Awards for films in seven regional language (Bengali, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Tamil and Telugu) started from 2nd National Film Awards which were presented on 21 December 1955.
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.
[3] 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.