Ajai Rao on picking Sarala Subbarao: Triveni was a writer who Dr Rajkumar favoured
Sarala Subbarao is the adaptation of Triveni’s novel Vasanthagana. The film, directed by Manju Swaraj, will be in theatres on February 12. Ajai Rao plays the lead, along with Misha Narang
Last Updated: 10.19 PM, Feb 07, 2026
Krishna Ajai Rao’s first release of the year is Sarala Subbarao, a film that he says he had taken up even before Yuddhakaanda: Chapter 2, and was actually meant to be out in the last quarter of 2025. The film, which is based on a novel by Triveni called Vasanthagana, is a romantic drama set in the 70s and is being released in time for Valentine’s Day on February 12.
What about Sarala Subbarao appealed to Krishna Ajai Rao?
Ajai says that the main reason he decided to take up the film is the source material, given that Triveni was a writer who Dr Rajkumar favoured and starred in several adaptations. “I quite liked Vasanthagana when I read it, as did my mother. The character, Subbarao, his ethics, how love was communicated, and the family values in the 70s and 80s - all of these elements appealed to me,” said Ajai, talking to Kannada Pichhar, adding that he feels blessed to have gotten the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Dr Rajkumar.
Sarala Subbarao is a film that Ajai took up in his quest for more mature, socially-responsible characters and movies. The plot, he says, revolves majorly around a newly-married couple, Sarala (Misha Narang) and Subbarao, especially once she falls pregnant and follows how he, in particular, reacts to the impending arrival of their bundle of joy.
Subbarao, he adds, is an English professor, a character similar to the one that Dr Rajkumar did in Eradu Kanasu. “He is a very responsible son to his parents and husband to his wife,” says the actor, adding that the magic of the film is the chemistry between the couple.
Sarala Subbarao FAQs
Q. Where to watch Sarala Subbarao?
A. The Kannada fiilm Sarala Subbarao will release in theatres on February 12, 2026.
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.