Geetha Pictures, the production house helmed by Geetha Shivrajkumar, has launched its fourth project titled Pabbar. The film stars Dheeran in the lead and is directed by Sandeep Sunkad. The muhurat ceremony of the film was held today at the Veeranjaneya Temple in Bengaluru in a celebratory atmosphere.
This new project is another offering from Geetha Pictures, known for producing tasteful cinema. Former Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Chandrashekhar K.V. gave the first clap, while actor Prem, known for Nenapirali, flagged off the camera.
In this film, Dheeran will play the lead role under the direction of “vegetarian charioteer” Sandeep Sunkad. The female lead is played by actor Prem’s daughter, Amrutha Prem, marking a notable collaboration.
Speaking on the occasion, Century Star Dr. Shiva Rajkumar (Shivanna) shared his thoughts: “This is a great attempt. Let a good film come out of it. Nowadays everyone talks about risk — but it’s not risk, it’s ‘rusk’, you need to take it and eat it! If we want to compete with other languages, we must create new kinds of cinema. What will happen or not is up to the heavens. But if we don’t try, how will anything happen? It’s been forty years since I entered the industry. I don’t know how many more years I’ll keep making films. A new generation must come forward. We need fresh storytelling and new formats. We ourselves wish for different kinds of films. I liked the story Sandeep brought. Pabbar feels like a non-veg story — that is, full of flavor. I believe it has the potential to be a great film. We announced it on my mother’s birth anniversary. Prem’s daughter is acting in it, and I like Prem very much. We have a good bond. The location looks great — it evokes curiosity.”
Producer Geetha Shivrajkumar also addressed the gathering. She said: “The story of Pabbar came to us through Dheeran. He also brought the director on board. We liked the story a lot. We’re happy that Sandeep has come to work under our banner. Dheeran is a hardworking young man. Over the last five to six months, he has undergone a rigorous fitness regime and has lost about 5–6 kilos specifically for this film.”
Lead actor Dheeran expressed his gratitude: “This is like a rebirth for me. I can never thank Aunty and Uncle (Geetha and Shivanna) enough. When I narrated the story, they heard everything and agreed to make the film. I will never forget November 28 — that day and that feeling are unforgettable. All this still feels like a dream. To me, Aunty and Uncle are like Shiva and Parvati. Several more films are coming from Geetha Pictures. I am truly happy to work under their production.”
Lead actress Amrutha Prem said: “It is my fortune to have received this opportunity to act under the Geetha Pictures banner. I am also thrilled to be working with a vegetarian director! I’m happy to be part of such a wonderful team.”
Director Sandeep Sunkad elaborated on the film’s content: “Step by step, we’ll release small glimpses about the story, presentation, and structure. It’s a strong story. I bear a lot of responsibility. This is an adventurous crime thriller. There are two types of journeys in the film — one related to a case, and the other personal. Pabbar is a place, and also the main character of the film. This is not based on a real incident.”
The technical crew from Sandeep Sunkad’s previous film Shakahari will also be working on Pabbar. Vishwajith Rao is in charge of cinematography, Mayur Ambekallu will compose the music, and director Sandeep Sunkad himself will handle editing responsibilities.
The muhurat ceremony was graced by several notable guests including Ram Kumar, Poornima Ram Kumar, Dhanya Ram, and Niveditha Shivrajkumar, among others.
