The trailer of the upcoming Kannada film Thayavva was released at a press meet recently by veteran actor Srinath. The event also saw the presence of Padma Shri awardee Dr. Kamini Rao, Lahari Velu, Lakshmi Narayan, senior producer Ba. Ma. Harish, Padmavati, and other dignitaries.
Thayavva, which shares its title with a Kannada film released over two decades ago, is now being made with a fresh cast and crew. The earlier film had featured actor Kichcha Sudeepa in his first lead role, with veteran actress Umashree playing the titular character. The current film introduces Geetapriya in the lead role of Thayavva.
According to the team, the film is centered on rural life and tells the story of a traditional midwife, referred to locally as a “soolagitti.” Most of the filming has already been completed, and the trailer was launched as part of the promotional activities.
Speaking at the event, Srinath said the name Geetapriya reminded him of the veteran filmmaker of the same name. He mentioned that the film’s storyline and visuals suggest a socially relevant narrative focused on women and the role of traditional midwives. He noted that the title Thayavva itself carries emotional weight and expressed hope that the film would do well.
Dr. Kamini Rao, also speaking at the event, welcomed the fact that the film highlights the work of soolagittis. She recalled their role in rural areas, where they were once regarded as divine figures for bringing lives into the world without expecting profit. She called the film’s attempt to remember their service through cinema commendable and wished success to actress-producer Geetapriya.
Geetapriya, making her debut in the film industry through this project, said the story is inspired by the lives of women like Soolagitti Narasamma. “This is a film with a rural flavour and carries a message to save and support the girl child,” she said. She added that the film is nearly complete and is expected to reach audiences soon.
The songs in Thayavva have been composed by Ananth Aryan, and Geetapriya has lent her voice to them as well. The soundtrack features a mix of folk tunes rooted in Kannada’s rural tradition, presented in a new format for the screen.
