Mangaluru: Upcoming Tulu film Bana has received a U/A certificate from the censor board, clearing the way for its theatrical release on October 23.

Directed by Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli, Bana is the filmmaker’s latest venture after his earlier works Dharma Daiva and Dharma Chavadi. The film is produced by Manohar Rai Vaipala, with Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli and Nuliyalu credited with the story.

The certification marks an important step ahead of the film’s release, which is expected to bring another Tulu-language production rooted in the cultural traditions and folklore of Tulunadu to the big screen.

Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli directs the film

Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli, who has previously explored themes associated with Tulunadu’s cultural and traditional landscape, has directed Bana. His earlier films Dharma Daiva and Dharma Chavadi have also focused on elements connected to the region’s cultural heritage.

The story for Bana has been written by Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli and Nuliyalu. Razak Puttur has handled the screenplay and dialogues, shaping the narrative for the screen.

The film’s technical team brings together several experienced professionals from the Tulu film industry. Arun Rai Puttur is the director of photography, while Jaya Karthi has composed the music. Nveen Nerolthadi is the editor.

The art direction has been handled by Yathish Bettampady, Nandan Kumar and Ganesh Keyyur. Keerthan Shetty Sullia serves as the associate director, while Pramith Raj Kattatharu is the production manager.

Film explores mystical traditions of Tulunadu

The recently released trailer of Bana has offered audiences an early glimpse into the film’s setting and narrative world. The trailer indicates that the movie draws substantially from the mystical traditions, cultural practices and heritage associated with Tulunadu.

The region’s folklore, rituals, belief systems and traditional narratives have increasingly provided themes for Tulu cinema. Bana appears to continue this connection while presenting its story through a contemporary cinematic format.

The film’s U/A certification means that it can be viewed by audiences of all ages, with children below 12 years requiring parental guidance. The certification comes ahead of the scheduled October 23 release.

Strong technical team behind ‘Bana’

Several technicians have contributed to the production and post-production of the film.

Ramu Neerkal has handled makeup, while Kishore Kumar Akkana is responsible for digital intermediate (DI) work. Shamanth Mumbai has handled the visual effects. The DTS work has been handled by LVS.

Bala Jagannath Shetty is the public relations officer (PRO) for the film.

The combination of cinematography, music, visual effects and art direction is expected to play an important role in establishing the atmosphere of Bana, particularly given the film’s focus on the mystical and cultural landscape of Tulunadu.

Music to be released by Lahari Music

The music of Bana will be released under the Lahari Music label. The association gives the film a wider platform for its songs and musical content ahead of the theatrical release.

Jaya Karthi has composed the music for the film, adding another component to the movie’s attempt to create a distinct cultural and atmospheric identity.

With the trailer already unveiled and the film now certified, the makers are moving into the final phase of promotions before its October 23 release.

Tulu cinema continues to explore regional stories

Films such as Bana contribute to the continuing growth of Tulu cinema by bringing regional stories, cultural traditions and local narratives to audiences in theatres.

Tulunadu has a distinctive cultural heritage, with traditions, folklore and ritual practices providing a wide range of subjects for filmmakers. The growing interest in stories based on these themes has also helped Tulu cinema develop a distinct identity within the broader Indian regional film landscape.

Bana, with its focus on the mystical traditions and cultural heritage of Tulunadu, is positioned within this tradition. The film’s release on October 23 will give audiences an opportunity to see how the makers have translated these themes into a feature-film narrative.

With the U/A certification now in place, the makers are expected to intensify promotional activities ahead of the theatrical release.

Conclusion

Directed by Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli and produced by Manohar Rai Vaipala, Bana brings together a team of Tulu cinema professionals for a story inspired by the cultural and mystical traditions of Tulunadu. Following its U/A certification and trailer launch, the film is set for theatrical release on October 23.