Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Sep 1: Tulu cinema reached a milestone with the release of its 150th film Netterekere. The movie, directed by Swaraj Shetty under the banner of Astra Production and produced by Lanchulal K S, was released at Big Cinemas, Mangaluru on August 29. The event began with a lamp-lighting ceremony by veteran theatre director Vijay Kumar Kodialbail, who wished success for the film.
Speaking on the occasion, film producer Prakash Pandeshwar said, “So far, most Tulu films were comedies, but now diverse subjects are being explored. I wish this film receives everyone’s support.”
Social activist Kirik Keerthi, who specially flew in after watching the trailer, said, “I travelled all the way to Mangaluru just to watch this film. I hope it runs for over 150 days.”
Director Swaraj Shetty remarked, “Change is necessary in Tulu cinema, and Netterekere is a step in that direction. I seek the blessings and support of the entire Tulu Nadu.”
The event was graced by Tulu Film Producers Association president R Dhanaraj, actors Prithvi Ambar, Ismail Moodushedde, Lakshman Kundar, Kishore Shetty, Santosh Shetty, A K Vijay Kokila, senior journalist Jagannath Shetty Bala, Yatheesh Poojary, Shodhan Shetty, Shashiraj Kavoor, Dishali Poojary, Namitha Koorlur, Sandesh, Trishul Shetty, Uday Ballal, Vinod Raj Kokila, Sachin A S Uppinangady, and Naveen Shetty Edmemar among others. The programme was compered by Yatheesh Poojary.
Netterekere has been shot in Chelyaru, Mulki, and Kinnigoli. Swaraj Shetty has taken charge of story, dialogues, direction, and also plays the lead role, while Dishali Poojary stars as the female lead. Veteran multilingual actor Suman Talwar and producer Lanchulal K S appear in special roles.
The cast also includes Yuvaraj Shetty, Pushparaj Bolluru, Anil Uppala, Bhavya Poojary, Prithvin Polali, Utsav Vamanjoor, Neeth Poojary, Vijay Maiya, Chandrashekar Siddakatte, Manish Shetty Upir, Namith Kiran, Sunitha, Vinayak Jappu, Bhagavan, and Keerthan Mulki.
The story and direction is by Swaraj Shetty, cinematography by Uday Ballal, music by Vinod Raj Kokila, background score by Karthik Mulki, editing by Ganesh Neerchal, stunts by Mass Mada and Tiger Shiva and the executive producer is Yatheesh Poojary.
The film has been released across major theatres including Roopavani, PVR, Cinépolis, Bharat Cinemas (Mangaluru), Cine Galaxy (Surathkal), Bharat Cinemas (Padubidri, Udupi, Alankar, Manipal, Karkala, Puttur, Deralakatte), and INOX Manipal.