Director Puri Jagannadh: I got to direct Puneeth Rajkumar in Appu only because of Shivanna

If not for his untimely and tragic passing in October 2021, Kannada cinema’s Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar would have turned 50 this year. For his family and friends, though, Puneeth lives on and keeping his memory alive and thriving is the annual re-release of his hit films. Since 2024, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar has been bringing their home productions back to audiences, starting with Jackie. This time, it is the turn of Appu, the film that marked Puneeth’s transition from child star to leading man.

Also read: 12 times Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar brought a popular actress to Kannada cinema 

The 2002 film was written and directed by Telugu filmmaker Puri Jagannadh, who had debuted in Kannada cinema the year before with the sports drama Yuvaraja, starring Shivarajkumar in the lead . The opportunity to direct Puneeth’s first film as hero came to Puri only because of Shivarajkumar. The Hattrick Hero introduced the filmmaker to his father, the late matinee idol Dr Rajkumar, who was producing Puneeth’s debut through their banner Poornima Enterprises, headed by Parvathamma Rajkumar.

Puri Jagannadh: Shivanna introduced me to Dr Rajkumar

“I should thank Shivanna; because of him only Appu movie happened. Shivanna introduced me to the great Dr Rajkumar garu and Parvathamma garu; that’s how I met the beautiful soul, Puneeth Rajkumar. He was multi-talented; the gem of Kannada cinema,” said Puri in a special video message in the run-up to the re-release of Appu.

Also read: Remembering Puneeth Rajkumar: 8 best movies of the late Kannada actor you need to watch 

Appu will be back in theatres on March 14, 2025, ahead of his birthday, March 17. The re-release, interestingly coincides with Ashwini’s birthday, making it a special occasion for her too. The film also marked the debut of actress Rakshita, and featured hit music by Gurukiran, including two songs sung by Dr Rajkumar. Appu was remade in four languages and had a 200-day run in theatres. The film was distributed by Sri Vajreshwari Combines, a distribution and production company founded by Parvathamma Rajkumar. In her role as producer, she backed 9 of Puneeth’s films as leading man.

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