45 OTT release date: When, where to stream Shivarajkumar, Upendra and Raj B Shetty’s tale based on the Garuda Purana
45 OTT release date: 45 was the directorial debut of Kannada music composer Arjun Janya. The film had its post-theatrical streaming rights in place well before it hit theatres on December 25, 2025
Last Updated: 01.35 PM, Jan 13, 2026
A ‘spiritual hit’ – that’s how the team of Arjun Janya’s debut directorial 45 are describing the film that came out on Christmas 2025, but then did not capture the fancy of audiences, despite a star cast including the likes of Shivarajkumar, Upendra and Raj B Shetty in the lead. Released first in Kannada only and a week later in other dubbed versions, the preachy tone of the film failed to excite audiences across the country. Luckily for the team, despite the below than average theatrical performance, trackers estimate to be around Rs 15 cr net only in two weeks, 45 had its post-theatrical business – satellite and digital – firmly in the bag well before it hit theatres.
Arjun Janya's 45 the movie headed to Zee5 on...
Given Arjun’s long association with Zee Network as judge on shows like Sa Re Ga Ma Pa and Dance Karnataka Dance, they picked up the satellite and digital rights. The film, which is currently still in theatres was apparently taken on a 30-day deal for streaming and it was speculated that it would hit Zee5 closer to the Republic Day holiday. Turns out, the speculation was not far off. The streamer has fixed 45’s debut on Zee5 for January 23, 2026. It will be available via OTTplay Premium also.
The team of 45 has never openly admitted its final budget, even though they maintained throughout that no expense was spared to ensure world-class VFX effects (done by Marz Studio). It is estimated that close to half of the film’s budget was spent on the graphic work, with moderate estimates pinning the total at around Rs 40-45 cr. Some reports state a much higher Rs 100 cr budget too, but these remain unverified. Sources, however, say that after the postponement from its August 15, 2025 release date, 45 had to remain a 2025 film to keep the post-theatrical business intact.
Prior to the release of the film, Arjun had said that he got the idea following his brother’s demise during the pandemic and that it was steeped in Sanatana Dharma tenets. This led to speculation that it would be about the 45 days following a person’s death. And that is pretty much what it is, with Arjun presenting a master class on the afterlife, based on the Garuda Purana.
The film had released in a clash with Kiccha Sudeep’s Mark, with the latter performing marginally better. The buzz on social media is that there will be an OTT clash of sorts also, what with Sudeep’s film also sitting tight with a streaming partner.
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 is still running in movie halls. It is, however, OTT bound, with Zee5 set to bring it to audiences on January 23, 2026. It will be 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.