Film: Gandhadagudi

Director: Amoghavarsha

Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar, Amoghavarsha

Duration: 97 minutes

For most people watching Gandhadagudi, this will be their first documentary experience in a theatre. That is the biggest gift Puneeth Rajkumar has left the Kannada film industry with. The enthusiasm, love and cheering of the audience on the first day were all reserved for him and rightly so. This documentary and the reception for it pull at the heart’s strings on what could have been. What new possibilities in movies would he have explored? This is the real Puneeth Rajkumar on screen without his ‘Powerstar’ image. This was his tribute to Karnataka and which paradoxically has become a tribute to him.

This documentary is a journey across the rich bio-diverse world of Karnataka through the eyes of Puneeth. His journey along with director Amoghavarsha, who made Wild Karnataka, the documentary much applauded earlier, takes us through the rich landscapes of the State. It introduces us to the famous as well as less explored natural wonders. It is not just the journey of the two that makes up the documentar. It also has a lively narrative that mixes anecdotes of people living there, foresters guarding these natural treasures and not least, the wildlife that makes it their home.

We get to watch Puneeth talk about his experiences, his fears and the way this journey changes his perceptions. We see the world through his curious eyes and feel so sad when he says how he will carry these memories and experiences for the rest of his life. We get to see first-hand the real person behind the superstar personality. As much as this documentary is an exploration of Karnataka’s wild side, it is also an exploration of Puneeth’s true persona. The film captures Karnataka’s forests and Puneeth’s life in the same frames.

Special mention should be made of the camerawork by Pratheek Shetty and the team that went to great lengths to capture this landmark visual treat. The other highlight is B Ajaneesh Loknath’s background score. It is pure magic.

Feature films are not the only motion pictures that theatres can depend on forever. We already see them screening cricket matches. A few Hollywood documentary films have already made the cut. Puneeth had embarked on something very special. A big success for Gandhadagudi could open up a vast new avenue for filmmakers as well as artistes.

-S Shyam Prasad 

Vijaykumar Kiragandur of Hombale Films had earlier said that he will be collaborating with Puneeth Rajakumar yet again after 'Yuvaratna' and Santhosh Anandaram will be directing the film. 

Likewise, Hombale Films has announced a new project with Puneeth Rajakumar on the auspicious day of Ugadi. However, instead of Santhosh, Pavan Kumar of 'Lucia' fame will be directing the project.

The project has just been announced and more details are yet awaited. The team plans to shoot the film from July, once Puneeth completes his prior commitments.

South Indian sensation Rashmika Mandanna, who shot to fame with Kannada blockbuster 'Kirik Party' and thereafter expanded her stardom in Telugu and Tamil is in the news for a different reason.

According to sources, the Income Tax officials have conducted raids on her residence in Virajpet on Thursday at around 5.30 am.

The actress who is basking in the success of her latest Tollywood hit alongside star actor Mahesh Babu in Sarileru Neekkevaru, has reportedly talked about her remunerations recently. After the success of her latest Telugu film, Rashmika had allegedly said that she is not being paid in crores but she is hoping to get paid in the eight figure mark (in crores) someday in the near future.

After Kirik Party, she has acted alongside the star actors in Kannada including Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar, Golden Star Ganesh, and Dhruva Sarja. In Telugu, she featured alongside Vijay Devarakonda in the blockbuster Geetha Govindam, and then with Nani, Mahesh Babu, Naga Shourya.

Jackie is one of those films that make you feel satisfied and proud of being a Kannada film fan. From the word go, there is hardly a trick director Suri misses in keeping the audience entertained as well as engrossed in the narrative. During the proceedings, it is hard to realise that there is a complex story hidden in the compacted dialogues, quick-fire shots and speedy scenes.

Jackie is a guy who dreams of making it big. But not by hard work. He is an expert cards player and thinks he can repay all his debts with earnings from it. He does every job and hopes he would one day make it big as a realtor. His world is filled with characters from the lower class. A blind girl, a teenager who falls for the wrong guy, a mother who would not hesitate in handing him over to the police and a runaway convict for a friend.

