It’s confirmed! Shivarajkumar’s Bhajarangi 2 will release on October 29

In the months since theatres reopened after the second wave of the pandemic with 50% occupancy only, several filmmakers, especially those of the big-ticket releases, decided to wait it out until more relaxations kicked in. Films like Bhajarangi 2, Kotigobba 3, Salaga, Vikrant Rona were all waiting for 100% occupancy of theatres.

On Friday, the Karnataka state government finally relented and announced that theatres could operate at full capacity from October 1, subject to conditions. Since then, Kannada filmmakers have been wasting no time and planning their release strategies. According to industry sources, there was an unwritten agreement that Shivarajkumar’s Bhajarangi 2 would be the first big release that stakeholders hope will bring audiences back to theatres in hordes.

In fact, over the past few days, ever since a team of filmmakers met state health minister K Sudhakar with a request to allow 100% occupancy, there have been rumours that Bhajarangi 2 would release on October 29. The rumours turned true on Sunday, when director A Harsha took to social media to confirm it. The film will release just ahead of the Deepavali festivities, which the makers hope will be an added impetus for audiences to make a beeline for theatres.

Bhajarangi 2 is the sequel to 2013’s fantasy action drama Bhajarangi, which will pair Shivarajkumar with Bhavana. The film also has Shruthi, Saurav Lokesh and Shivaraj KR Pete, among others, in pivotal roles. Harsha had earlier announced that the film will get a simultaneous Telugu release as well. It is unclear if they will release it in other languages as well.

Bhajarangi saw Shivarajkumar surprise his fans by sporting six-pack abs. The film was widely appreciated, especially for the actor’s performance. It remains to be seen what the team has in store for audiences this time around. It will unfold on October 29.