Mysuru, November 4, 2025 – In a moment of immense pride for the Barkur community, young actor Aaron Pais was honored at the Karnataka State Film Awards ceremony held today in Mysuru. The event recognized outstanding achievements in Kannada cinema for the years 2018 and 2019.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah presented awards to excellence across various categories of Kannada filmmaking at the prestigious ceremony. Among the honorees was Master Aaron Pais, who received the Best Child Actor award for his debut performance in "Ramana Savari."
Award-Winning Performance
Aaron Pais, son of Swapna and Stroiny Pais from Hosala in Barkur, captivated audiences and critics alike with his natural acting in "Ramana Savari." The film, which marked Aaron's entry into Kannada cinema at just five years old, also secured the Second Best Film award for 2018.
The young actor receives a cash prize of Rs. 20,000 and a 100-gram silver medal for his outstanding performance.
Film's Multiple Accolades
"Ramana Savari," produced by Sudha Creations owned by Swapna and Stroiny Pais, garnered recognition beyond the state awards. The film had previously won third place at the 11th edition of the Bangalore International Film Festival (BIFFES), competing against 223 entries from 50 countries.
At today's ceremony, producer Stroiny Pais and director K. Shivarudraiah each received Rs. 75,000 and a 100-gram silver medal for the Second Best Film honor.
About the Film
Directed by award-winning filmmaker K. Shivarudraiah, "Ramana Savari" is based on a story by veteran writer K. Sadashiva, with screenplay and dialogues by acclaimed director Girish Kasaravalli. Set against the Malnad backdrop of the 1970s, the film explores family dynamics, parental relationships, and social responsibilities, examining how differences of opinion between parents affect their son's development.
The cast includes Sonu Gowda and Rajesh Nataranga in pivotal parental roles, with supporting performances by Sudha Belavadi and Bhargavi Narayan. Vishwanath handled cinematography, while K. Kalyan composed the film's soothing musical score.
Director K. Shivarudraiah, who began his career with "Maleya Makkalu," has received numerous accolades including the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Prashasthi and Karnataka Rajyothsava Prashasthi. His most recent directorial venture is "Maarikondavaru."
Community Pride
The achievement holds special significance for Barkurians, particularly as Stroiny Pais was himself a versatile stage actor in Barkur. The father-son duo's success in cinema has become a source of great pride for the local community.
The awards were announced following deliberations by a selection committee presided over by film director B.M. Giriraj, with journalist Basavaraj and A.R. Prakash, Joint Director of the News and Public Relations Department, serving as members.
As the Barkur community celebrates this achievement, there are high hopes that Aaron Pais and Sudha Creations will continue to create award-winning cinema in the years ahead.
Congratulations to Aaron and Stroiny Pais on this remarkable achievement!
The Karnataka State Film Awards ceremony was organized by the Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and the Department of Information and Public Relations of Karnataka State.