The trailer of the Kannada film Surya, made with a North Karnataka backdrop, was released recently. Producers and directors from the North Karnataka region continue to enter the Kannada film industry, and Belagavi-based brothers Basavaraj Benni and Ravi Benni have joined this trend. Under the Nandi Cinemas banner, they have produced Surya, a mass love story scheduled for theatrical release on January 15, coinciding with the Sankranti festival.
Directed by Sagar Das, the film focuses on a young man who grows up in a slum and the struggles and risks he undertakes to achieve his love, along with the people who support him along the way. Prashanth plays the lead role, while Harshitha appears as the female lead.
Speaking at the event, producer Basavaraj Benni said the trailer has been released and stated that although they run a business in Pune, they made the film to contribute to Kannada cinema. Co-producer Ravi Benni said the film will be released on January 15. He added that while the budget seemed high when the story was narrated, it did not feel excessive after watching the completed film.
Actor Prashanth said he plays a character who has grown up in a slum. The story revolves around how the character safeguards his love after falling in love with a girl. Actress Harshitha said the film’s release has brought happiness to the team. She said working with senior artists was an experience and that the story deals with the decision a college-going girl makes regarding her love. She also mentioned that she felt satisfied after seeing her character during dubbing.
Director Sagar Das stated that Surya is the name of the protagonist. He said the film’s budget increased by three to four times. He also mentioned that the film includes references to Kalam, Ambedkar, and Modi in a song, drawing a parallel to the protagonist’s middle-class background and journey. The film was shot in North Karnataka, in and around Bengaluru, and in Pune. He added that Pramod Shetty and Shruti will be seen in different roles, and that Arumugam Ravishankar appears in a role unlike his earlier performances. The film has been made only in Kannada and will be released in other states in the same language. He said the film is ready for release during the Sankranti period.
Senior actress Shruti said she plays the role of Doctor Mamata. She described the character as soft by nature but rebellious when faced with challenges. She said she agreed to be part of the film after seeing the director’s confidence and requested support for the team. Pramod Shetty said he plays a North Karnataka–style character for the first time. He portrays Bond Basu, a character who supports the slum-grown protagonist.
Sagar Das, who earlier worked as a co-director with B. Suresh, has written the story and screenplay and directed the film. Music for the film’s five songs has been composed by Sri Shastha, with lyrics by Bahaddur Chetan, Yogaraj Bhat, and the director. The North Karnataka–style song Kelapana Gallada Hudugi has gained attention. Cinematography is by Manuraj, dialogues by Manikantha K.V., and stunt choreography by Narasimha.
The cast also includes T.S. Nagabharana, Bala Rajwadi, Bhajarangi Prasanna, Pramod Shetty, Kunkum Harihar, Deepika, and Kaddipudi Chandru.
