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Vishal Atreya’s debut film, Tatsama Tadbhava, chronicled the story of Arika (Meghana Raj), a middle-aged woman who had no choice but to file a police report after her husband didn’t come for two days. Arika met with Arvind Ashwathama (Prajwal Devaraj), a seasoned cop with an impeccable record. Arvind doesn’t just register complaints; he sees them through. His eyes focused on the complaint while his mind played with the objective. The film kicked off with Arvind meticulously solving a burglary case in a few minutes. Fast forward to the present, and we see Arika, who has lost all sense of joy and doesn’t even celebrate her birthday. She even refused to share her plight with her daughter, Nidhi. The latter wanted to be there for her mother but often got annoyed when Arika refused to let her. Thus, left with no other choice, Nidhi asked her...

EntertainmentMeghana, who has returned to acting after a gap of four years, was last seen in 2019 in Kurukshetra.Instagram/MeghanaSarjaActor Meghana Raj Sarja has been giving sneak peeks into the characters from her upcoming movie Tatsama Tadbhava through her social media handle over the past month. The movie is a bilingual one, releasing in Kannada and Malayalam. So far, the characters of Aravinnd Iyer, who plays Mathew, Mahati as Nidhi, Balaji Manohar as Siddharth, Rajshri Ponnappa as Shalini, Ts Nagabharana as Vasudev, Girija Lokesh as Savitha, and Shruthi Krishna as Suman have been introduced. The movie is being bankrolled by actor-director Pannaga Bharana who has turned producer for the movie. Three weeks ago, sharing the first look of the poster of the movie, Meghana said, "Could not contain the excitement. ‘When are we going to see you back on the silver screen again?’ was the most asked question. The answer is finally here.

Mumbai, March 5 (Ians) Film ‘Act 1978’ director Manjunatha Somashekara Reddy (Mansore) talked about his latest Kannada feature film ‘19.20.21’ which is based on real-life incidents of human rights violation.

The movie stars Shrunga B.V., Balaji Manohar, M.D. Pallavi, Rajesh Nataranga, Avinash, Mahadev Hadapad and Venkatesh Prasad in key roles.

Director Mansore shares: “This is its first kind of realistic, humanity movie in Kannada after a long time. It’s a story of a small community of people whose fight for fundamental rights, and their courage inspires every citizen of India.

“This kind of cinema is much needed because a large number of people really don’t know about their own constitution and their fundamental rights.

“They almost forgot that they have the right to question the ruling government for their basic needs. So this movie will educate those people about their rights and at the same time it will give a thrilling experience too,...

ReviewUltimately, 19.20.21 is also about hope — that truth will prevail, and that cooked-up stories might unravel in court. It is an important film for Kannada, for it speaks truth to power.YouTube/TSeriesA group of tribal people speaks about how a road to their hamlet will ensure they can see their children, who study in the town and stay in hostels, more often. But another voice among them chips in: the road will ensure the officials also come right to our doorstep, right? This line summarises what Mansore’s subtly searing Kannada feature 19.20.21 is all about. Development at what cost? Human rights at what cost? And what kind of development is it if the original inhabitants of the land, the Adivasis, fear people who enter their forest and life and throw both asunder? Director Mansore is a national-award-winning filmmaker who has always chosen to bat for the oppressed and those who raise their voices,...

Mumbai, Feb 11 (Ians) Film ‘Act 1978′ director Mansore and producer Devaraj R of D’ Creations have teamed up once again for their upcoming Kannada feature film ‘19.20.21’ set to release on March 3.

It is believed to be based on real events depicting violations of human rights. The movie stars Shrunga B.V., Balaji Manohar, M.D. Pallavi, Rajesh Nataranga, Avinash, Mahadev Hadapad and Venkatesh Prasad in key roles. It is presented by Aagaaz Entertainment.

Having directed National award winning Kannada films such as Harivu and Nathicharami, filmmaker Mansore opens up about his upcoming film ‘19.20.21’.

He said: “This film is based on true incidents that happened in the Western Ghats near coastal Karnataka. This is story of a young tribal boy, a journalism student who fought against system for his community and their rights. He is the first person from the whole tribal community to entered higher studies. It’s a story of a community...

