Mangaluru: Tulu film Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) has successfully completed a 50-day run in theatres, marking an important milestone for the regional film industry. Produced under the banner of Prajwal Films by Prajwal Shetty and directed by Keerthan Bhandary, the film was released on May 22 and has continued to attract audiences with its blend of sports, entertainment and social messaging.

The achievement highlights the growing acceptance of quality Tulu cinema among audiences and reflects the sustained support received by locally produced films at the box office. With its cricket-based narrative, emotional storytelling and relatable characters, Gajanana Cricketers has emerged as one of the notable Tulu releases of the year.

A sports drama with humour and emotion

Set against the backdrop of cricket, Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) explores the lives, struggles and aspirations of players while celebrating the spirit of teamwork and perseverance. Rather than focusing solely on the sport, the film also delves into relationships, dreams and the emotional journeys of its characters.

The narrative combines humour, romance and a socially relevant message, making it appealing to audiences across different age groups. The makers have attempted to present a story that reflects everyday life while highlighting the passion for cricket shared by many communities in coastal Karnataka.

The film’s balanced mix of entertainment and meaningful storytelling has contributed to its positive response since its release.

Keerthan Bhandary leads story and direction

Director Keerthan Bhandary has played multiple creative roles in the project by writing the story and screenplay in addition to directing the film. His approach focuses on portraying cricket not merely as a sport but as a medium that brings people together and inspires individuals to overcome challenges.

Producer Prajwal Shetty has also taken on the lead role, making the project a significant personal and professional venture. The combination of production responsibilities and lead acting reflects the team’s commitment to delivering an engaging cinematic experience.

The film has received appreciation for its screenplay, emotional moments and the way it blends comedy with socially relevant themes.

Ensemble cast strengthens the film

The film features a large ensemble cast comprising several well-known names from the Tulu entertainment industry. Alongside lead actor Prajwal Shetty, the cast includes Vineeth Kumar, Naveen D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Deepak Rai Panaje, Prakash Tuminadu, Umesh Mijar, Anvitha Sagar, Samatha Ameen, Sarvotham Shetty Abu Dhabi, Walter Nandalike, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Pushparaj Bollur, Roopa Varkady, Lanchulal, Sachin Mad, James Mendonsa and Karan Poojary, among several other artistes.

The presence of experienced performers alongside emerging talent has added depth to the film, with each character contributing to the overall narrative. Their performances have been appreciated for bringing authenticity and humour to the story.

Milestone for Tulu cinema

Completing a 50-day theatrical run is considered a significant achievement, particularly for regional films that often face stiff competition from mainstream Kannada, Tamil, Telugu and Hindi releases. The success of Gajanana Cricketers demonstrates that audiences continue to support well-made Tulu films with strong local flavour and engaging storytelling.

The film’s performance also reflects the increasing confidence of filmmakers in producing content rooted in the culture, language and traditions of coastal Karnataka while appealing to wider audiences.

Regional cinema has witnessed steady growth over the years through improved production values, stronger narratives and expanding audience interest. Films like Gajanana Cricketers contribute to this momentum by showcasing stories that resonate with local viewers without compromising on entertainment.

Looking ahead

The successful 50-day theatrical run serves as an encouraging milestone for the cast, crew and producers associated with Gajanana Cricketers. As the film continues its journey, its achievement is expected to inspire more filmmakers to invest in original Tulu stories and strengthen the regional film industry.

With cricket forming the emotional backbone of the narrative and the film balancing humour, romance and a meaningful social message, Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) has carved a place for itself among the notable Tulu releases of 2026.