A neighborhood girl elopes with a photographer who is actually a conduit for a human trafficker. Jackie's luck runs out as he is blamed for the missing girl and the police give him the chase for helping his convict friend. He sets out to find the girl and on the way helps the leading lady (Bhavana) who is about to be killed. The first half is a road movie and the second half has a more settled look. Jackie becomes a help to the police in other cases while searching for the missing girl. The end, like any good action film is shaped to entertain the cheering fans.

The songs of the film are already big hits. On the screen, the title track and Shiva Anta Hogutidde, are headed for more adulation. Sathya Hegde amazes with the camerawork. Some of the shots are unbelievable and would not be out of place in any international film. However, it is Puneeth Rajkumar with his impeccable acting and jaw dropping stunts and dance moves who tops the list of the good things in the film.

Jackie is not a film to be missed at any cost. As a fan you would be thrilled. As a regular film buff, you would recommend it to others. As a casual moviegoer you would be hooked. This film is reportedly the highest selling Kannada film before release. After the first show, what is most likely to be said about Jackie is; the rest as they say is history.

ಭರಾಟೆ ಮುಗಿಸಿ, ಹ್ಯಾಟ್ರಿಕ್ ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನಲ್ಲಿರೋ ನಿರ್ದೇಶಕ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್, ಯುವರತ್ನದಲ್ಲಿ ಬ್ಯುಸಿಯಾಗಿರುವ ಪವರ್ ಸ್ಟಾರ್ ಪುನೀತ್ ರಾಜ್‍ಕುಮಾರ್, ಇಬ್ಬರೂ ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೇ ನವೆಂಬರ್‍ನಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಲಸ ಶುರುಮಾಡಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಜೇಮ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕಾಗಿ. ನವೆಂಬರ್ ತಿಂಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜೇಮ್ಸ್ ಚಿತ್ರಕ್ಕೆ ಮುಹೂರ್ತ ಫಿಕ್ಸ್ ಆಗಿದೆ.

ಈ ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಪ್ಪು ಬೇರೆ ಬೇರೆ ರೀತಿಯ ಶೇಡ್‍ಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ತಾರೆ. ಪಕ್ಕಾ ಮಾಸ್ ಆ್ಯಕ್ಷನ್ ಸಿನಿಮಾ. ಚಿತ್ರದಲ್ಲೊಂದು ಅದ್ಭುತ ಸಂದೇಶವೂ ಇದೆ ಎನ್ನುತ್ತಾರೆ ಚೇತನ್ ಕುಮಾರ್. ಇಷ್ಟಕ್ಕೂ JAMES ಎಂದರೆ ಏನರ್ಥ. ಅದು ನಾಯಕನ ಹೆಸರಾ ಎಂಬ ಪ್ರಶ್ನೆಗೆ ಉತ್ತರವನ್ನೂ ಕೊಟ್ಟಿದ್ದಾರೆ.

JAMES ಎಂದರೆ ಜಗ್ಗೇನಹಳ್ಳಿ ಮಾದಪ್ಪ ಹೀರಮ್ಮನ ಮಗ ಸಂತು ಎಂದರ್ಥ. ಅದನ್ನು ಶಾರ್ಟ್ & ಸ್ವೀಟ್ ಆಗಿ JAMES ಎನ್ನಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಸಂತೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ನಿಂತ ಕಬೀರ ಚಿತ್ರ ನಿರ್ಮಿಸಿದ್ದ ಕಿಶೋರ್ ಪತ್ತಿಕೊಂಡ JAMES ನಿರ್ಮಾಪಕ.

Film: James 

Cast: Puneeth Rajkumar, Priya Anand, Sarathkumar, Srikanth, Rangayana Raghu, Sadhu Kokila, Chikkanna 

Director: Chethan Kumar

Duration: 149 minutes 

Stars:  4/5

The license to entertain 

Watching James, the fact that this will be Puneeth Rajkumar's last appearance in a full-fledged feature never fails to nibble at the conscious constantly. This swansong of one of Kannada's best loved entertainers therefore obliges you to overindulge on his presence on screen. Chants of Appu and Puneeth never stopped for the entire duration of the show and the film fortunately captures his on screen prowess that made him such a darling of the masses.

