The film features three main characters: a cab driver, a medical student, and a fashion designer, played by Sathvik Krishnan, Dev Devayya, and Sukrutha Wagle, respectively

Dayal Padmanabhan, known for films like Haggada Kone, is backing a psychological thriller titled Kapati under the D Pictures banner, which is slated for a March 7 release. Directed by Ravikiran and Chetan SP, the film features Sukrutha Wagle, Dev Devayya, and Sathvik Krishnan in important roles. Ahead of the film’s release, the makers launched the trailer.

“This film wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of Ravikiran and Chetan SP, who were originally software professionals before becoming directors. They brought the concept to me, and after watching the film, I was impressed. I gave them a few conditions for the film, and they agreed to all of them. After that, I took full responsibility for the production. This is a rare dark web genre film in Kannada,” he said.

Kapati is a psychological thriller that explores how people can be deceived through mobile phones—something most people use daily without fully understanding the risks. The film features three main characters: a cab driver, a medical student, and a fashion designer, played by Sathvik Krishnan, Dev Devayya, and Sukrutha Wagle, respectively. It tells the story of an ordinary person that highlights the dangers of online exploitation, more specifically how modern technology can be used to deceive others. The film’s music is composed by Johan Shevanesh, with Sathish Rajendran handling the cinematography.

News Credits: Cinema Express

Puneeth Rajkumar’s 50th Birth Anniversary: It has been three years since the untimely passing of Sandalwood’s beloved actor, Puneeth Rajkumar. Yet, his presence continues to be deeply felt by his fans and the Kannada film industry. Fondly known as ‘Appu’ after his debut film of the same name, Puneeth remains immortal in the hearts of his admirers. Through his films, his legacy lives on in the minds of Kannada moviegoers.

As March arrives, emotions run high among fans who remember the late actor. This year, March 17 would have marked his 50th birthday-a milestone that would have been celebrated with grandeur had he been alive. In honor of this occasion, his wife, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, has planned a heartfelt tribute for his admirers.

To commemorate the occasion, Ashwini has announced the re-release of Puneeth’s debut film Appu in theaters on March 14, just ahead of his birth anniversary. The news, shared via her social media handle, sparked immense excitement among fans.

“No misunderstandings! Get ready to relive the magic. #Appu returns to theaters in honor of Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar’s 50th birthday. In cinemas on March 14, 2025,” Ashwini’s post read. Following the announcement, social media witnessed an outpouring of enthusiasm from fans.

Puneeth Rajkumar’s Cinematic Legacy

Puneeth Rajkumar, widely known as the ‘Power Star,’ dominated Kannada cinema with his impactful performances in action films and family dramas. His career was marked by several box-office hits, including Appu (2002), Raajakumara (2017), Power (2014), Yuvarathnaa (2021), and his posthumous release, James (2022). He also produced comedy-dramas, family-centric films, and socially relevant movies under his PRK Productions banner.

The 2002 film Appu, directed by Puri Jagannadh and produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar, marked Puneeth Rajkumar’s debut in a lead role. Co-starring Rakshita, the romantic action film became a major commercial success. Its soundtrack, composed by Gurukiran, remains popular to this day. Now, after 23 years, audiences will once again have the chance to experience Appu on the big screen, reliving the magic of Puneeth’s unforgettable debut performance.

With the film’s re-release, fans are gearing up to celebrate Puneeth Rajkumar’s 50th birth anniversary in a way that honors his remarkable cinematic journey.

News Credits: Filmi Beat

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar criticised the Kannada film industry for skipping Bengaluru International Film Festival. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announced a world-class film city in Mysuru at the event.

In Short

• Low turnout of the Kannada film industry at Bengaluru Film Festival
• DK Shivakumar warns film industry about participation
• Chief Minister Siddaramaiah announces world-class film city in Mysuru

Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka D.K. Shivakumar expressed disappointment over the low turnout of the Kannada film industry at the inauguration of the 16th Bengaluru International Film Festival.

At the event, he addressed members of the Kannada film industry with strong words. He said, “Going forward, I want the Film Chamber and Academy members to take this as either a warning or a request. This is not my program; it’s your program. Bhima Jewellery, the sponsor, is sitting right there. Does only a handful of 20 people require this cinema?”

Shivakumar also issued a stern remark, adding, “If the government does not grant permission for shooting, they cannot make a film. They cannot proceed with shooting. I also know exactly where to tighten the nuts and bolts, please understand that.”

Chief Minister of Karnataka Siddaramaiah was also present at the event. He announced that the Government of Karnataka will establish a world-class film city in Mysuru, with 150 acres of land already allotted for the project.

“Karnataka is a land of immense opportunities. To further strengthen our film industry, we are developing a state-of-the-art film city in Mysuru. I hope this facility will encourage the production of world-class films that seamlessly blend human values with advanced technology,” he said.

He also cautioned against the promotion of superstitions and unconstitutional values in films, stating, “Cinema should be a tool for enlightenment, not regression.”

News Credits: India Today

Kannada star Yash reacts to being compared to Prabhas and humbly acknowledges the compliment. He praises the ‘Baahubali’ series for popularizing South Indian films. Yash emphasized the contribution of SS Rajamouli in gaining national recognition. Yash is currently working on his next Pan-India film ‘Toxic’ and the anticipated project ‘Ramayana’ with Ranbir Kapoor and Sai Pallavi.

Kannada star Yash gained huge praise and fame after the blockbuster success of the ‘KGF’ film series. Earning the Rocking Star title the 39-year-old actor became one of the biggest pan-India stars. Throwback to the time Yash reacted to being compared to other prominent South Indian stars like Prabhas, who rose to fame with the ‘Baahubali’ series.

During an interview with Bollywood Hungama in 2022, When asked about being called the “next Prabhas” for Bollywood, Yash humbly acknowledged the compliment. He said, “I will be the first Yash; Prabhas is also a fantastic actor with all due respect.”

Yash further expressed his admiration for Prabhas, recognizing the latter’s achievements and the impact of his films, particularly the ‘Baahubali’ series. However, he made it clear that he prefers to be known as the “first Yash,” rather than being compared to others.

While speaking at the India Today Conclave, Yash praised SS Rajamouli’s ‘Baahubali’ for its role in popularizing South Indian films across India. He mentioned that ‘Baahubali’ has given the necessary push for South films to gain national recognition.

“10 years ago, dubbed films became very popular here (North India). But, initially, they all started watching with different opinions. People used to make fun of South films. The problem with that was our films were sold for a bare minimum price, people used to do bad quality dubbing and it used to be presented in a bad way with funny names”, he said.

He then added, “People started becoming familiar with our dubbed films. It was long pending. Credit goes to SS Rajamouli sir. If you have to break a rock, continuous effort is needed. Baahubali gave that push.”

On the work front, Yash is currently working on his next Pan-India film, ‘Toxic,’ directed by Geetu Mohandas. He is also set to work on a highly anticipated project, ‘Ramayana,’ directed by Nitesh Tiwari co-starring with Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram and Sai Pallavi as Goddess Sita. Yash is also co-producing both the upcoming ventures.

News Credits: Times of India