Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Apr 12: Meera, a female-centric Tulu film produced by Lanchulal K S under the banner of Astra Productions and directed by Ashwath, was released on Friday at Bharat Cinemas in Bharat Mall, Mangaluru.
The film was formally launched by former mayor Manoj Kumar, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Speaking at the event, he said, “Meera portrays stories from our own surroundings. Everyone should watch and encourage this film.”
Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath, the chief guest at the event, said, “Good quality Tulu films are being made now. Meera is a female-oriented film, and families should come forward to support such cinema.”
Actor-director Rahul pointed out that the flex board ban imposed by the city corporation has directly impacted promotions in the Tulu film industry. “Producers now have to find alternative promotional methods,” he added.
Producer Lanchulal K S shared that Meera earned Rs 1 crore through premiere shows even before its theatrical release. “A hundred of my well-wishers purchased 100 tickets each at Rs 1 lac, and all of them gave positive feedback after watching the film,” he said.
The event was attended by actors Vijay Vineeth Kumar, Rahul Ameen, Trishul Shetty, Lakshmish Shetty Baikampady, Mohan K Bolar, journalist Bala Jagannath Shetty, Harshith Somashekar, Prakash Shetty Dharmanagara, Yatheesh Poojary, Aneesh Poojary, Anil Das, Sharan Chilimbi, J P Tuminad, Pushparaj Bolluru, director Ashwath, and lead actresses Itisha Shetty and Lakshya L Yatheesh Poojary welcomed and emceed the programme.
Meera is now screening at Roopavani, Bharat Cinemas, Cinépolis, and PVR in Mangaluru; Cine Galaxy and Nataraj in Surathkal; Bharat Cinemas in Beltangady; Kalpana and Bharat Cinemas in Udupi; Bharat Cinemas and INOX in Manipal; Bharat Cinemas in Deralakatte; Radhika and Planet in Karkala; and Bharat Cinemas in Puttur.
Produced by Lanchulal K S, the film is written and directed by Ashwath, who also handled the screenplay and dialogues. He stated that Meera marks a significant milestone in Tulu cinema as the first female-led film in the industry.
The movie stars Ishita Shetty in the lead, alongside Aravind Bolar, Swaraj Shetty, J P Tuminad, Prakash Tuminad, Manju Rai Moodabidri, Roopashree Varkadi, Yatheesh Poojary, Ashwath, baby Lakshya L, and Rakshitha Shetty Mumbai.
Meera narrates the story of a young woman who overcomes social challenges in pursuit of her dreams, delivering a message of inspiration to women aiming to achieve their goals despite obstacles.