Latest Kannada releases (February 23 to March 1, 2026) to watch on Prime Video, JioHotstar, Netflix, Sony LIV, theatres and more

Latest Kannada OTT releases (February 23 – March 1, 2026) Here is the list of what you can stream on various digital platforms or watch in theatres this week.

The Rise of Ashoka and Hayagrriva in theatres; Neeli Hakki and Kshetrapati on OTT

In the last week of February, Kannada audiences have a lot to pick from both on OTT and in theatres. Considering that Yash’s Toxic is only 3 weeks away, chances are that there may not be much to watch in the next couple of weeks, so it’d make sense to make the most of all that is coming audience’s way. There are movies – Kshetrapati and Neeli Hakki – as well as a web series on Veerappan on OTT. There’s also the Kannada dubbed version of the Malayalam thriller series Roslin.

Here's a look at the Kannada films and series headed to OTT and theatres in the week of February 23 to March 1, 2026

On OTT

Kshetrapati

Naveen Shankar’s 2023 film Kshetrapati, which dealt with the agrarian crisis is finally coming to OTT. Naveen played an engineering drop-out, whose US dreams are shattered when his farmer father ends his life, unable to cope with the mounting pressures of corruption and corporatization that left him with barely any returns on his investment.

Streaming platform: JioHotstar (via OTTplay Premium also)
Streaming date: February 26, 2026

Also read:

Kshetrapati review: Naveen Shankar's film is well-meaning, but feels over sentimental

Neeli Hakki

Debutant filmmaker Ganesh Hedge’s film festival darling Neeli Hakki, which revolves around a young boy’s ‘existential crisis’, when he is uprooted from the only life he’s known in the village, to a hopefully better future in the city. But can he cope with this changed circumstance?

Streaming platform: Sun NXT (via OTTplay Premium also)
Streaming date: February 27, 2026

Veerappan: The Bandit King

The first season of director AMR Ramesh’s explores the younger days of the late forest brigand Veerappan and tells a story spanning several years, until the arrival of Karnataka SIT chief Shankar Bidari. Six episodes, each around 45 minutes in run-time is what Ramesh has in store, with Attahasa actor Kishore reprising his role as the sandalwood smuggler.

Streaming platform: Waves OTT
Streaming date: February 27, 2026

IN THEATRES

The Rise of Ashoka

Sathish Ninasam leads this tale of a fight against oppression, directed by the late Vinod Dondalay. Sathish plays Ashoka, who aspires to become a revenue officer, but that may not be as easy to attain given his socio-economic standing and forces that conspire to not let him grow him in life. The film also stars Saptami Gowda, Sampath Maithreya, among others.

Releasing in: Theatres
Release date: February 27, 2026

Also read:

Sathish Ninasam on The Rise of Ashoka: It would be unfair to dub the film as a tale of oppression | Exclusive

Hayagrriva

Dhanveerraah leads an investigative thriller involving a serial killer who’s obsessed with mythology. Directed by Raghukumar OR, with music by Judah Sandhy, Hayagrriva also stars Sanjana Anand, Sadhu Kokila, Sharath Lohithashwa, Ramesh Bhat, Ashwini Gowda, Shobhraj, Sangeetha, Krishna Hebbale, Ashwin Hassan, Gilli Nata, among others.

Releasing in: Theatres
Release date: February 27, 2026

The Rise of Ashoka FAQs

Q. What was The Rise of Ashoka called initially?

A. The Rise of Ashoka was initially titled Ashoka Blade, which, leading man Sathish Ninasam thought did not suit the narrative and then changed it.

Q. Why was The Rise of Ashoka delayed in the making?

A. The Rise of Ashoka's director Vinod passed away during the making, leading to production being stalled for a while. Much later, the film's editor stepped in and wrapped up the filming.

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