Mangaluru: The title of a new Tulu film produced by Lobo Productions in association with Sonulavi Cine Creations will be unveiled at Don Bosco Hall, Balmatta, on Monday, October 26, at 5.30 pm. The film marks the debut of entrepreneur and social worker John Wilson Lobo as a Tulu film producer under his own banner, with the project aiming to provide opportunities for artists and technicians from Tulu Nadu.

Narendra Kerekadu, who is handling production management for the film, announced the details at a press conference held at the Press Club in Mangaluru on Sunday, October 25. The film is scheduled for release in 2027 and will explore rural Tulu theatre and its developments through humour and a meaningful social message.

The makers said the film was being planned as a family entertainer, with a storyline intended to appeal to audiences across generations.

John Wilson Lobo ventures into Tulu cinema

John Wilson Lobo, an entrepreneur and social worker associated with the Lobo Foundation, is producing the film under the Lobo Productions banner. Through his foundation, he has been actively involved in various social activities.

Lobo is already producing a Konkani film titled Vel Ghadi and has now expanded his production plans to Tulu cinema. The new project represents his first venture into Tulu filmmaking under his own banner.

The initiative is intended to support the regional film industry by creating opportunities for local artists, technicians and other professionals associated with Tulu theatre and cinema.

According to Narendra Kerekadu, the film will be made on a limited budget suited to its storyline. The production team plans to complete the shooting in a single schedule across Mangaluru, Mulki, Kinnigoli and other rural locations.

The film is expected to bring together a large group of established Tulu theatre and film artists, combining their experience to tell a story rooted in the cultural and social life of the region.

U T Khader to unveil film title

The title unveiling ceremony will be attended by several dignitaries from the political, cultural, literary and entertainment fields.

Roshan Nelligudde, the film’s co-director, said Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister and Dakshina Kannada district in-charge Minister U T Khader would unveil the title.

Rev Fr Andro Leo D’Souza, parish priest of St Sebastian Church, Permannur, Thokkottu, will deliver the blessings, while John Wilson Lobo will preside over the programme.

Mithun Rai, general secretary of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), Bengaluru, will hand over the shooting clapboard. Walter Nandalike of Daijiworld Media, Mangaluru, will switch on the camera.

Taranath Gatti, president of the Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy, will felicitate the film technicians in recognition of their contribution to the industry.

The chief guests will include Shalet Pinto, chairperson of the Environment and Tourism Board, Bengaluru; Kishore D Shetty, president of the Tulu Drama Artists’ Association, Mangaluru; Vijayakumar Kodialbail of Kalasangam, Mangaluru; and actor Devadas Kapikad.

Others expected to attend include Vasanth Bernard, president of Priyadarshini Co-operative Society, Haleyangadi; Francis Lobo of Deenet Internet Service Pvt Ltd, Shaktinagar, Kulashekara; K Bhuvanabhiram Udupa, chief editor of Yugapurusha, Kinnigoli; Tulu-Kannada film actor Aravind Bolar, popularly known as Tulu Nadu Manikya; and Eshwar Kodikal of Expression Arts, Mangaluru.

Deviprakash S to direct the film

Director Deviprakash S said John Wilson Lobo was producing the film under the Lobo Productions banner in association with Sonulavi Cine Creations.

Deviprakash, who has worked as an art director and actor in Kannada, Tulu and Telugu films, will handle the story, screenplay, dialogues and direction. His responsibilities cover the key creative aspects of the production, from developing the narrative to translating it to the screen.

Vijayakumar Kodialbail will write the lyrics, while Roshan Nelligudde will serve as co-director. Gagan Suvarna of Mulki will compose the music, and Gajendra Kolar will be the cinematographer.

Journalist and theatre artist Narendra Kerekadu will manage production, coordinating the practical arrangements for the film.

The creative team brings together professionals from cinema, theatre, music and journalism, reflecting the production’s focus on drawing talent from the coastal region.

Large ensemble of Tulu artists to feature

The film will feature an extensive ensemble of Tulu theatre and film artists, including several familiar names from the regional entertainment industry.

The cast includes Tulu Nadu Manikya Aravind Bolar, Umesh Mijar, Narendra Kerekadu, Roshan Nelligudde, Yuvaraj, Suresh Shettigar Kerekadu, Jerome Moras, Sunil D’Souza Nelligudde, Leo Ranipura, Sharath Shetty Kinnigoli, Radhika Poojary and Lucy Aranha.

Other performers include Harish Kotian Padupanambur, Liston Palimar, Kavya Kodethur, Hariprasad Nandalike, Bhagawan Surathkal, Chitralekha, Santhosh Karkala, Sandra Mangaluru, Poornima Surathkal, Jayakumar Kubevur and Sakshi Gurupur.

The cast also features J P Koringettu, Umesh Bantwal, Girish Periadka, Dharmananda Tokur, Udayakumar Alva, Suresh B Vorkady, Suresh Sunkadakatte, Megha Rani Kudroli, D K Acharya, Kiran Kalanjali, Yashan Mangaluru and Santhosh Kumar Mangalpady, along with other theatre artists.

The participation of artists from different parts of Tulu Nadu is expected to bring a wide range of performance experience to the production.

Rural Tulu theatre to form the story’s backdrop

According to the production team, the film will portray various developments and happenings in rural Tulu theatre, presenting them through gentle humour while conveying a meaningful message.

The makers intend to create a story that reflects local experiences and cultural traditions while remaining accessible to family audiences. The emphasis on rural settings and theatre also places the film within the broader cultural landscape of Tulu Nadu.

The decision to shoot across Mangaluru, Mulki, Kinnigoli and other rural areas will allow the production to use locations connected with the region’s everyday life and cultural identity.

With the release planned for 2027, the film will bring together a large team of regional performers and technicians in a project aimed at supporting Tulu cinema.

Artist Sunil D’Souza Nelligudde, Suresh B Vorkady, president of the Kalabhi organisation, Mangaluru, and Arif, publicity coordinator, were present at the press conference.

The title unveiling on October 26 will formally introduce the project to the public and mark the next step in the production’s journey.