Jugari Cross: Raj B Shetty reunites with Karavali maker Gurudatha Ganiga for KP Poornachandra Tejaswi novel adaptation

Kannada filmmaker Gurudatha Ganiga’s film Karavali, starring Prajwal Devaraj in the lead, with actor-filmmaker Raj B Shetty in a pivotal role, is not yet in theatres, but he’s already moved on to his next. And this time, Gurudatha is putting Raj in the lead in an adaptation of renowned writer KP Poornachandra Tejaswi’s novel, Jugari Cross. Earlier today, Gurudatha revealed a title teaser of the film, with a tagline that reads, ‘Story of the Bloody Stone’. Lust, anger, greed, delusion, arrogance and envy appear to be the cornerstones of Gurudatha’s adaptation, as listed in the teaser.

Jugari Cross gets a title teaser

Poornachandra Tejaswi, known also by his pen name Poochanthe, has been credited as writer, while Gurudatha has adapted it for the screen. Abhimanyu Sadanandan handles cinematography, while Sachin Basrur is the music director. “The legendary cult novel JUGARI CROSS by Poornachandra Tejaswi is finally coming to life,” read the note attached to the title teaser.

A few years ago, renowned filmmaker TS Nagabharana had announced an adaptation with Chiranjeevi Sarja in the lead, but the film was initially stalled owing to budget issues and then, the actor’s demise. Subsequently, more than a year ago, in September 2024, Gurudatha announced that he had acquired the rights to adapt the book.

Also read: Su From So’s Raj B Shetty: I say no to most of the big projects coming my way 

Raj, meanwhile, is fresh off the success of his production venture, Su From So, in which he had a pivotal role. Latest reports suggested that the actor-filmmaker was preparing for his next directorial, which is also a thriller. The actor will next be seen in composer Arjun Janya’s directorial debut, 45, which is slated for a Christmas theatrical outing, although Gurudatha’s Karavali may pip it and land sometime in November.

The actor’s other acting commitments include Jadesha K Hampi’s Landlord, starring Duniya Vijay and Rachita Ram in the lead, in which Raj is the antagonist. He is also the leading man of Rakkasapuradol, directed by Ravi Saranga, in which he gets to play a cop for the first time in his career.

FAQs

Q. What is the plot of Jugari Cross?

A. Poornachandra Tejaswi's novel is a tale spanning 24 hours that is set in the Sahyadri forest and revolves around a cardamom farmer couple caught in a sinister web of illegal timber trade, drug mafias, and gambling. 

Q. Why is Jugari Cross considered unique?

A. Poornachandra Tejaswi's novel Jugari Cross explores themes such as wildlife poaching, theft, and the dark side of human exploitation of natural resources and is, hence, considered unique. There have been earlier attempts to adapt it for the big screen, but none took off. The latest attempt is by Gurudatha Ganiga, who will direct Raj B Shetty in the film.