Highly Anticipated Tulu Film ‘Gajanana Cricketers’ Set for Grand Coastal Release on May 22

Share

Share

Share

Share

Email

Share

Mangaluru : The highly anticipated Tulu feature film ‘Gajanana Cricketers’ (Jantottu Since 1983) is all set for a grand theatrical release across the coastal districts on May 22, 2026. Combining the rich culture of the coastal region, deep bonds of friendship, emotions, and an absolute passion for cricket, the film has already created a massive buzz among cinephiles through its teaser, tracks, and unique promotional campaigns. Produced by Prajwal Shetty under the banner of Prajwal Films, and written and directed by Keerthan Bhandary, the movie promises to spark a new wave in the Tulu film industry. Rohan Pereira Vamanjoor and Santosh Lad have served as the co-producers for this venture. The film will hit silver screens across various regions of the coast, including Mangaluru, Surathkal, Padubidri, Udupi, Manipal, Kundapura, Karkala, Puttur, Belthangady, and Deralakatte.

Going beyond sports, ‘Gajanana Cricketers’ beautifully captures rural nostalgia, the strength of friendship, youth aspirations, and the real-life struggles of common folk. Set against the vibrant backdrop of underarm cricket, which is a cultural staple of the coastal region, the film seamlessly blends comedy, romance, and deep emotional beats with a strong social message. Touted as one of the big-budget ventures in Tulu cinema, the movie stands out for its high technical standards and compelling narrative. It was filmed in and around scenic locations of Mangaluru, capturing the raw, natural beauty of Coastal Karnataka on the big screen.

Producer Prajwal Shetty steps into the lead role, sharing screen space with a stellar ensemble of renowned coastal talent, including Vineeth Kumar, Naveen D. Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Deepak Rai Panaje, Prakash Tuminadu, Umesh Mijar, Anvitha Sagar, Samata Amin, Sarvotham Shetty (Abu Dhabi), Walter Nandalike, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Pushparaj Bollaru, Roopa Varkady, Lanchu Lal, Sachin Mada, James Mendonca, Karan Poojary, Prakash Poonja, Rohini, Mohan Koppala, Ranjith Amin, Soumya Sudhindra, Sandeep Malani, Gunaprasad, Praveen Kodakkal, Prashanth Anchan, Ashok Bailoor, Pavitra, and Alwyn Pinto, among others. The sharp and witty dialogues have been penned by Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, ensuring the authentic flavor and essence of Tulu Nadu’s local dialect is kept alive.

The film boasts a rich musical score by Srujan Kumar Tonse, with tracks that are already topping local charts. The lyrics have been co-written by Keerthan Bhandary, Srujan Manav, and Srinidhi Shetty. Renowned playback singer Vijay Prakash has lent his voice to the melody song alongside Srujan Kumar Tonse, Pallavi Prabhu, Meghna Kundapura, Vinyas Madhya, Keerthan Bhandary, Sannidhi Vishwanath Shetty, and Akshobhya Harikiran. The visual grandeur is captured through the lens of cinematographer Vinuth K. Suvarna, while the crisp editing is handled by Sujay Shivaram and Kaushik Bhandary. The technical crew also features DI by Sagar Creative Village, colorist Sachin Ganesh, publicity design and animations by Shrinath Pawar and Devi Rai, commentary voice and art by V.J. Dheeraj Sanil and Rajesh Bandhyod, costume design by Ganesh Sagri, stills by Shree J. Bangera, and publicity editing by Loku Nayak.

The mega-project is backed by a highly efficient production and management crew, featuring executive producer Prateek Bhandi, production manager Ravi M.S. Varkady, action choreographer Yogananda, and dance choreographers Avinash Bangera and Savan Salian. The direction department includes associate directors Ganesh Sagri, Sudhi Aryan, and Robin Rai, along with co-director Sujay Shivaram. Public relations are handled by PRO Jagannath Shetty Bala, and marketing and promotions are led by Suresh Rao Kokkada. The comprehensive indoor and outdoor production and publicity operations were managed by a dedicated team consisting of Madhu K.M., Sudarshan Poojary, Robin Vamanjoor, Harvin Pinto, Roshan Rocco, Edwin, Shaan Bendore, Colin Bijei, Angel Bendore, Dishal Madanthyar, Eral Vamanjoor, Arel, Gracian, Sonali Bendore, Rohan, Alden, Hester, Joel, Aston, and Ranson Monteiro. Ever since the release of its teaser and soundtracks, ‘Gajanana Cricketers’ has been trending across social media platforms, with audiences and youth eagerly waiting to experience the nostalgic underarm cricket culture on celluloid.