Puneeth Rajkumar’s tryst with Karnataka’s wild, Gandhada Gudi, to release in theatres in 2022

November 1 was when the title teaser of one of Puneeth Rajkumar’s dream projects, a film with Wild Karnataka maker Amoghavarsha was supposed to be released. To media queries about the project, the Power Star had refrained from talking, asking everyone to watch the teaser and see what he has to offer before discussing it. That, unfortunately, was the last time a lot of people in the media spoke to the actor, who, in a tragic turn of events, passed away following a massive cardiac arrest on October 29.

A few days ago, the late actor’s wife, Ashwini, had posted on social media that their production house was dedicated to bring his dream project to audiences. Earlier today, the title teaser was launched, which, the who’s who of Sandalwood shared to spread the word.

“Appu’s dream, an incredible journey, a celebration of our land and it's legend. It's time for the return - Gandhada Gudi,” Ashwini posted along with the title teaser. Vinay Rajkumar, the son of Puneeth’s brother, Raghavendra, who was known to be close to the late actor, wrote, “This film is close to my heart for so many reasons. The first being that it was my Chikappa’s dream project – to show Karnataka in all her glory, to offer to the audience and his beloved fans a perspective that is his own and to not appear as a hero or as a hero, but as himself – as Puneeth, Second, it’s abiout the natural world, the wonders and the lessons it teaches us every day – a subject close to my grandfather, a recently developed passion for my Chikappa and a lifelong interest of mine. On my Ajji’s birthday, I’m happy to see this dream come true. Presenting, Gandhada Gudi, a never-before-seen cinematic experience on true events.”

Gandhada Gudi, which means temple of Sandalwood, is also the title of an erstwhile Rajkumar film that dealt with the importance of protecting forests and wildlife. The teaser provides a snapshot of the documentary’s narrative, which passes through the jungles, beaches and underwater world of Karnataka. Although no date was announced, the teaser reveals that Gandhada Gudi will be in theatres in 2022.