James is a mass action entertainer that never misses a trick and gladly sticks to the trade. Lavish production values and a cast that would look too small being called ensemble is taken straight out of director Chethan Kumar's playbook. Add Puneeth's mass appeal and presence and you have an instant success formula. 

The director goes beyond this simple formula to give the audience something more. That makes James special. A private security specialist, James (Puneeth) becomes an inevitable part of a crime syndicate's family. Just when it seems like a routine underworld saga headed toward post-interval massacre, the interval block provides a stunning twist. In the meantime, the parade of new characters adds strength to the screenplay. The best is however yet to come. Post-interval the story takes on a whole new dimension.

That's for the story, but without doubt this is a film for the fans. It is Puneeth's, dance, fight, smile and style that fans want to watch. James provides the perfect opportunity to fill your eyes and hearts with Puneeth. 

A special mention is necessary about how Shivarajkumar and Raghavendra Rajkumar's characters are skilfully blended into the story. This has happened post the demise of Puneeth. The three brothers may not share screen space but Chethan Kumar deserves appreciation just for managing to bring them together in the same film. 

A couple of scenes which Puneeth could not shoot have still been retained skilfully. The excessive body count is a mass film's collateral damage. There were lingering doubts about the suitability of Shivarajkumar's voice for Puneeth. The result is brilliant. 

James isn't a film for the television and gorilla glass screens. The director has ensured it is best enjoyed on the big screen along with cheering fans.

Movie Review By -

S Shyam Prasad 

Almost four years back, there was a news of Chethan Kumar of 'Bahaddur' fame directing Puneeth in a new film called 'James'. However, the film didn't take off because of Puneeth's prior commitments. Now the film is in news again.

Recently, Chethan and producer Patthikonda Kishore who had distributed films like Puneeth's 'Mythri' and 'Om' met Puneeth and had discussions with him about the film. It is being said that the official announcement of the film will be made on Puneeth's birthday next month.

Though 'James' will be announced next month, the film will be launched only later this year, as Puneeth will be joining the sets of Santhosh Anandram's 'Yuvaratna' soon.

Well known choreographer Jani Master who is a regular for Ram Charan Teja is all set to choreograph the introduction song of Puneeth Rajakumar in 'Rajakumara'. Except for the song, the shooting of the film is almost completed and the song will be shot soom.

'Rajakumara' is being produced b Vijay Kiragandur of Hombale Films and being directed by Santhosh Anandram who had earlier directed 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari'. Santhosh himself has written the story and the screenplay of the film. V Harikrishna is the music director, while Venkatesh Anguraj is the cameraman.

'Rajakumara' has an ensemble star cast including Puneeth Rajakumar, Priya Anand, Sharath Kumar, Ananth Nag and others. The film has been shot in Bangalore, Mysore, Australia and other places.

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Pavan Wadeyar's new triangle love story Jessie is gearing up for its audio release. The audio release is fixed for Valentine's day February 14. Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar is releasing the audio. The film stars Dhananjay, Raghu Mukherjee and Parul Yadav.

The music of the film is scored by Anoop Seelin. Meanwhile Wadeyar is busy with another film Nataraja Service starring Sharan. He had directed Puneeth in Ranavikrama.

'Godhi Banna Sadharana Maikattu' fame Hemanth Rao's new film film which is being produced by Ashwini Puneeth Rajakumar under the PRK banner was launched on Friday in Kanteerava Studios.

The launch was attended by many big personalities of Sandalwood. Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce president Sa Ra Govindu, Shivarajakumar, Rakshith Shetty, Santhosh Anandaram and others were present at the occasion. Shivarajakumar sounded the clap for the film.

'Kavalu Daari' is a thriller and Hemanth Rao himself has written the story and screenplay for the film. Charan Raj is the music director, while Advaitha Gurumurthy is the cameraman. The film has Manish Rishi playing the lead. Roshini Prakash who made her debut through 'Ajaramara' is the heroine. Ananth Nag plays another prominent role in the film.

