Sarala Subbarao’s Krishna Ajai Rao on Yuddhakaanda: The film was running houseful when…

Ajai Rao reminisces about his home production Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2, the box office of which was impacted by a national tragedy - a loss that was totally out of his control

Krishna Ajai Rao

Krishna Ajai Rao’s latest, Sarala Subbarao was meant to be in theatres on February 12, 2026, but at the very last moment, it was revealed that it was being pushed ahead to February 20, with no specific reason for the postponement. The period film by Manju Swaraj is an adaptation of the novel Vasanthagana by Triveni, which follows the relationship of a newly-married couple, Sarala (Misha Narang) and Subbarao (Ajai Rao).

Ajai Rao on what went wrong with Yuddhakaanda 2...

The actor, who began his career with the hit film Excuse Me, and then had successes in the Krishnan series – Krishnan Love Story, Krishnan Marriage Story, Krishna Leela – has since had a slump that showed signs of an uptick with last year’s Yuddhakaanda Chapter 2. Written and directed by Pavan Bhat, Yuddhakaanda 2 was produced by Ajai and going by its initial theatrical response, seemed set to give him a box office hit.

“Yuddhakaanda 2 released on April 18 last year, a Friday, and on the Saturday and Sunday thereafter, most shows were going full. I hadn’t expected that kind of response. But then, by the start of the week came news of the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and the whole nation was in shock. Like everyone else who took to social media to condemn it and send prayers and wishes to the people there, I too did that. There’s no way I could have chosen to continue promoting my film over my duties as a citizen,” he said on the Kairam Vaashi podcast.

Also read: Ajai Rao on picking Sarala Subbarao: Triveni was a writer who Dr Rajkumar favoured

Ajai adds that he did not give up on his film entirely back then, but by then the damage was then. He was affected both in terms of a personal loss and a national tragedy. “By the following Friday, there were other films that occupied the screens my film held. Had it not been for the Pahalgam incident, the film would have easily made another Rs 2-3 cr,” said the actor.

Sarala Subbarao FAQs

Q. Where to watch Sarala Subbarao?

A. The Kannada fiilm Sarala Subbarao was meant to release in theatres on February 12, 2026, but was then postponed to February 20.

Q. Who is on the cast and crew of Sarala Subbarao.

A. Sarala Subbarao has been directed by Manju Swaraj. It is based on a novel by Triveni. Krishna Ajai Rao and Misha Narang are in the lead, supported by the likes of Rangayana Raghu, Vijay Chendoor, Veena Sundar, Rishika Naik, Shri Mahadev, Chitkala Biradar, among others.

Share