ReviewWith unreliable narrators and the story changing depending on who's narrating it, this thriller keeps you guessing till the end. Sowmya RajendranArishadvarga, directed by Arvind Kamath, is that kind of delicious whodunit which invites the viewer to participate in the investigation. With unreliable narrators, coloured narratives and refurbished truths, the screenplay is a mix of fact and inventive fiction that the viewer has to navigate, much like the dour-faced police officer Ashok (Nanda Gopal). It's unconventional to discuss the ending of a film at the beginning of a review. But then, it is the ending which also makes sense of the title, where it all begins. 'Arishadvarga' are the six enemies of the mind -- kama (lust), krodha (anger), moha (attachment), lobha (greed), mada (pride) and matsarya (jealousy) -- which must be conquered for a person to attain moksha or salvation. Each of the characters who are on this chessboard represent these emotions.

SandalwoodDirected by Bm Giriraj, the film is set in the time of Reverend Ferdinand Kittel, well-known for creating the first Kannada-English dictionary.Digital NativeDigital NativeVeteran actor V Ravichandran will be starring in a film titled Kannadiga, directed by Bm Giriraj. Touted to be a period drama, the film is set in the time of Reverend Ferdinand Kittel, well-known for creating the first Kannada-English dictionary. Speaking about why he decided to make the film, director Giriraj said in an interview to Toi, “That Kannada is probably the only language a dictionary for which was written by a foreign national piqued my interest, and I began researching Kittel. I wouldn’t describe the film as a historical documentary. But yes, it is a drama based on a historical fact.” He added, “However, it is also equally about the lives of the common people, as they are the ones who suffered the most.

ReviewSet in a fictional town called Amaravati, the film has a drama troupe, dacoits, cowboys, a bad cop, lost treasure, and a lot more for viewers to savour.Aravind ShwethaIn future, if somebody chronicles the story of the Kannada film industry, it shall have two parts – one before Avane Srimannarayana and the second after Avane Srimannarayana. Presented in a new genre called the Southern Odd Fiction, the movie raises the bar for Sandalwood in terms of technical standards and filmmaking. If Kgf had set a certain standard for the industry, Asn takes it up by a notch. The unusually lengthy trailer had set the tone for what could be expected. The trailer did get a mixed response as many felt that a bit too much was revealed in it. But, once inside the theatre you get transported to Amaravati – the fictional town where the movie is set – there is no coming back.

ReviewConsisting of seven short films, Rishab Shetty’s movie doesn’t give enough space for viewers to absorb characters as it moves quickly from one to the next.Aravind ShwethaYouTube screenshotImagine watching seven short films, each 20-odd minutes long, at a stretch – some good, some bad, and some average. That’s Rishab Shetty’s Katha Sangama for you. Sandalwood has had its fair share of anthology films in recent times – Dayavittu Gamanisi, Kahi and now Katha Sangama. The trailer had painted the picture of a warm story and the movie, to an extent, lives up to it. The cherry on the cake comes at the end through Lacchaava, which makes up for a few flaws in the first six stories. Katha Sangama is an ensemble film filled with several characters. This is not a preachy film that opens with a problem and hands out solution in the end; it is...

Sandalwood‘Katha Sangama’ is an anthology film comprising seven short films directed by seven directors.Digital NativeTaking to social media, actor Rishab Shetty posted the release date of Katha Sangama, his upcoming film as actor and producer. He wrote that the film had been certified U and will hit the marquee on December 6. The film is produced jointly by Hk Prakash, Pradeep Nr and Rishab Shetty under the banners Rishab Shetty Films and Shree Devi Entertainers. Rishab Shetty wrote on Twitter: Censor done! Happy faces! #Kathasangama releasing on Dec 6! Guess the certificate #kathasangamaDec6 @Prakash_HK Censor done! Happy faces!#Kathasangama releasing on Dec 6! Guess the certificate#kathasangamaDec6 @Prakash_HK pic.twitter.com/wyv6zDZY8Y — Rishab Shetty (@shetty_rishab) November 25, 2019 Katha Sangama is an anthology film comprising seven short films directed by seven directors, including Kiranraj K, Chandrajith Belliappa, Shashi Kumar P, Rahul Pk, Jamadagni Manoj, Karan Ananth and Jayashankar A.

