Mangaluru: The Tulu film Non Veg, produced by Prakash Pandeshwar under the Jayakiran Films banner and directed by K Suraj Shetty, was released in Bharath Cinemas and theatres across coastal Karnataka on Friday, February 6, 2026. The film opened simultaneously in multiple centres with a special launch event attended by legal, film and cultural personalities, marking one of the notable Tulu cinema releases of the year.
Senior advocate Mayurakeerthi inaugurated the release by lighting the ceremonial lamp and extended his wishes to the film team. Praising producer Prakash Pandeshwar’s contribution to regional cinema, he expressed hope that Non Veg would enjoy a successful theatrical run and complete 100 days, following the legacy of popular Tulu hits like Chalipolilu.
Film fraternity backs the release
Members of the Tulu film and theatre fraternity expressed confidence that the movie would connect well with audiences. Tulu Drama Artists’ Association president Kishore D Shetty described the film as impressive and urged viewers to support it in theatres.
Well-known actor Naveen D Padil said the movie is designed as a family-oriented entertainer suitable for all age groups. He appealed to Tulu cinema lovers to watch the film and encourage original regional content.
Speakers at the release function highlighted the importance of audience support for sustaining and growing Tulu cinema, which continues to rely heavily on regional viewership and word-of-mouth promotion.
Story blends humour with social message
According to the makers, Non Veg presents a unique storyline that combines humour with a meaningful social message. The film explores themes related to youth, love and social taboos, while following the journey of an innocent young man in search of love and acceptance.
The narrative reportedly uses comedy and light-hearted situations to address curiosity and confusion among youngsters, making the subject accessible without being preachy. The director said the storytelling approach aims to entertain while also encouraging reflection.
The team stated that the film avoids repetitive formulas and instead offers a fresh treatment, balancing emotional elements with situational comedy. The content has been positioned as clean and suitable for family viewing.
Strong coastal talent in cast and crew
The film has been made largely with coastal talent, both in front of and behind the camera. Several artistes known for their performances in the hit project Su From So feature in important roles.
The cast includes Prakash Tuminadu, Pushparaj Bollur, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas, Vismaya Vinayak and Roopa Varkady. Actress Sanjana Burli plays the female lead, while Naveen D Padil and Atharva Prakash appear in key supporting roles.
The presence of familiar and popular regional performers is expected to help the film draw audiences across Tulu-speaking areas. Industry observers note that recognisable local faces often play a major role in the commercial success of regional films.
Director and producer share vision
Director K Suraj Shetty said the film communicates its core message through humour and engaging characters. He noted that the behaviour, dilemmas and emotional world of youth are portrayed in an entertaining narrative format.
He added that comedy has been used as a storytelling vehicle to address sensitive or awkward subjects in a comfortable way, allowing audiences to relate to the characters and situations.
Producer Prakash Pandeshwar said the project is aimed especially at younger viewers and families looking for refreshing regional content. He said the film attempts to move away from overused themes and instead deliver a new flavour within Tulu cinema.
He also expressed gratitude to the artistes, technicians and supporters who helped bring the film to theatres.
Wide release across coastal belt
The film has been released in multiple theatres across the coastal belt to ensure broad reach among Tulu audiences. Ticket prices at multiplexes have been fixed at ₹99 to encourage higher footfall and make theatre viewing more accessible.
The movie is screening at Roopavani, Bharath Cinemas, PVR and Cinepolis; Cine Galaxy in Surathkal; Bharath Cinemas in Padubidri, Manipal, Puttur and Kundapur; Kalpana and Bharath Cinemas in Udupi; Planet in Karkala; and Bharath Theatre in Beltangady.
Dignitaries attend launch event
The release function was attended by several prominent personalities from the film and cultural field, including Tulu Film Producers’ Association president R Dhanaraj, producers Mukesh Hegde and Prakash Pandeshwar, Virat Gowda, Arjun Kapikad, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, former CATK president Pammi Kodialbail, Ashwini Prakash, Ismail Moodushedde and others.
With a combination of humour, youth-centric themes and a social message, the makers are optimistic that Non Veg will find strong acceptance among audiences and add momentum to the growing Tulu film industry.