The Kannada film Maggipustaka, written and directed by Harivarasanam, is scheduled for a statewide theatrical release on February 13. The film has been produced by C. Ethiraj along with his friends under the Chinnaswamy Films banner, with the director also associated with the production.
Recently, the third song from the film, which focuses on mobile phone usage, was released. Speaking at the event, director Harivarasanam said he has worked as an assistant director on more than 20 films over the past 17 years, and Maggipustaka marks his debut as a director. He clarified that the film is not a children’s movie but deals with the calculation of life. Drawing a comparison between life and a notebook, he stated that good should be added, bad should be subtracted, knowledge should be multiplied, and ignorance should be divided. The film is based on his novel Avani, written during the Covid period. He described Maggipustaka as a hyperlink film that unfolds in four dimensions and revolves around the calculations of life.
Actress Rakshagowda, who plays the role of a mother in the film, said she has previously acted in television serials such as Radharamana and Putmalli. She stated that her role in Maggipustaka was challenging beyond being just a mother’s character.
Actor Krishna Mahesh said he appears in a negative role in the film. He noted that the director faced several difficulties while making the film and described it as a bridge film. According to him, the narrative progresses along four paths and converges at a single point in the climax. He added that the film highlights the effects of excessive mobile phone usage, along with its advantages and disadvantages.
Producer Ethiraj said Maggipustaka is his first production and requested support for the film. Actors Ranjith Kasaragodu of Dadda Praveen fame, Vardhan Thirthahalli, and Ranvi Shekhar also spoke about their respective roles. The film was shot over approximately 80 days in and around Bengaluru, Mysuru, Mangaluru, Nanjangudu, Srirangapatna, and H.D. Kote.
The film features a total of seven songs sung by 17 singers. Music has been composed by S. S. Nachappa. Singer M. M. Keeravani, who had earlier composed music for Dr. Vishnuvardhan’s films Appaji and Zamindarru, has lent his voice to one song in this film after a long gap. Other singers associated with the project include Rajesh Krishnan, Vijay Prakash, Kambada Rangayya, Naveen Sajju, Indu Nagaraj, Gururaj Hoskote, Saindhavi, Vaikom Vijayalakshmi, and Ravindra Soragavi.
Maggipustaka will be released across the state on February 13 through M.P. Films by distributor K. Muneendra. Sarkari Hiriya Prathamik Shaale fame Ranjith Kasaragodu and Ranvi Shekhar play key roles. The supporting cast includes Shobharaj, Meghana, Mysuru Ramanand, Meghashree, Mimicry Gopi, Chandraprabha, Raghu Ramanakoppa, and others. The film’s cinematography is by Nandakumar, with editing by Shivakumar.