SandalwoodThe film will be released in five languages – Kannada, Telugu, Malayalam, Tamil and Hindi.Prajwal BhatThree years after the release of the commercial hit Kirik Party, Kannada actor and filmmaker Rakshit Shetty returned to the limelight with the launch of the trailer of his next film - Avane Srimannarayana. The launch of the trailer was held at the Shankar Nag Chitramandira in Bengaluru on Thursday. Speaking at the launch, Rakshit, who is the lead actor in the film, revealed that he had a single scene in mind before writing the film — his grand entry. “We began writing Avane Srimannarayana even before Kirik Party and today, I am happy that we are releasing the film just like how I wanted to make it,” Rakshit says. The idea of a grand entry is in stark contrast to Rakshit’s filmography so far. He has typically portrayed roles almost contrary to mass-appeal constructs.

SandalwoodThe horror-comedy, directed by Manju Swaraj, also stars Sadhu Kokila, Ravishankar Gowda, Kuri Prathap and Chikkanna.Digital NativeSruthi Hariharan’s next will be the horror-comedy Mane Maratakkide, which is directed by Manju Swaraj. The film has Sruthi playing the main lead with Sadhu Kokila, Ravishankar Gowda, Kuri Prathap and Chikkanna in supporting roles. Mane Maratakkide is currently in the post-production mode and is scheduled to release on November 15. The crux of the story is about four real estate agents trying to kick out a ghost from a potentially lucrative property and the sequence of horror-cum-comedy that ensues. Abhimann Roy of Taj Mahal fame has scored the music for this film, while cinematography has been handled by Suresh Babu. Sruthi Hariharan’s last film release was Nathicharami, written by Sandhya Rani and directed by Mansore. M Ramesh had bankrolled it under his banner Tejaswini Enterprises along with Jaganmohan Reddy and Shivkumar Reddy.

SandalwoodThough the actors have performed well, the film falls back on a predictable formula.Aravind ShwethaIn an industry dominated by mass heroes, a well-made heroine-centric film is a welcome change. Mahira, a suspense thriller made on a relatively low budget, and with an amalgamation of newbies and veterans in the cast, had upped the ante with an electrifying trailer and unique promotional strategies on social media. The movie had grabbed the headlines for all the right reasons and was touted to become one of the most entertaining thrillers of this year. And it could have been one, if the makers had taken care of a few important elements that have ended up denting the narration of the film. The film opens in a coastal region where Maya (Virginia Rodrigues) and her daughter Adya (Chaitra Achar) are living a happy life, running a beach café. Their life suddenly turns upside down...

SandalwoodTo be directed by Manju Swaraj, the film is about the owner of a haunted house desperately trying to sell it off.Digital NativeIt was revealed recently that Sruthi Hariharan plays the female lead in Mane Maratakide, which is touted to be a horror comedy. The film is directed by Manju Swaraj who had delivered the blockbuster hit Shravani Subramanya starring Ganesh and Amulya in 2013. Chitra Karniya Ram has been signed up to play the hero in Mane Maratakide, which will have a bevy of comedians such as Sadhu Kokila, Kuri Pratap, Ravi Shankar Gowda, Chikkanna and Giri in supporting roles. While the progress of Mane Maratakide has been kept a secret till now, we hear that it has reached the post-production mode already. The team is planning on releasing the trailer soon while the film’s release is scheduled to happen later next month. However, the date has not been finalised as yet.

(From the film’s page) In Hindu theology, Arishadvargas are the six passions of mind or desire: kama (lust), krodha (anger), lobh (greed), moha (attachment), mada or ahankar (pride) and matsarya (jealousy); the negative characteristics which prevent man from attaining moksha or salvation. A fundamental tenet of Kali Yuga. Arvind Kamath uses this concept as a base for a neo-noir/thriller that also unfolds as a human drama, through a rather complex storyline.

