Dubai, Sep 1: Dubai witnessed a vibrant celebration of Tulu cinema on Sunday, August 24, with the audio launch of Gajanana Cricketers, India’s first feature film on underarm cricket. The star-studded event, held at Fisherman's Hub, Time Oak Hotel, Tecom Dubai, brought together cultural icons, business leaders, and cinema enthusiasts, setting the stage for the film’s much-anticipated release. The movie is produced by Prajwal Films in association with Mukund MGM Realty, the leading property developers of Mangaluru.

The evening’s highlight was the presence of National Award-winning playback singer Vijay Prakash, who has lent his voice to one of the tracks in the film. Speaking at the event, Prakash said, “Among the songs I have sung, my song in this movie is my personal favourite. I hope this movie becomes the biggest blockbuster hit and I want Prajwal Films to make many more films.” The singer was also felicitated on the occasion.

 

 

Prominent dignitaries included UAE-based entrepreneur B R Shetty, businessman and producer of the Kannada movie March 22 (2017) Harish Sherigar, entrepreneur and philanthropist James Mendonca, and Gurudatta Shenoy, managing partner of Mukund MGM Realty. “Of late, a lot of good movies even in Kannada have come from Tulunadu and I am sure this will also be a great example of much more to come,” Shenoy remarked.

Producer Prajwal Shetty, addressing the gathering, expressed his commitment to audiences: “I will make sure from Prajwal Films whatever movies we make will make you happy and connected to the story.”

Adding to the evening’s significance was the launch of the dedicated platform www.gulftulucinema.com, aimed at connecting Tulu film lovers across the Gulf region and creating a space for showcasing the rich storytelling of Tulu cinema.

Gajanana Cricketers promises to be a heartfelt tribute to the underarm cricket tradition that thrives across Tulunadu’s gullies and grounds. More than just a pastime, underarm cricket has long been a part of the region’s intrinsic local culture, fostering friendships, rivalries, and memories that define the sporting spirit of Tulunadu.

The film is set for a grand premiere in Gulf countries on November 22, 2025, followed by its worldwide release on January 9, 2026.

Produced under the banner of Prajwal Films by Prajwal Shetty, with Rohan Vamanjoor and Santosh Lad as co-producers, and directed by Keerthan Bhandari, the film features a stellar ensemble cast. Among the leading names are Vineeth Kumar, Anvitha Sagar, Samatha Ameen, Naveen D. Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bojaraj Vamanjoor, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai, Prasanna Shetty Bailur, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Umesh Mijar, Walter Nandalike and Sachin Mada.

With dialogues by Prasanna Shetty Bailur, cinematography by Vinuth K. Suvarna, music composed by Srujan Kumar, and editing by Sujay Shivaram and Kaushik Bhandary, the film is set to provide wholesome entertainment revolving around the theme of underarm cricket.