Neeli Hakki OTT release date: When, where to stream Ganesh Hegde’s film festival darling

Neeli Hakki, the directorial debut of Ganesh Hegde, an IT professional-turned-filmmaker, was the talk of town in film festival circuits back in 2021, when it premiered at the New York Indian Film Festival and, subsequently, back home at the International Film Festival of India. The film also got Ganesh a Karnataka State Film Award for Best Debut Director, but as is the case with movies that do well in the festival circuit, it did not have a theatrical outing and was not available to stream on any platform for the longest time.

Neeli Hakki is finally coming to OTT on...

The film is finally getting an opportunity to reach a wider audience, what with Sun NXT set to host it shortly. Neeli Hakki has been earmarked as a February 20, 2026 offering on the streamer, and will be available via OTTplay Premium also. The film stars Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Nidhi Hegde, Aman S Karkera, Naresh Bhat, Chandrahas Ullal and UV Nanjappa. Music is by Gagan Baderiya, while Tamil star Vijay Sethupathi served as presenter.

Also read: Pedro and Vaghachipani maker Natesh Hegde turns actor and producer for crime thriller Kurka 

Neeli Hakki explores the existential crisis of a 10-year-old boy, Sidda (Aman S Karkera), who is forced to leave behind the village he called home so far, after his parents make the difficult decision to migrate to the city in the hope of building a better life for themselves. Sidda, though, is torn by his love for the serenity of village life and finds the hustle-and-bustle of the city overwhelming. Will he come to terms with his new surroundings, or does he go back to his roots? That’s what Neeli Hakki is all about.

During the festival run, Ganesh had been vocal about the apathy of OTT platforms towards festival films and how difficult it was for filmmakers like him to reach audiences with their small-town stories. Following Neeli Hakki, Ganesh had announced a collaboration with Pedro and Vagachipani maker Natesh Hegde, called Kurka, a crime thriller. The film, which also stars Vijay Raghavendra and Avinash is being prepped for a theatrical outing.

Neeli Hakki FAQs

Q. Is Neeli Hakki an award-winning film?

A. Yes. Debutant filmmaker Ganesh Hegde was adjudged Best Debut Director at the Karnataka State Film Awards 2020 for Neeli Hakki

Q. Where to watch Neeli Hakki?

A. Following a successful film festival run, Neeli Hakki is coming to Sun NXT (via OTTplay Premium also), on February 20, 2026.