Mangaluru: The Tulu film Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983), produced under the banner of Prajwal Films by Prajwal Shetty and directed by Keerthan Bhandary, has been released across coastal districts amid enthusiastic response from the Tulu film community and cinema audiences. The film’s release event was organised at Bharath Cinemas where several dignitaries, artistes and film personalities attended the function and extended their support to the project.
The release marks another addition to the growing Tulu film industry, which has witnessed an increase in new productions and emerging talent over recent years.
Grand release event held at Bharath Cinemas
The film’s launch programme began with guests inaugurating the event by lighting the ceremonial lamp. Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker U.T. Khader attended the function and conveyed his best wishes to the film team.
The event brought together several members of the Tulu film fraternity and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate the release of the movie.
Senior director Vijaykumar Kodialbail, speaking at the event, highlighted the growth and evolution of the Tulu film industry. He said young talents and newcomers are making their mark by following the path created by senior artistes and filmmakers.
Using a cricket analogy linked to the film’s theme, he wished that upcoming talents continue to score “boundaries and sixers” in the industry and achieve greater success in future projects.
Positive response from premiere shows
Producer Prakash Pandeshwar said audiences who attended the premiere screenings had expressed appreciation for the movie.
He praised the efforts put in by producer Prajwal Shetty and co-producers Rohan Pereira and Santosh Lad, stating that considerable hard work had gone into the making of the project.
He also appealed to the public to support the film by watching it in theatres and encouraging regional cinema.
Entrepreneur Michael D’Souza also attended the event and conveyed his wishes to the cast and crew.
Several other personalities from different fields were present at the release function, including art director Thamma Lakshman, Tulunada Rakshana Vedike president Yogish Shetty Jappu, Thonse Pushkal Kumar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, senior journalist Bala Jagannath Shetty and several members associated with the film industry.
The programme was compered by Nitesh Shetty Ekkar.
Film based on cricket and human emotions
Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) is being described as one of the larger-budget productions in Tulu cinema and revolves around cricket and the lives of players.
According to the makers, the film combines humour, romance and a socially relevant message within its storyline.
Director Keerthan Bhandary has written the story and screenplay in addition to directing the movie. Producer Prajwal Shetty also plays the lead role in the film.
The cast features several well-known names from Tulu cinema including Vineeth Kumar, Naveen D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Deepak Rai Panaje, Prakash Tuminadu, Umesh Mijar, Anvitha Sagar and Samatha Ameen among many others.
The film also includes performances by Sarvotham Shetty Abu Dhabi, Walter Nandalike, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Pushparaj Bollur, Roopa Varkady, Lanchulal, Sachin Mad, James Mendonsa and Karan Poojary.
Released across several centres
The movie has been released across multiple locations in the coastal belt including Mangaluru, Surathkal, Padubidri, Udupi, Kundapur, Manipal, Karkala, Puttur, Beltangady, Deralakatte and several other places.
Regional cinema supporters believe such productions continue to play an important role in preserving local language, culture and storytelling traditions.
With cricket forming the backdrop and an emotional narrative at its core, the film enters theatres with expectations of attracting audiences across different age groups. The response over the coming days is expected to determine its success at the box office.