Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Dajiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (JS)

Mangaluru, Feb 12: Tulu movie 'Kudla Cafe', directed by Surya Menon, who has also produced the movie along with Ranjan Shetty under the banner of Yodha Motion Pictures, was released at Jyothi theatre here on Friday February 12.

Sadananda Shetty, chairman of Shri Devi Institutions, Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, RSS leader and other dignitaries inaugurated the ceremony by lighting the lamp.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat said, "I am happy that there have been sustained efforts to protect Tulu language through Tulu movies. Even today cinema has a power to deliver a strong message to the society. Protecting language is very important; only by protecting language can our land survive and culture be preserved. We should make efforts to protect our language, our land and our nation. I wish the filmmakers all success and wish they produce many more movies in future."

Sadananda Shetty said, "I am happy that the makers through this movie have tried to promote kabbadi. There have been efforts to protect the local language through Tulu movies. Over 40 Tulu movies have been made in the recent past, which is really good. I congratulate the filmmakers and wish this movie runs more than hundred days."

Naveen D Padil, Amarnath Rai, Vijay Kumar, Prabhakar Shetty and others were present.

Jyothish Shetty, Naveen D Padil, Raghu Pandeshwar, Ahana Kumra, Shaine Shetty, Santhosh Shetty, Sudhir Raaj Urva, Ashok Shetty, Kishore Kottari, Bantwal Jayaramachaar, Thimmappa Kulal, Bhavani Shankar, Shashiraaj Kavoor, Manoj Puttur, Shruthi Shetty, Anusha Kotian, Sanam Amin, Karthik Kotian, Suraj Sanil and Naveen Shetty Mijar are in the star cast. Shiva Shankar Menon is the assistant director, Kudla Saikrishna is the creative producer and Saleel Pathak the cinematographer. Music has been composed by Umang and Akaash Prajapathi. Shashiraj Kavoor has scripted the story. Editing has been done by Akshay Mehta and cinematography by Saleel Pathak. The sound is by Rakshith Tantri. Sathish Brahmavar is in charge of production.

Screening at International Film Festival

'Kudla Cafe' was screened at the International Film Festival in Bengaluru held earlier month, even before the film's release.

Speaking about the film 'Kudla Cafe', producer Ranjan Raghu Shetty said, "The film has been produced with the intention of presenting a film with unique concept. Each situation in the film has come out well. Kabaddi game has been introduced in the film for the first time. The opportunity to participate in the International Film Festival is the first victory for the film."

The film revolves around three estranged friends who get back together after 30 years and try to save a cafe where they had spent the best years of their childhood from getting demolished.

The highlight of the film is a kabaddi tournament by state and national-level players. Sahara Madanthyaru, Jayalaxmi Bolar, Alva's Moodbidri, Kesari Kodikere, Boliya Friends, Welcome Thokkottu and other teams feature in the tournament which has been shot at Kulai and Urva grounds.