Kariya re-release: Challenging Star Darshan’s hit gangster film by Prem to be back in theatres
Kariya re-release: Kariya, which marked the directorial debut of Kannada cinema’s showman Prem, is considered as one of the biggest hits in Darshan’s career.
Last Updated: 07.15 PM, Feb 10, 2026
What do Challenging Star Darshan fans have to look forward to on his birthday this year? With the actor still in jail as an undertrial in the Renukaswamy murder case, the best would have been for the OTT release of his last theatrical film, The Devil, but there’s no confirmed update about that yet. The next then, would be to catch a re-run of one of Darshan’s biggest hits ever, Kariya , in theatres. The film, which was Prem’s directorial debut is being brought back to theatres on the occasion of Darshan’s birthday and will re-release on February 13, 2026.
Kariya, starring Darshan in the lead, along with Abhinayasri, B Jayashree, Mico Nagaraj, Nanda Kishore, among others, was also much talked about for featuring real underworld gangsters, much like Shivarajkumar’s Om. Kariya had as many as 23 of them. The film’s release was also mired in controversy when it was pulled from theatres after a 50-day run, only to be reinstated a few days later, upon which it became a blockbuster hit.
What is Kariya about?
The film revolves around Darshan’s character Kariya, an assassin for hire, who falls in love with a rich dancer, Maya, played by Abhinayasri. She, of course, does not reciprocate those feelings immediately. Their budding relationship faces obstacles from Kariya’s enemies within the underworld, who seek revenge on him. The film was produced by Anekal Balaraju, whose son Santhosh later starred in a sequel called Kariya 2.
While you are waiting for Kariya ’s latest theatrical re-release, you could watch it on OTTplay Premium, as well as several other Darshan films like Kaatera, Roberrt, Kurukshetra, Yajamana, BulBul, Krantiveera Sangolli Rayana, Chingari and more.
Kariya FAQs
Q. Who directed Kariya?
A. Kariya was the directorial debut of Kannada cinema's showman, Prem.
Q. Where to watch Kariya?
A. Kariya can be streamed on Sun NXT (via OTTplay Premium too), but it is also getting a theatrical re-release on February 13, 2026.