Ekka, 45 to Kantara Chapter 1 - Most expected Kannada theatrical releases of 2025's second half

Four months into 2025, Kannada cinema has not had a notable release in theatres, facing a slump similar to 2024. It took Salaga director Vijay Kumar’s sophomore directorial Bheema to break that streak a year ago, which was then followed by Ganesh’s Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi and a few more, ending with Kiccha Sudeep’s Max , which brought audiences back to movie halls. This year, so far, Choo Mantar, by Karva and Buckasuraa fame director Navaneeth, which had Sharan (Rambo, Victory, Guru Shishyaru , etc.) in the lead, is the only one that the team claims has made money from the theatrical release.

What's in store from mid 2025 in Kannada film circles?

The forecast looks bleak for May too, with no major releases lined up. Industry experts expect a turn in the tide in early June, when Yuva Rajkumar’s second film, Ekka, releases. Directed by Rathnan Prapancha fame Rohit Padaki, Ekka will be in theatres on June 6. The team has revealed one song and a teaser, both of which have been well received and set expectations of a film like Puneeth Rajkumar’s Jackie .

The next major release that has been announced is composer Arjun Janya’s debut directorial, 45, which stars Bhairathi Ranagal 's Shivarajkumar, Upendra and Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana's Raj B Shetty and hits theat res on August 15. The film’s narrative spans 45 days, with speculation rife that Raj’s character dies, but his spirit is given another 45 days to finish unfinished business. Shivarajkumar is Shiva, his saviour, while Upendra is Yama, out to reap the soul.

The only other film to have officially announced its release date is Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: Chapter 1 on October 2. The prequel to 2022’s Kantara, this one is set during the reign of the Kadamba dynasty. Rishab has been tight-lipped about what’s in store, although the first look reveal had netizens, as well as Rishab’s pal Rakshit Shetty, convinced that the former is going to tell audiences an action-packed tale about Panjurli Daiva, who’s been referenced in Kantara.

Besides these three films, there’s also Dhruva Sarja’s period film KD, directed by Prem. Now, Dhruva’s last, Martin, was a colossal failure, while Prem’s last two, Ek Love Ya and The Villain were not successful either. But then, Prem’s made films like Kariya , Jogi and Jogayya and can spin magic and that’s the hope that netizens have of KD.

The question, then, is if Challenging Star Darshan’s Devil will be a 2025 release. There’s been no update on the film’s status since the actor got bail in the Renukaswamy murder case. The film was apparently 30% at the time of his incarceration, so chances are that a December release could be likely.

As for the other stars, Rakshit is yet to start work on the Ulidavaru Kandanthe prequel Richard Anthony, Sudeep has just begun work on Billa Ranga Baashaa, while Yash’s Toxic is set for March 2026 only. Ganesh has shot for Sincerely Ram and has begun work on his next with Arasu Anthare, so, at least 1 film should be out this year. The younger crop, like Vinay Rajkumar, Sanchith Sanjeev, will likely have releases – Andondittu Kaalaa and Mango Pachcha – apart from other mid-range films. But overall, the picture is not very rosy at the moment. Can Sandalwood make a resurgence and end 2025 with a bang? Let’s wait and watch.