Mangaluru: The much-anticipated Tulu film Jai, directed by and starring Rock Star Roopesh Shetty, is set for its grand premiere in Bahrain on October 31, before releasing in theatres across India on November 14.

Touted as one of the biggest-budget Tulu films to date, Jai has been extensively shot in and around Mangaluru and brings together a star-studded ensemble from the coastal film industry.

A milestone for Tulu cinema

Following the success of his earlier ventures Girgit, Gamjaal, and Circus, Roopesh Shetty has returned with another ambitious project that aims to set new benchmarks for Tulu cinema. Produced under the banners of RS Cinemas, Shoolin Films, and Mugrody Productions, the film has generated significant buzz among audiences in coastal Karnataka and abroad.

Industry watchers note that the overseas premiere in Bahrain underscores the growing popularity of Tulu cinema among the diaspora, especially in the Gulf countries where large numbers of coastal Kannadigas reside.

Creative and technical team

The film’s story and dialogues are penned by Prasanna Shetty Bailur, while the technical crew includes Vinuth K (cinematography), Loy Valentine Saldanha (music), and Rahul Vasishta (editing).

The production team is spearheaded by Anil Shetty, Sudhakar Shetty Mugrody, and Manjunath Attavara, with Dikshith Alva as co-producer and Naveen Shetty Aryans serving as choreographer and executive producer.

Star-studded cast

Jai features an impressive ensemble cast, including Sunil Shetty, Dr Devadas Kapikad, Raj Deepak Shetty, Naveen D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Prasanna Shetty Bailur, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, and Umesh Mijar.

The female lead is played by Adviti Shetty, while Roopesh Shetty himself headlines the film in a central role.

Production details

The movie was shot in three schedules across key locations in coastal Karnataka and has now completed post-production. With its action-packed storyline, strong local flavour, and big-budget production values, Jai is expected to appeal not only to Tulu-speaking audiences but also to cinema lovers beyond the region.

Conclusion

With a high-profile overseas premiere and an all-star cast, Jai is positioned as one of the most ambitious Tulu films ever made. Its November 14 release in India is eagerly awaited by fans, who see it as another leap forward in the growth of Tulu cinema.