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ಅಪ್ಪು ಹೊಸ ಹೆಜ್ಜೆಗೆ ಅಣ್ಣನ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ

The release date of PRK Productions first production 'Kavalu Daari' has finally been fixed and the film is all set to release on the 12th of April.

Actor Puneeth Rajakumar launched PRK Productions almost two years back and 'Kavalu Daari' was launched as the first film of PRK Productions. The film got delayed due to various reasons and even before the release of 'Kavalu Daari', Puneeth has started three more films called' Mayabazaar 2016', 'Production No 3' and 'Law'. Now 'Kavalu Daari' will be releasing first and the other three films which are in various stages of production will follow soon.

'Kavalu Daari' is a thriller and is being directed by Hemanth Rao of 'Godhi Banna Sadharana Maikattu' fame. Rishi, Ananth Nag, Avinash, Achyuth Kumar, Suman Ranganath plays prominent roles in the film. The film is being produced by Ashwini Puneeth Rajakumar under the PRK Productions banner.

The Kannada film industry on Sunday stopped all the activities and supported the permanent water supply to Kolar district. On Sunday, many of the artistes and technicians assembled near the Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce and went to Kolar and held a rally to support the permanent water supply to Kolar district.

Actors Ravichandran, Shivarajakumar, Puneeth Rajakumar, Darshan, Vijay, Ragini, Pooja Gandhi, Shruthi, Rockline Venkatesh, KFCC president Sa Ra Govindu, KFPC president Muniratna and others were present during the occasion

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Amidst speculations of star wars in the film industry, sandalwood for a change has been witnessing an atmosphere of brotherhood with leading actors openly appreciating each others’ work and wishing the best of the results for all their hard works. 

Like, recently Kichcha Sudeepa tweeted wishing the team of Natasaarvabhowma and especially power star Puneeth Rajkumar on the eve of trailer release of the movie. He even wished that it may touch the extremes which the team intends to. It was soon followed by Puneeth Rajkumar thanking Kichcha Sudeepa with a special mentioning of the Pailwaan trailer, which he says he found it very interesting.

While social media has proven most effective when it comes to such goodwill gestures, the star actors are often seen promoting and encouraging new filmmakers and budding talents on various platforms. 

Unlike the past, when two biggest stars appeared together in an event, it would hit the headlines but with social media these days, they are just a tweet or post away from connecting with each other followed by their fan's joining the conversation.

With many big films lining up for release in the next few weeks, there is a dearth of good theaters for many of the anticipated films in Majestic area in Bangalore. Now two of the films have finally managed to get theaters.

Shashank's 'Krishna Leela' which is being produced by Ajay Rao will be releasing in Kapali next week. The film will be replacing Vinay Rajkumar starrer 'Siddartha'. 'Siddartha' has managed to complete 50 days and will be making way for 'Krishna Leela' next week.

Puneeth Rajkumar's 'Ranavikrama' will be releasing in the second week of April and the film will be replacing 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari' in Santhosh. 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari' has completed 80 successful days in Santhosh and will be completing a century in the second week of April. Just after the film finishes the 100 day mark, 'Ranavikrama' will be replacing 'Mr and Mrs Ramachari'.

Meanwhile, many anticipate films are yet to get theaters. Dhananjay-Shruthi Hariharan starrer 'Raate' has been announced to release next week. But, the film has not managed to get a theater in K G Road. Likewise, Yogaraj Bhatt's 'Vaasthu Prakaara', Sudeep starrer 'Ranna' will also be releasing in April and the makers of the films are busy trying to find a suitable theaters for their films.

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There is good response for the premier shows of Luckyman in Mysuru. The film is releasing across Karnataka on September 9. The premier shows are scheduled for September 8. 

The advance bookings for the premier shows in Woodlands and DRC Cinemas has already commended. The film starring Darling Krishna and directed by Nagendra Prasad is special for the presence of Puneeth Rajkumar in the role of Lord Vishnu. The film also stars Nagabhushana, Sangeetha Sringeri, Roshani Prakash among others. 

Meanwhile the 'Friendship' lyrical video song of the film is releasing this evening at 5.30 PM. The film has music by Vijay Vicky. The song featuring Puneeth Rajkumar and Prabhudeva was released last week and has become a big hit. The Baaro Raja song has notched up over two millions views already. The Friendship Song is also touted to be a special number.

