Mangaluru: Golden Movies is all set to make its debut in the Tulu film industry with Picture, a family entertainer that will hit theatres on July 24. Produced by Shilpa Ganesh under the Golden Movies banner, the film marks the production house’s first venture into Tulu cinema after producing several acclaimed Kannada films. Directed by Sandeep Bedra, Picture has been simultaneously made in both Tulu and Kannada, aiming to appeal to audiences across Karnataka.
The film features newcomer Nithyaprakash Bantwal in the lead role alongside Amrutha Sudu, who is known for her performance in the Kannada hit Ondu Motteya Kathe. Blending family emotions with comedy, the film promises wholesome entertainment while bringing together several celebrated artistes from the Tulu theatre and film fraternity.
Golden Movies enters Tulu cinema
Golden Movies has earned recognition for backing quality Kannada cinema over the years. With Picture, the banner is expanding its creative journey into the Tulu film industry, reflecting the growing popularity and reach of regional cinema from coastal Karnataka.
Producer Shilpa Ganesh has backed the project with the intention of presenting a film that celebrates the language, culture and humour of Tulunadu while maintaining broad audience appeal. The decision to release the film in both Tulu and Kannada is expected to help it reach viewers beyond the coastal belt.
Director Sandeep Bedra has crafted the film as a family entertainer filled with humour, emotions and relatable storytelling. The makers believe the bilingual approach will introduce Tulu cinema to a wider audience while retaining its cultural identity.
Star-studded Tulu cast adds strength
One of the biggest highlights of Picture is its ensemble cast featuring several legendary names from the Tulu entertainment industry. Apart from the lead pair, the film includes veteran artistes Devdas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor and Aravind Bolar, all of whom have entertained audiences for decades through theatre, television and films.
Their presence is expected to add authenticity and strong comic timing to the film. These artistes have played a significant role in popularising Tulu cinema and theatre, making them household names across coastal Karnataka.
The combination of experienced performers with fresh faces is seen as one of the film’s major attractions, offering audiences a mix of nostalgia and youthful energy.
Ganesh praises Tulu artistes
Speaking at a recent press conference, actor Golden Star Ganesh lauded the contribution of the veteran Tulu artistes associated with the project. He said nearly all the leading performers from Tulunadu had come together for the film, making it a memorable experience for everyone involved.
Ganesh recalled spending an entire day with the artistes during the shoot and described it as a joyful and enriching experience. According to him, industry veterans such as Devdas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor and Aravind Bolar possess far more experience than the filmmakers have in terms of age.
He also shared a personal memory from his college days when he frequently visited Mangaluru and would see posters featuring these artistes outside theatres. Ganesh expressed happiness that such respected personalities agreed to work on the film with warmth, affection and enthusiasm, making the production even more special.
First Tulu film to be shot in Kashmir
Ganesh also revealed a unique aspect of the production that sets Picture apart from previous Tulu films. Since this is Golden Movies’ first Tulu venture, the team wanted to include something distinctive that would elevate the film’s visual appeal.
To achieve this, the makers travelled to Kashmir to film a song, making Picture the first Tulu film to feature sequences shot in the picturesque region. Ganesh said the song has turned out beautifully and is expected to become one of the visual highlights of the film.
The scenic landscapes of Kashmir are likely to provide audiences with a fresh cinematic experience, something rarely seen in Tulu cinema, which traditionally focuses on locations within coastal Karnataka.
Family entertainer with comedy at its core
The makers have positioned Picture as a clean family entertainer centred on humour, relationships and emotions. With comedy being one of the strongest elements of Tulu cinema, the film brings together some of the region’s finest comic actors alongside emerging talent.
The inclusion of established performers is expected to strengthen the screenplay while ensuring that audiences of all age groups can enjoy the film. The bilingual release also reflects the growing confidence of filmmakers in taking regional stories to wider markets.
Release on July 24
Picture is scheduled for a theatrical release on July 24 in both Tulu and Kannada. The film represents an important milestone for Golden Movies as it enters the Tulu film industry and introduces a project that combines experienced artistes, fresh talent and unique visual elements.
With its family-oriented storyline, comedy, veteran performers and the distinction of becoming the first Tulu film to shoot a song in Kashmir, Picture has generated curiosity ahead of its release. The makers are hopeful that audiences across Karnataka will welcome the film and support its effort to take Tulu cinema to new heights.