NH 66, an upcoming highway thriller, promises an engaging blend of drama, suspense and mystery. Written and directed by T. R. Manjunath, the film explores the secrets hidden along a highway, with the road itself playing a significant role in the narrative. The film was shot across multiple locations, including Mangaluru, Kundapura and Goa.
T. R. Manjunath (Rayara devotee) expressed his gratitude to the Almighty and thanked Pramod Shetty for his constant support and guidance. He described Pramod as a mentor who encouraged him without dominating the creative process. The detailed pre-production planning and careful consideration of what should and should not be done helped the team execute the project effectively. Rajesh Nataranga also strengthened the planning process, which underwent seven revisions before being finalized.
The team initially approached six people for the heroine’s role before finalizing Shruthi Hariharan. The film’s production involved extensive travel, with the team covering more than 600 kilometers on some days, shooting both day and night. Securing eight permissions for the shoot was another important part of the process.
Pramod Shetty appreciated Manjunath’s organized approach and detailed planning, comparing it to a well-structured agreement. He said the director’s preparation gave him confidence and peace of mind throughout the shoot. Actor Pramod Shetty said, “When there were slight deviations from the plan made by the director, we reassured him. I was tired of wearing a police uniform so far. In this film, I have worn white clothes. The role is good. The three artistes in the film are the leads, and all three have equal importance. The film will be released soon.”
Actor Rajesh of Nataranga, known for his association with Kenda Sampige around 12 years ago, spoke about his involvement in the film. He emphasized the importance of ethical work and said that genuine commitment matters more than simply offering support. Rajesh Nataranga said, “Please don’t call it support. We, too, keep waiting for good roles, and there is some self-interest involved in that as well. It is our duty to work on a film once we have agreed to be part of it. The role in this film is also good.”
The film features three lead characters, with the story revolving around their experiences and the unexpected situations they encounter. The makers describe NH 66 as a complete family entertainer, combining pure drama with thriller elements. With a runtime of approximately one hour and 45 minutes, the film features one song, presented as a montage.
Music is composed by Swaminarayan, while Trilok Trivikrama has worked on the songs and dialogues. Ravi Hiremath has handled the sound design, which plays a crucial role in creating the film’s atmosphere. The team also recorded the original sound of an electric car to enhance the film’s sounds cape.
The highway is not merely a backdrop but an important character in the narrative. Connecting four states, it becomes central to the film’s journey and mystery. The production team travelled with three cars, covering routes between Goa and Kundapura while managing the challenges of filming across different locations disclosed cinematographer Halageri.
With its emphasis on detailed planning, realistic sound design and a road-based narrative, NH 66 aims to deliver an engaging thriller that keeps audiences interested from beginning to end.
