Dhruva Sarja-Rachita Ram combo Criminal announced; netizens say another jathre movie loading

Criminal: The excitement of having the Bharjari duo of Dhruva Sarja and Rachita Ram back onscreen died as soon as the title teaser and visuals from the muhurtha dropped

Dhruva Sarja and Rachita Ram in Criminal

In the last couple of weeks, there was a strong buzz that Kannada actor Dhruva Sarja had signed his next and that he would be reunited with his Bharjari co-star, Rachita Ram. Confirmation of the same came late last night, when the film, Criminal, was officially launched. While netizens were initially excited by the prospect of Dhruva and Racita back together onscreen, that didn’t last long, once it became clear that the Action Prince was stuck on a template he’s adapted since Pogaru.

Netizens react to Criminal

Visuals of Dhruva and Rachita from the first shot during the muhurtha, which has him dragging the actress by her hair, gave netizens Pogaru vibes, a film that although a commercial hit, was widely criticised for its misogyny and portrayal of toxic masculinity. In the teaser of Criminal, Dhruva’s character is heard threatening violence if his love is denied.

“Who watches these chapri movies?” was a commonly seen response to the title teaser, going head-to-head with, “Another jathre movie loading”. “DS is spoiling his career... Pogaru Martin now this... Wasted 10 years for crap movies... KD will also be loud and over the top hopefully emotions will work there...”, wrote a netizen, a sentiment that several others echoed and added that the Uttara Karnataka gangster trope was getting tiresome.

Also read: Dhruva Sarja’s KD The Devil to be a 2026, post-Toxic release?

The film, meanwhile, is said to be based on a true story, with Rajaguru, the director or Kerebette helming it. Given that Dhruva has done only 6 movies in 13 years, the last of which is yet to release and that his average filmmaking time is at least 2-3 years, netizens opined that Criminal will not be in theatres until 2027 at least and that like Martin and, perhaps KD, it will also not be a bright spot in the history of the Kannada film industry.

Dhruva was last seen onscreen in Martin, a film that was panned by critics and viewers across the country and drove the makers to take legal action against some. His next is KD, the teaser of which has also not been very awe inspiring. The Prem directed film was touted to be a 2025 release for the longest time, but the latest buzz is that it will be in theatres in 2026, probably after Toxic, which is bankrolled by the same banner.

FAQs

Q. Is KD based on true events?

A. According to director Prem, KD The Devil is based on real incidents that occured in 1970s Bengaluru.

Q. When will KD The Devil release?

A. KD The Devil was expected to be in theatres in time for Deepavali 2025, on October 17, but it is now rumoured to be a 2026 release.

Q. What is the title of DS7?

A. DS7 is the seventh film with Dhruva Sarja in the lead. It has been titled Criminal.

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