“Arishadvarga” is screening at London Indian Film Festival

The film begins in the middle of the story, when Ashok Kalburgi, a strict and scary policeman, helps two other policemen catch Anish, a man who has been trying to escape from them. Then, through a flashback, we watch the man caught, entering a mansion after receiving a call from a woman, only to find a dead body inside the house, along with two other people that have been also drawn there,...

The movie “Chronicles of Hari” or “Harikatha Prasanga” ends with a note that says, “Based on real incidents that appear unreal/ Blended with unreal incidents that seem real” and that’s exactly where the brilliance of the director Ananya Kasaravalli lies. She did the most difficult job of portraying a serious social issue in a simpler manner, but still managed to stimulate our thoughts. “Chronicles of Hari” is undoubtedly one of the best Indian movies of recent time, with a smart storytelling approach, indulging modern thoughts of filmmaking in it. The movie is based on the short story “Harikatha Prasanga”, written by Gopalkrishna Pai.

“Chronicles of Hari” screened at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles

The movie revolves around Hari, a male actor who plays female roles in the traditional Yakshagana theatre and the issues related to his sexual identity. As an actor of Yakshagana, Hari performs at night...

SandalwoodThough the character is named Richie, the film, to be directed by debutant Pa Rahul, is not a sequel to ‘Ulidavaru Kandanthe’.Digital NativeFilm buffs in Sandalwood will never be able to forget the character of Richie in Ulidavaru Kandanthe. The role was portrayed very well by Rakshit Shetty and it catapulted him to stardom. The good news for fans out there is that Rakshit Shetty will be seen once again as Richie. Yes, in his upcoming film, which will not be a sequel to Ulidavaru Kandanthe, his character is named Richie. Interestingly, this film will be directed by debutant Pa Rahul, who worked as an associate director in Ulidavaru Kandanthe. The project will be bankrolled by Rakshit Shetty and Pushkar. According to sources, the film’s shooting will begin early next year, with plans to release it by mid 2019. Meanwhile, Rakshit is busy with his upcoming period romantic comedy Avane Srimannarayana.

SandalwoodSources say that Rakshit is currently busy with 'Avane Sriman Narayana' and will be joining the sets later.Digital NativeDigital NativeKannada actor Rakshit Shetty is on a roll with the teaser of his upcoming film Avane Sriman Narayana going viral online ever since its release. Directed by Sachin Ravi, this period rom-com has been penned by the Seven Odds - Rakshit Shetty, Rishab Shetty, Abhijith Mahesh, Kiran Yakssha, Dhananjay Ranjan, Kiranraj K and Chandrajith Pb. Rakshit plays the title role Sriman Narayana in the movie with the star cast including Shanvi Srivastava as his heroine. The others in the supporting roles are Achyuth Kumar, Pramod Shetty, and Balaji Manohar. The film is bankrolled jointly by H K Prakash, Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah and Rakshit Shetty under the banners Shree Devi Entertainers, Pushkar Films and Paramvah Studios. Charan Raj and B Ajaneesh Loknath are the music composers for this flick with Karm Chawla handling the camera and director Sachin Ravi taking care of the editing. While this film is nearing completion and its release date is expected to be announced officially soon, Rakshit Shetty surprised his fans with the news that he has begun work on his next titled Charlie 777. The shooting of this film, which is based on a strong bond between and the hero and a dog, forms the crux of the story. The team is currently stationed in Mangaluru for the shooting. Reports are that a major part of the film will be shot at the Kankanady Fist Market where the story is set. On the storyline, we hear that the dog named Charlie wanders away from his home and finds himself in a fish market. There he develops a strong bond with the hero and what follows will be their travails. Soon after the scenes in Mangaluru are wrapped up, the team would move over to Mysuru and Sakleshpur for the next schedules. Sources say that Rakshit is currently busy with Avane Sriman Narayana and will be joining the sets later. Meanwhile, scenes involving Charlie is being shot. (Content provided by Digital Native)...