Puneeth and Mohan Lal starrer 'Mythri' which has been highly appreciated by not only the audience but also critics is all set to be releasing in Malayalam shortly. The Malayalam version of the film which is currently in the DTS stage is expected to be released in the second week of March.

'Mythri' is not being dubbed in Malayalam and instead the film is being remade to suit the Malayalam nativity. Sources say, nearly 50% of the film has been already re shot to suit the tastes and nativity of the Malayalam audience. Well known Malayalam artiste like Kalabhavan Mani and others have also acted in the film.

Asked whether he will dub his voice for the Malayalam film like what Mohan Lal did for Kannada version, Puneeth says a firm no. 'I can manage to talk in Tamil and Telugu. But Malayalam is quite difficult for me. I don't even dream of dubbing my voice in Malayalam, because I can't do justice to it' says Puneeth.

After the huge success of 'Godhi Banna Sadharana Maikattu', director Hemanth Rao is all set to start a new film. Manish who is looking forward for the release of his debut film 'Operation Alamelamma'.

One of the highlights of the film is, the film is jointly produced by Puneeth Rajakumar's new banner PRK Pictures and Hombale Productions. As of now only the story and the hero has been finalised. More details about the film are yet awaited.

Director Harsha will be directing Puneeth's next film after Raajkumara which will be a remake of the Tamil film Poojai. Most of the other actors in the film will be newcomers or those who have not worked with Puneeth before says Harsha. So because of this reason no other actor apart from Puneeth have been finalised so far. 

Producers MN Kumar and Jayashree Devi are once again teaming up to produce this movie. They had joined hands for Mukunda Murari recently. Harsha has directed two successful films for Shivarajkumar and this is his first film with Puneeth. 

A significant portion of the film will be shot in Rajasthan which happens to be Harsha's favourite location too. Lots of changes will be made to the Tamil film and 50-60 % of the story and scenes will be new according to Harsha.

After the success of Kavaludaari, Puneeth Rajkumar productions returns with another sensible entertainer, which revolves around one of most important economic policy decisions of India - Demonetization. Director Radhakrishna Reddy goes on to tell a story on how the situation changes the life of a select few characters in the movie.

Mayabazar 2016 is above all of it and much more presented in a brilliantly written plot involving an honest police officer, a struggling thief and a poor man in true love with a rich girl!

The biggest strength of this magical creation is the content, and with the addition of talented performers such as Raj B Shetty, Prakash Raj, Vashishta N Simha, Chaitra, Achyuth Kumar and Sudharani, the experience of it is near perfection. That's not all, the two plus hours of rollercoaster ride is filled with fun, laughter and great deal of emotions with a pinch of sarcasm, humanity, ethics and belief in the righteousness.

Rightfully titled Mayabazar 2016 for its timeline of demonetization, the film is another technical excellence from PRK Productions, giving the much needed boost to the content oriented venture. 

The honest police officer is shattered to know that his wife is suffering from cancer and whereas the lover guy is in a fix after his girl gets pregnant and the thief struggling at the hands of a corrupt officer. Situation brings all three together for a purpose. What is the plan they hatch and how it intervenes is worth every penny.

There is more with the entry of smart and corrupt police officer Prakash Raj and it takes a wild turn with Sadhu Kokila coming into picture as a local corporator who is readying for his next big election to become a legislator.

It is the content and performances and the brilliant screenplay which makes Mayabazar 2016 one of the best in recent times. Do not miss this if you are a fan of content oriented films packed with real good entertainment.

Kannada organisations in USA have organised a memorial event for Puneeth Rajkumar on Saturday. The prayer meeting will be held at Bay Area on November 6 at 5 PM. 

Sewa Community Centre in Milpitas, California is the venue for the prayer meeting. Kannada organisations in the USA, Bengaluru Voice & Kasturi Media in association with Kannada organisations like KKNC, TVKS and SJKS have organised the meet in memory of the Sandalwood star who passed away last week. 

Puneeth was a beloved star of the expat Kannada community in the USA and had a big fan following among them.