The 2006 Kannada film Cyanide, directed by AMR Ramesh, will be re-released on May 23, twenty years after its original release. The film is based on the events that followed the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Produced by Kenchappa Gowda and S. Indumathi under Akshay Creations, Cyanide features performances by Tara, Rangayana Raghu, Ravi Kale, Malavika, Avinash, and Usha Bhandari. The film had received public attention upon its initial release in 2006 and included a storyline considered sensitive at the time. According to the makers, there had been apprehensions during its release due to the nature of the subject, but the response from the audience had alleviated those concerns. Several writers, actors, and directors had also shared their opinions on the film back then.
Director AMR Ramesh stated during a press conference that the film has been updated with new technology and extended by ten minutes for the re-release. He also confirmed that a prequel to Cyanide is currently in development.
Actress Tara, who portrayed the role of Mridula in the film, recalled her efforts during the production to understand the real-life character. She said she had tried to meet Mridula but could only interact with her husband Ranganath during the shoot, using those insights to build her performance. Tara also noted that her role earned her a state award. She mentioned that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah recently watched a portion of the film and expressed interest in watching the full version.
Usha Bhandari, who played a terrorist in the film, also spoke during the press meet. Producers Kenchappa Gowda and S. Indumathi were present at the event. MLA Harris attended as the chief guest.
The re-release of Cyanide is scheduled across theatres from May 23.
