Battle of the stars

With a string of holidays in the coming weeks, the Kannada film industry is geared up to treat its fans with movies that are highly-anticipated. Many top actors in the industry like Ganesh, Upendra, Shivarajkumar, Yash and even Yogesh will have their releases in the coming weeks and encash on the Deepavali season.

Releasing the  films during the festive season is beneficial as there is an assured crowd flow.

One of the first movies to release this holiday season is ‘Golden Star’ Ganesh’s Sakkare. The movie, directed by Abhay Simha, is releasing this weekend. It stars actress Deepa Sannidhi as well. This will be the first time one will see this pair on-screen together. Moreover, the movie will also mark Abhay’s foray as a commercial movie director.

The songs composed by V Harikrishna are already popular. “The festive season is always relaxing as families get together and bond. We hope that this movie will give the entire family an opportunity to enjoy a few laughs and go home happy. There has been a lot of expectations from the film and I hope we will not disappoint them,” he adds. Ganesh will be seen as a lover boy in this film too. Deepa says that the movie has given her an equal opportunity to showcase her talent.  

Director A Harsha’s Bajarangi was supposed to release this Dasara but got postponed. Starring Shivarajkumar and Aindrita Ray for the first time together, the movie raised curiosity ever since the release of its first look. Disappointment loomed large when the release was postponed to November.

“Unforseen circumstances made us postpone the release. It’s not like we did it deliberately. Yes, it would have been nice but I feel the release taking place during the holiday season is purely coincidental,” explains Harsha, who plans to release the movie mid-November. The protagonist is said to be a die-hard follower of Lord
Bajarangbali, hence earns the name of Bajarangi. The movie promises to be a laugh riot as the star cast includes almost all the leading comedians of Sandalwood. Plus, it has been a long time since Shivarajkumar was seen in a comedy film. If the teasers are
anything to go by, then this movie seems to be promising.  Other movies to watch out for in the coming month is Loose Mada Yogesh’s Ambara and Yash’s Raja Huli. Another movie lined up for release in November is ‘Real Star’ Upendra’s Bramha. Directed by R Chandru, the movie has come a long way since its title
controversy.

To be released in Kannada and Telugu simultaneously, the film is a complete mass
entertainer with a touch of mythology. “The promos and the first look of the film have already created a hype and now we have to just complete filming one song and we will be ready with the movie.

People are going to see Upendra in a completely different look and I am sure it will touch a chord with the audience,” says Chandru.  It also seems like most of the actors will be seen in a mythological role. About this, Harsha adds, “When we began Bajarangi in February, the mythological look was popularised by Sangoli Rayana. I feel nice to see so many mythological movies being made, and that too of good quality,” he adds.

So will it be a battle of the stars in the coming months? Producer K Manju, who’s Raja Huli will be up for release, says, “I feel it is purely coincidental that so many big actors’ films are lined up for release. More than a battle, I feel it will be a treat for the audience.”