Directed by H. L. N. Simha , the 1954 film '' Bedara Kannappa '' , received the first Certificate of Merit . The film was based on the folktale of the hunter Kannappa who proves his extreme devotion to Lord Shiva by plucking out both of his eyes . However , the first " President 's Silver Medal for Best Feature Film in Kannada " was only awarded at the 5th National Film Awards ceremony held on 16 April 1958 to the 1957 film '' Premada Puthri '' . The film was directed by R. Nagendra Rao and produced under his banner R. N. R. Pictures . Following is the list of '' Silver Lotus Award ( Rajat Kamal ) '' recipient films produced in Kannada language
5th National Film Awards
5th National Film Awards
National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Kannada