45 on OTT: Interesting idea, failed execution, say netizens as Arjun Janya’s directorial debut begins streaming
45 on OTT: Composer Arjun Janya’s film 45 is streaming, albeit in the Kannada original version only, which has impacted its reach. The response on OTT is not much better from the theatrical reception
Last Updated: 08.04 PM, Jan 24, 2026
When popular music director Arjun Janya announced he was turning director, he’d said that he’d got his entire team, including the producer and lead cast – Shivarajkumar, Upendra and Raj B Shetty – onboard by showing them an animated version of the film he’d planned to make, which “floored” all of them. Shivarajkumar even insisted that Arjun should direct. And so, he did. The film, 45 , took time in its making and even more in the completion of the visual effects, which comprises 40% of the narrative.
Eventually, it released in theatres for Christmas 2025, but didn’t take the box office by storm. Arjun’s long-term association with Zee Network, though, ensured that a satellite and digital deal was in place even before the theatrical release. The film began streaming on Zee5 (available via OTTplay Premium also) in its Kannada original version only and as a new set of audiences caught it, there’s a fresh round of feedback coming in for Arjun’s film.
Audiences not on board Arjun's masterpiece climax?
“Movie idea is good but screenplay faltered due to repetitive and impactless scenes, initial portions were promising but let down in the later part, climax was pure gimmick without substance,” wrote a user, another chimed in and said, “The movie was good till the final climax fight”. This is not the response Arjun was looking for, considering that the climax is what the entire team had hyped all along.
By and large, the sentiment was that Arjun failed to deliver on a unique concept. “Sadly, the execution falls short, even with powerhouse names like Shivanna, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty. A missed opportunity,” wrote a user. Several netizens added that Kiccha Sudeep’s Mark , which also released in theatres and then on OTT simultaneously with 45, was the better watch, even though, it also received its fair share of criticism.
45 the movie FAQs
Q. Where to watch 45 the movie?
A. Kannada music composer Arjun Janya's directorial debut released in theatres on December 25, 2025 and did not have a great run. It is now on Zee5 as of January 23, 2026. It is available via OTTplay Premium also.
Q. What is the inspiration behind Arjun Janya's directorial debut, 45?
A. Arjun Janya lost his brother during the Covid-19 pandemic, which is the inspiration behind the story of 45. According to reports, the film revolves around the 45 days after a person's death, which, as per Sanatana Dharma, is when it is decided if the soul moves to the after life or gets reborn.