Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 27: The Tulu film ‘Bana’, produced by Manohar Rai Vaipala under the banner of Eshi Production and directed by Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli Nuliyalu, was released at Bharat Cinemas in Mangaluru on October 23. The film has been released across the coastal districts of Karnataka.
The film was inaugurated by lighting a traditional lamp.
Member of the Legislative Council Ivan D’Souza said, “May ‘Bana’ bring glory to Tulu Nadu. May everyone who has acted in the film achieve success. All Tulu people should watch this film with their families.”
Speaking on the occasion, Tulu Film Producers’ Association president R Dhanraj said that the team had produced a film closely connected to Tulu Nadu. He urged everyone to watch and support the film.
Mamatha Gatti, chairperson of the Cashew Development Corporation, said that ‘Bana’, based on a story rooted in Tulu Nadu, had already succeeded in entertaining audiences. She urged people across Tulu Nadu to visit theatres and watch the film.
Sharlat Pinto, chairperson of the State Eco-Tourism Board, said that sacred serpent groves, known as Naga Banas, have an inseparable connection with Tulu Nadu. She noted that the film combines commercial entertainment with a message about the significance of serpent worship and urged Tulu audiences to support the producers by watching it.
Actor Sai Krishna Kudla said that Nithin Rai had directed his third film and that the people of Tulu Nadu should honour the director’s talent by watching the movie. Eshwar Prasad Shetty, president of Yatharth Social, Mangaluru, conveyed his best wishes to the film team.
‘Bana’ has been released in Mangaluru, Surathkal, Padubidri, Udupi, Manipal, Karkala, Deralakatte, Puttur, Sullia, Beltangady and several other places.
Journalist Jayaprakash Shetty and National Award-winning artiste Roopa Varkady play prominent roles in the film. Nihal Rai, who plays the male lead, and Krithi Srinivas Poojary, who plays the female lead, are making their debuts in the film industry. The cast also includes Sharath Alva, Priya Shetty, Vijay Hari Rai, Bhavyashri Poojary, Vikas Putran, Nijaroopa Shetty, Savitha Anchan, Dhanya Poojary, Praveen Kodakkal and several other artistes.
Arun Rai Puttur has handled the cinematography, while Naveen Neralthodi is in charge of editing. Jayakarthi has composed the music.
Director Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli Nuliyalu said that ‘Bana’ has a strong story and screenplay and conveys a positive message to society while blending humour, love, anger and sentiment. He said the film had been crafted in a manner that would appeal to audiences.
Producer Manohar Rai Vaipala, Ismail Moodushedde, Vineeth Kumar, Samatha Amin, Purushotham Shetty, Jayaprakash Shetty Uppala, Bala Jagannath Shetty, Kudroli Ganesh, Naveen Shetty Alake, Ramesh Rai Kukkuvalli, Subrahmanya Bhat, Roopa Varkady, director Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli and several others were present on the dais. Bhagyaraj Shetty Harekal compered the programme.