Liked Kshetrapati on OTT? Kannada films dealing with farmers issues that are a must watch

Kshetrapati on OTT: Time and again, Kannada filmmakers have highlighted the issues faced by the agrarian sector in the state, a plight that continues over the ages. Here are some such films

Natya Ranga, Naveen Shankar in Kshetrapati

Kshetrapati , the Naveen Shankar led social drama about the distressing reality of the agrarian crisis in North Karnataka – mounting debts and rapid corporatisation -is now on OTT. The 2023 film by Shrikant Katagi dropped on JioHotstar (also via OTTplay Premium) on February 26, 2026. It follows Naveen as Basava, an engineering student and transformation into a revolutionary leader after his father, a debt-ridden farmer, commits suicide.

Here's a look at other films like Kshetrapati that focused on agrarian issues

Kaatera

Starring Challenging Star Darshan Thoogudeepa in the lead, Kaatera, directed by Tharun Sudhir, is set against the rustic backdrop of 1970s Karnataka, that explores the impact of the Land to the Tiller Act. The story follows a courageous blacksmith, Kaatera, who becomes the protector of his marginalized village, as greedy landlords attempt to circumvent the law and exploit the farmers. The highest grossing film of 2023, Kaatera also stars Aaradhana Ram, Jagapathi Babu, Kumar Govind, Vinod Kumar Alwa, and Shruti among others.

Also read: Kaatera review - Challenging Star Darshan is solid, effective in Tharun Sudhir's well-meaning film

Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga

This Kannada social drama by SV Rajendra Singh Babu, starring Century Star Shivarajkumar and Ramesh Aravind in the lead, is an exploration of agrarian life, focusing on the issues that farmers face amid a devastating drought and the construction of a controversial dam that will further restrict access to water required for farming. The film won multiple awards at the Karnataka State Film Awards, including Special Film of Social Concern, Best Story Writer (Rajendra Singh Babu) and Best Dialogue writer (S Surendranath).

Bangara S/o Bangarada Manushya

A tribute to the late matinee idol Dr Rajkumar’s classic Bangarada Manushya, Bangara S/O Bangarada Manushya stars Shivarajkumar as Shiva, an NRI who returns to India only to find the farmers of his village struggling against corporate greed and systemic neglect. Driven by the legacy of his father, Shiva trades his corporate life for the plow, leading a modern agrarian revolution.

Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige

Directed by the acclaimed Nagathihalli Chandrashekhar the 2007 film Maathaad Maathaadu Mallige is a thought-provoking drama that revolves around environmental conservation and Gandhian principles. Starring Sahasa Simha Vishnuvardhan and Suhasini Maniratnam, the film follows Hoovayya, a dedicated flower gardener who wages a peaceful war against a powerful multinational company planning to seize his village's fertile land for a mining project. The film won a National Award for Best Film in Kannada.

Kshetrapati FAQs

Q. When and where to watch Kshetrapati?

A. An August 2023 theatrical release, Kshetrapati dropped on JioHotstar on February 26, 2026. It is available via OTTplay Premium also.

Q. Who is on the cast and crew of Kshetrapati?

A. Kshetrapati has been directed by Shrikant Katagi, while music is by KGF fame Ravi Basrur. The cast includes Naveen Shankar, Archana Jois, Achyuth Kumar, Natya Ranga, among others.

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