<p class="bodytext">A remastered version of Puneeth Rajkumar’s 2002 film ‘Appu’ treated his fans to a nostalgic morning on Friday. The film was re-released in theatres across Karnataka to mark the actor’s 50th birth anniversary. He was born on March 17, 1975. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Showtime visited Veeresh Theatre on Magadi Road in Bengaluru to witness the celebrations. The morning shows — 6.30 am and 10.15 am — were houseful. </p>.<p class="bodytext">As anticipated, fans arrived as early as 5 am; a festive atmosphere dawned upon the single-screen theatre. They cheered and hooted in excitement for their favourite star.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Fans from Bangarapet, Chikkamagaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad were present. A young fan, Narayana, who had come all the way from Karapa in Andhra Pradesh said, “I have been a huge fan of Puneeth Rajkumar since I was little and I wanted to watch this movie to remember him.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kannada actor Chethan Kumar was one among the many actors who attended the screening. Speaking to the media, he said, “I love Appu and watching the film made me nostalgic.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Puneeth’s films explored family sentiments. Vijaya, a middle-aged woman shared that she loved the mother-son dynamic in his film ‘Maurya’ (2004). She hasn’t missed watching a single film of the actor. Rakshita, the female lead in the film was also present. Other celebrities included YouTuber Namratha Gowda and actors Kishan Bilagali, Rakshak Sena, and Karthik Mahesh. </p>.<p class="bodytext">A large cut-out of the actor adorned the theatre complex and excited fans who sported t-shirts with Puneeth’s face and the Karnataka flag, lit fireworks. A fan exclaimed, “Even new releases don’t get such reception. A 20-year-old film has been able to garner a houseful.” Puneeth died of heartattack on October 29, 2021.</p>
<p class="bodytext">A remastered version of Puneeth Rajkumar’s 2002 film ‘Appu’ treated his fans to a nostalgic morning on Friday. The film was re-released in theatres across Karnataka to mark the actor’s 50th birth anniversary. He was born on March 17, 1975. </p>.<p class="bodytext">Showtime visited Veeresh Theatre on Magadi Road in Bengaluru to witness the celebrations. The morning shows — 6.30 am and 10.15 am — were houseful. </p>.<p class="bodytext">As anticipated, fans arrived as early as 5 am; a festive atmosphere dawned upon the single-screen theatre. They cheered and hooted in excitement for their favourite star.</p>.<p class="bodytext">Fans from Bangarapet, Chikkamagaluru, Chennai, Kochi and Hyderabad were present. A young fan, Narayana, who had come all the way from Karapa in Andhra Pradesh said, “I have been a huge fan of Puneeth Rajkumar since I was little and I wanted to watch this movie to remember him.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Kannada actor Chethan Kumar was one among the many actors who attended the screening. Speaking to the media, he said, “I love Appu and watching the film made me nostalgic.”</p>.<p class="bodytext">Puneeth’s films explored family sentiments. Vijaya, a middle-aged woman shared that she loved the mother-son dynamic in his film ‘Maurya’ (2004). She hasn’t missed watching a single film of the actor. Rakshita, the female lead in the film was also present. Other celebrities included YouTuber Namratha Gowda and actors Kishan Bilagali, Rakshak Sena, and Karthik Mahesh. </p>.<p class="bodytext">A large cut-out of the actor adorned the theatre complex and excited fans who sported t-shirts with Puneeth’s face and the Karnataka flag, lit fireworks. A fan exclaimed, “Even new releases don’t get such reception. A 20-year-old film has been able to garner a houseful.” Puneeth died of heartattack on October 29, 2021.</p>