45 release date: Arjun Janya’s debut directorial to move to 2026?

Kannada cinema’s magical composer Arjun Janya was among the first to announce a release date for his directorial debut, 45, which he intended to release pan-India. Featuring Shivarajkumar, Upendra and Raj B Shetty in lead roles, the film was meant to be in theatres on August 15, 2025. However, after Tamil superstar Rajinikanth’s Coolie, which also stars Upendra, and the Hrithik Roshan-Jr NTR film War 2 were announced as August 14/15 releases, there were murmurs that 45 would bow out of the race.

The explanation offered is that there were delays in the VFX works, although producer Ramesh Reddy admitted he did not want to have an Upendra vs Upendra situation at the box office. The filmmaker was hopeful of hitting theatres a couple of weeks later and mooted a September 4 release, but according to the latest buzz, the team is not looking at 2025 at all. According to a recent report, 45 is likely to be moved to January 2026, since Dhruva Sarja’s KD, Rishab Shetty’s Kantara Chapter 1, Darshan’s Devil and Sudeep’s untitled next are all vying for dates in the rest of the year.

While KD is eyeing an October-November window, Kantara chapter 1 will be in theatres on October 2. Sudeep is hopeful of yet another Christmas release, like Max, but that may not happen. And Darshan has just completed the shoot of his collaboration with Prakash Veer, so it may make it as a 2025 release after all. Darshan’s last, Kaatera, was a December 2023 release and did well at the box office.

Beside these Kannada films, there are big-ticket releases like Baaghi 4, Akhanda 2, Raja Saab, Avatar: Fire and Ash, among others, to contend with. If 45 does move to January, it will, however, be in the second half, considering that KVN Productions, which is distributing the film has its own production, Thalapathy Vijay’s last commercial film, Jana Nayagan on January 9. An official announcement about 45’s new release date is expected shortly.

Frequently asked questions about Arjun Janya

Q. What happened to Arjun Janya?

A. Kannada music composer Arjun Janya suffered a massive heart attack during the Covid-19 pandemic, but has since made a remarkable recovery.  

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.