The unexpected demise of Kannada’s handsome and talented actor Santosh Balraj was a deeply painful event for everyone. Before his death, Santosh Balraj had acted in and directed a film titled “Bentlee”. His father, Anekaal Balraj, was producing this film. Ironically, both Anekaal Balraj and Santosh Balraj have now passed away. Shwetha Balraj, Santosh Balraj’s sister and Anekal Balraj’s daughter, has completed their dream project and is preparing to bring it to theatres. The film is scheduled to release on September 18.
Ahead of the film’s release, a press conference was recently held along with the screening of the trailer and songs. Senior actress Shruthi, producer Shwetha Balraj, Shwetha Balraj’s husband and actor Ashok, Bharat Jain, who is distributing the film through Maarss digital music and entertainment llp, PRO Sudhindra Venkatesh, and actor Pradeep Doddayya were present.
“It is painful that this event is taking place without our father in law Anekaal Balraj and brother-in-law Santosh Balraj. I have also acted in this film, in a villain role. Santosh had completed his portion of the film before his demise. We are now releasing the film. Loose Maada Yogi has lent his voice to the trailer. Many friends have extended their support. I thank everyone,” said actor Ashok, husband of producer Shwetha Balraj.
“This is the dream project of my father and younger brother. We are bringing this film to theatres on September 18. Bharat Jain is distributing our film. My husband Ashok has extended his support. I thank actress Shruthi and actor Pradeep for coming here today. I am unable to speak much,” said producer Shwetha Balraj emotionally, remembering her father and brother.
“When a film is about to release, there is usually immense celebration at home. But it is painful to hold an event while paying tribute. It has been many years since I participated in this film. I don’t remember much about my role either. However, I am very happy that Shwetha, as a daughter, is fulfilling the last wish of her father and brother. As an actress, it is my duty to attend the event of a film in which I have acted. The producer and hero of this film are no longer with us, and yet the film is being released. If everyone watches this film and makes it successful, they will truly be happy,” said actress Shruthi.
“I have known Anekaal Balraj since childhood. Songs from many films produced by him were released through our Jhankar institution. Now, the songs and trailer of “Bentlee” have also been released through our Jhankar YouTube channel. Shwetha requested us to release this film. We are distributing the film through our MAARSS DIGITAL MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT LLP organization. The film is releasing on September 18,” said distributor Bharat Jain.
PRO Sudhindra Venkatesh and actor Pradeep Doddayya also spoke about the film “Bentlee”.
With music by Judah Sandy and cinematography by K.K and Gundlupete Suresh, the film has an action melody drama storyline. Renowned MAARSS DIGITAL MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT LLP has acquired the distribution rights of the film.
Simran Natekar (known as a child actor in the advertisement against smoking shown before the film screening) has acted as the heroine opposite Santosh Balraj. Shruthi, Charan Raj, Balraj Wadi, Ashok and others are part of the film’s cast.
