Kannada cinema in 2024: Controversies and comebacks

Controversy

The business welcomed 2024 with the stupendous success of Darshan’s Kaatera. Launched on the final Friday of 2023, Tharun Sudhir’s rural motion drama grew to become an enormous blockbuster, amassing ₹200 crore and promoting over one crore tickets. 

Having turned his fortunes round after a dud like Kranti, Darshan was anticipated to soar, however the celebrity’s profession got here to a halt when he received arrested in reference to the homicide of Renukaswamy in June. The incident despatched shockwaves within the business and rattled producers who had invested cash within the actor. Though Darshan received launched on bail after a six-month stint in jail, it stays to be seen how quickly the actor will revive his profession with pending tasks.

Flops

The excitement quickly shifted from Darshan’s arrest to Dhruva Sarja’s Martin, because the much-anticipated film ended up a colossal mess. The movie’s producer cried foul, blaming orchestrated assaults on his film, and was concerned in a row with YouTubers who panned the film with unfavourable evaluations.

Martin joined the record of flicks that promised extra and delivered much less. Veteran filmmaker Yogaraj Bhat did not weave his magic in Karataka Dhamanaka, starring Shivarajkumar and Prabhu Deva. In the meantime, Yuva, the debut of Yuva Rajkumar, son of actor Raghavendra Rajkumar, was a forgettable affair.

Yesteryear stars

The business was reeling within the aftermath of underwhelming movies similar to Bachelor Get together, Avatara Purusha 2, Kotee, Powder, and Pepe when Bheema hit theatres in August. Duniya Vijay, who directed and starred within the motion thriller, put the business again on observe together with his second directorial, propelled by in depth advertising and hit songs. Ganesh, Vijay’s modern, introduced again the household crowd to theatres with Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi, a romantic comedy marked with melodious numbers.

Audiences lapped up Srii Murali’s superhero film Bagheera, a recent try within the business, and the prequel Bhairathi Ranagal, starring Shivarajkumar. Upendra’s Ui, a political commentary mounted on an enormous scale, and Sudeep’s motion thriller Max carried the momentum to make sure the business wrapped up the yr on a excessive.

ALSO READ:‘UI’ film overview: Upendra’s political commentary is a one-of-a-kind expertise regardless of its flaws

Recent takes

The most important takeaway from 2024 for the Kannada movie business was the makes an attempt at recent storytelling from rookie filmmakers. Movies similar to Laughing Buddha (on law enforcement officials), Shakhahaari (thriller), Blink (sci-fi), Murphy (time journey), Ibbani Tabbida Ileyali (romance), Moorane Krishnappa (rural comedy), Household Drama (darkish comedy), Roopanthara (anthology), Case of Kondana (thriller), BTS (anthology) and Maryade Prashne (a social thriller) had been refreshing choices for cinephiles in search of one thing distinctive.

Deaths

With the demise of Dwarakish in April, the Kannada business misplaced considered one of its greatest filmmakers. Hailed because the ‘showman of Sandalwood’, the veteran actor-producer, was identified for fuelling a golden interval in Kannada cinema together with his uncompromising strategy. In November, the demise of Guruprasad, who was discovered lifeless in his residence, was one other shocker for the business. Recognized for his darkish comedy and mature humour, Guruprasad’s twin hits Mata and Eddelu Manjunatha — will stay a basic.

ALSO READ:Guruprasad: A flawed genius who failed to succeed in his potential

Promising future

The business drew the curtains on the yr on a hopeful word as veteran star Shivarajkumar underwent a profitable surgical procedure for a severe sickness. With Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 locking a launch date and Yash’s Poisonous happening flooring following a protracted delay, there may be a lot to look ahead to in 2025.