Latest news with #Gultoo
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
You can't push boundaries without first reaching the masses: Naveen Shankar
Naveen Shankar is re-evaluating his approach to scripts. The actor, who is now on board Shivarajkumar's next, directed by Karthik Adwaith, and plays the role of an antagonist, says, 'Earlier, I focused solely on the content, the emotional core, and the structure. But I wasn't mindful of the commercial element. I now realise that even a niche story is a business. Both a film and an actor need to reach people before we can push boundaries,' says Naveen. 'SHIVARAJKUMAR CARRIES BOTH LEGACY AND LOVE IN HIS HEART' Naveen's also done potboilers like Hoysala and Salaar, but his film with Shivarajkumar is a step up in his career, feels the actor. 'It's a key role and one whose character design was compelling and reason enough to say yes. And I respect Shivarajkumar for the man he is and the way he treats his co-stars. He carries both legacy and love in his heart, and these are things I value so much,' he shares. We are in a creative crisis. Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in Naveen He admits there was a time when he leaned heavily on high-content narratives, believing they alone could sustain a career. 'But if you want to play the long game, you have to consider marketability too. The same storyline can become an out-and-out commercial film if presented right. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo That's something I understand better now,' he says. 'FOR OUTSIDERS, CARVING OUT A SPACE IN THE FILM INDUSTRY IS A SLOW PROCESS' Addressing the disparities within the industry, Naveen shares, 'Star kids often get a head start, especially in the commercial space. Whereas people like us who have no link to the film industry have often had to be grateful for even getting a film and work within a budget of `80 lakhs. For the rest of us, it's a space we have to carve out slowly. The only way is to prove yourself, not just as an actor but as someone who can capture the market,' he states. 'STARDOM GIVES YOU THE PRIVILEGE TO PUSH THE ENVELOPE AND ENGAGE MORE VIEWERS' The actor sees his journey in the industry as a strong one, especially with films like Gultoo, Hondisi Bareyiri, Dharani Mandala Madhyadolage, Hoysala, and Nodidavaru Yenantare. 'These were soulful films, with one or two commercial films. But now, I'm looking for a blend — storytelling depth with commercial appeal. Seven years after my entry, it's a transition, and I think it's time. You need to be known to people; stardom gives you the privilege to push the envelope and engage more viewers,' he adds. 'BIG BUDGETS ALONE AREN'T ENOUGH' Navigating what he describes as a 'creative crisis' in the industry, Naveen Shankar shares, 'Many brilliant directors and actors might not survive this phase. But I truly believe that when we hit rock bottom, survival instincts kick in. People don't ask about the story anymore; they talk about budgets. There are two things I've realised. Content alone is not enough. You need commercial hits to stay relevant. That's the reality. And I'm ready to face it. At the same time, big budgets alone aren't enough; it has to have substance too. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Time of India
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Agnyathavasi OTT Release Date: When and where to watch Rangayana Raghu & Ravishankar Gowda's Kannada film online
Agnyathavasi OTT Release Date: After a long wait, Kannada cinema lovers finally have some good news! Agnyathavasi, the much-awaited murder mystery starring Rangayana Raghu and Paavana Gowda, is not only running in theatres but is also set for its digital release soon. Here's everything you need to know about the OTT release, what the film is about, and why the delay happened. When and where can you watch Agnyathavasi online? If you missed catching Agnyathavasi in theatres, don't worry! According to OTTPlay, the movie is all set to premiere on Zee5 on May 16, 2025. Along with the digital release, it will also be shown on television on Zee Kannada. Zee Network had picked up both the satellite (TV) and digital (OTT) rights even before the movie was released, which is a big deal for Kannada films these days. Why was Agnyathavasi delayed for so long? At the trailer launch, producer Hemanth M Rao revealed that they had finished the film over a year ago but decided to wait before releasing it. They were hoping for better market conditions and wanted to get a good deal for the post-theatrical rights, which they eventually did with Zee Network. While waiting was a gamble, it seems to have worked out. Now, fans of director Janardhan Chikkanna, who made a mark with Gultoo, are excited to see his next big story unfold. What is Agnyathavasi all about? Agnyathavasi is set in the peaceful backdrop of a sleepy Malnad village in the 1990s. The story kicks off when a local landlord dies under mysterious circumstances. A sharp police inspector smells something fishy, but with no clear evidence and no major crimes reported in years, cracking the case becomes a real challenge. Other than the lead duo, Agnyathavasi also stars Ravishankar Gowda, Siddu Moolimani, Sharath Lohithashwa, and Arvind Kuplikar, among others. This Charan Raj musical is directed by Janardhan Chikkanna. Producer Hemanth M Rao, best known for movies like Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, has backed Agnyathavasi under his banner, Dakshayini Talkies. Interestingly, Janardhan chose Rangayana Raghu as the lead because he was impressed by his performance in Cyanide, a film based on real-life events after the Rajiv Gandhi assassination.
