of Mavinakatta in Sirsi, located in the biodiverse Western Ghats, “Vagachipani” dives into a gripping narrative weaving elements of crime, faith, caste, and political intrigue. The film boasts a cast featuring Malayalam actor-director Dileesh Pothan, veteran Kannada actor Achyuth Kumar, and Gopal Hegde, who is not only a seasoned actor but also the father of Natesh Hegde.
During his conversations at the festival, Hegde shared his deep admiration for Kusturica, citing him as a major influence on his decision to pursue filmmaking. Their engagement provided Hegde with heartfelt validation, as Kusturica graciously acknowledged his admiration.
Further exploring his connection with Russian culture, Hegde expressed a unique philosophical tie to the country through its legendary artists, filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky and writer Fyodor Dostoevsky. He described an almost mystical familiarity with the place, spurred not by geography but by a shared human experience and cultural resonance.
Audience response at the festival was profoundly moving, with some viewers comparing the characters in “Vagachipani” to those found in Dostoevsky’s novels, highlighting universal themes of human suffering and resilience that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.
Natesh Hegde, whose feature film debut “Pedro” premiered at the Busan International Film Festival, continues to make significant waves in the international film circuit, drawing critical acclaim and fostering cross-cultural conversations through his cinematic works.
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