Even before its formal release in Karnataka, as a usual off beat film, expert P. Ramdas Naidu's film has bagged an award at the 3rd Lucknow International Children's festival that was concluded recently. 'Hejjegalu', a children's film, produced by Basanth Kumar Patil, won the second best film award at the competition, presented a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh and a trophy.

A total of 300 national and international films from 12 countries participated in this festival, of which two Indian films have won the first and second slot at the competition. 'Hejjegalu', starring Sudha Belawadi, Prakruthi Prasad and Achyuth Kumar, is the first Kannada film to be selected in this festival.

The film has been written and directed by P R Ramadas Naidu. Basanth Kumar Patil has produced the film, under his home production banner, Basanth Productions.