CinemaThe film is set in a fictional village, with parts of the film shot in arid locales in North Karnataka. Tnm StaffYouTube screenshotRakshit Shetty holds a cult status among followers of Kannada cinema, especially after his 2016 film Kirik Party. The teaser for his next film Avane Srimannarayana was released on Wednesday. The teaser shows a Western-style tavern, in which a swashbuckling Narayana — played by Rakshit — evades attackers and fights back, all while enjoying a meal. It ends with Narayana eventually being outnumbered by gun-wielding men who handcuff him. The film is set in a fictional village and the shooting of the film began earlier this year in March, with parts of the film shot in arid locales in North Karnataka. The big-budget venture marks the directorial debut of Sachin Ravi and also sees Shanvi Srivastava in a lead role with Achyut Kumar and Balaji Manohar also playing pivotal roles. Salman Anand and Chandan Achar, who previously worked with Rakshit in Kirik Party are also part of the cast. Rakshit Shetty and the Seven Odds team of Rishab Shetty, Abhijith Mahesh, Kiran Yakssha, Dhananjay Ranjan, K Kiranraj and Pb Chandrajith wrote the film. They had previously come together to write Kirik Party. With a talented cast on hand, fans are eagerly awaiting the release of the film. The teaser which was released yesterday has already viewed over 180,000 views on YouTube. After making a breakthrough with the acclaimed crime-drama Ulidavaru Kandanthe in 2014, he followed it up with Vaasthu Prakaara and Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, before cementing his cult status with the 2016 comedy film Kirik Party. All four films were made on shoestring budgets and, were critically and commercially appreciated. Avane Srimannarayana takes a huge leap in budget, with reports putting it at Rs 30 crore. Produced jointly by Hk Prakash, Rakshit Shetty and Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah under the banners Shree Devi Entertainers, Paramvah Studios and Pushkar Films, Avane Srimannarayana is scheduled to be released in December 2018. Until now, all our films were written for and made under constrained budgets; this time though, we have taken a huge leap. Not only in terms of budget but idea, backdrop and the cinematic experience. I hope you all like this teaser ☺ #AvaneSrimannarayana https://t.co/KVSUkYaVSs — Rakshit Shetty (@rakshitshetty) June 6, 2018 You can watch the teaser here:...

SandalwoodTo be made on a budget of Rs 30 crore, the film stars Rakshit Shetty and Shanvi Srivastava as the lead pair.Digital NativeDigital NativeBalaji Manohar is one of the fastest rising actors in the Kannada film industry. Having proved his mettle as an actor with his performance in Churikatte, the actor has been getting some prestigious offers in tinsel town. According to latest reports, he has inked a deal to star in Avane Srimannarayana, which is being directed by Sachin and is written by Rakshit Shetty along with The Seven Odds team – Rishab Shetty, Abhijith Mahesh, Kiran Yakssha, Dhananjay Ranjan, K Kiranraj and Pb Chandrajith. Starring Rakshit Shetty and Shanvi Srivastava as the lead pair, the cast also includes Achyuth Kumar and Balaji Manohar. While there were reports that Avane Srimannarayana would go on the floors late last year, the team was busy with the groundwork and its commencement was postponed to March this year. According to sources, the shooting will now be completed at a stretch due to the delay. Produced jointly by Hk Prakash, Rakshit Shetty and Pushkara Mallikarjunaiah under the banners Shree Devi Entertainers, Paramvah Studios and Pushkar Films, Avane Srimannarayana is being made on a budget of Rs 30 crore. Charan Raj has been roped in to compose the music for the film with Karam Chawla signed up as the cinematographer, while director Sachin will edit the film himself. The film’s story is set in the 1980s in a fictional village. The hero, Rakshit Shetty, will be seen as a police officer in the film. Rakshit Shetty’s last outing Kirik Party was one of the biggest hits in Sandalwood. Apart from playing the lead role in the film, he had also co-written with The Seven Odds team and produced the venture with Gs Guptha. With the Avane Srimannarayana team bringing in talented actors to the star cast, fans are eagerly waiting for its release. (Content provided by Digital Native)...