Mangaluru: Tulu film director Aneesh Poojary Venur, who made a mark in the industry with the commercial hit ‘Daskath’, is returning with his next directorial venture, titled ‘Ajjikathé’. The film, presented by Swayamprabha Entertainment & Production, was officially announced at a special programme held in Dubai recently, bringing together an experienced creative team and a prominent ensemble of Tulu cinema artistes.
The announcement has generated interest among Tulu film enthusiasts, with the project featuring a mix of established performers, emerging talent and veteran artiste Ramakka, who is 84 years old and will appear in a prominent role.
Aneesh Poojary Venur returns with a new story
Aneesh Poojary Venur, who earned recognition with the commercial success of ‘Daskath’, has taken charge of both the screenplay and direction of ‘Ajjikathé’. The new project marks his return to Tulu cinema with a film that brings together several familiar names from the regional entertainment industry.
The story has been written by cinematographer Santhosh Acharya Gumpalaje, while Nishith Shetty and Praveen Jain have worked on the dialogues. The combination of an established director, an experienced story writer and dialogue writers forms the core of the film’s creative team.
The title was unveiled during a special event in Dubai, reflecting the involvement of Tulu-speaking audiences and supporters based outside Karnataka. The Tulu community in the Gulf region has played an important role in supporting regional cinema through film events, premieres and cultural programmes.
Although details about the plot and the film’s release schedule have not yet been announced, the project is expected to add another title to the growing body of contemporary Tulu cinema.
Gautham Bangera and Sinchana P Rao in lead roles
Actor Gautham Bangera, who recently delivered a notable performance in a prominent role in ‘Kajja’, will play the male lead in ‘Ajjikathé’. His inclusion brings an actor with recent screen experience to the forefront of the project.
Sinchana P Rao, who has appeared in several films, including ‘Jai’, will play the female lead. The pairing brings together performers who have been associated with Tulu cinema and are set to take on central roles in the new production.
The film also features a special appearance in terms of its casting, with 84-year-old Ramakka playing a prominent character. Her participation adds a veteran presence to the ensemble and is one of the notable aspects of the project.
The makers have assembled a broad cast featuring several well-known names from the Tulu entertainment industry. Popular artistes Naveen D Padil, Aravind Bolar and Bhojaraj Vamanjoor are part of the film, alongside Praveen Jain, Hitesh Kapinadka, Manish Shetty and Suraj Kumar.
The supporting cast further includes Manoj D’Souza from Muscat, Pearl Rosario from Dubai, Sudarshan Hegde from Dubai, Puneeth Salian from Dubai, Deekshith K Andinje, Bhagawan, Chitra Bhagawan, Akshaya Saripalla, Chandrashekar, Suresh Suvarna Rai, Usha, Naveen Bondel and Sai Chetan, among others.
With performers from different locations and backgrounds coming together, the film brings a wide range of artistes into one production.
Swayamprabha Entertainment presents the film
‘Ajjikathé’ is presented by Swayamprabha Entertainment & Production, which has previously been associated with films such as ‘Love Cocktail’, ‘Appe Teacher’, ‘Malgudi Days’ and ‘Hauddo Huliya’.
The production house has worked on projects representing different stories and entertainment styles. Its association with ‘Ajjikathé’ continues its involvement in Tulu cinema with another feature film led by an established director and a sizeable cast.
The film is produced by K Rathanakar Kamath and Ganesh R Kamath. K. Vinod Shetty of Namaha Productions and Vicky Mahesh Thakkar have joined the project as co-producers and investors.
The involvement of the production team and co-producers provides the backing for a film that brings together established names from the industry, including artistes based in the Gulf region.
Experienced technical team behind the project
The technical crew includes Santhosh Acharya Gumpalaje and Deekshith Dharmasthala, who will jointly handle cinematography. Santhosh Acharya Gumpalaje is also responsible for the film’s story, giving him a role in both the narrative and visual aspects of the production.
Shivaraj Kuthhethoor will handle the editing, while Samarthan S Rao is in charge of the music.
The creative team brings together specialists in direction, writing, cinematography, editing and music, with each department contributing to the film’s overall presentation.
The screenplay and direction by Aneesh Poojary Venur will shape the narrative, while the dialogues by Nishith Shetty and Praveen Jain will bring the characters and their interactions to life. The cinematography team will be responsible for translating the story into visuals, supported by the editing and musical elements.
Further details about filming, the storyline, songs and the expected release date are awaited.
A new addition to Tulu cinema
The announcement of ‘Ajjikathé’ comes with a combination of familiar performers, a veteran artiste and a creative team with experience in regional filmmaking. The participation of actors based in Dubai and Muscat also highlights the connection between Tulu cinema and audiences living abroad.
For Aneesh Poojary Venur, the project follows the commercial success of ‘Daskath’ and offers another opportunity to present his storytelling through a new feature film. The casting of Gautham Bangera and Sinchana P Rao in the lead roles, together with Ramakka’s prominent role and the presence of popular supporting artistes, gives the film a broad ensemble.
With Swayamprabha Entertainment & Production presenting the project and an experienced technical crew working behind the scenes, ‘Ajjikathé’ is preparing to make its place among upcoming Tulu film releases. Audiences will have to await further announcements from the makers for details about the film’s plot, production progress and release plans.