Shiva Rajkumar’s 123rd film, Bairagee, locks its satellite and digital partners

Shiva Rajkumar’s 123rd film, Bairagee, which marks the Kannada debut of Tamil filmmaker Vijay Milton is set for a July 1 theatrical release. The film, which also stars Dhananjaya, Pruthvi Ambaar, Shashi Kumar, Anjali and Yasha Shivakumar, among others, is the Kannada remake of Dhanush’s hit Tamil film Asuran. The team has apparently made significant changes to the narrative to make the story more relatable for Kannada audiences.

Produced by Krishna Sarthak, the film, according to the team, is an early birthday present for the leading man, who turns 60 on July 12. Bairagee is Shiva Rajkumar’s first release since Bhajarangi 2 in October last year. Unfortunately for the Century Star, the release of Bhajarangi 2 coincided with a major tragedy, when he lost his younger brother and Kannada cinema’s Power Star Puneeth Rajkumar on the morning of October 29. Prior to his passing, Puneeth had made plans to record a song for Bairagee along with Shiva Rajkumar, under the music direction of Anoop Seelin. The recording was to happen on November 5 as Puneeth was releasing the trailer of his wildlife documentary film Gandhada Gudi on November 1. Sadly, the song featuring the two brothers was not to be, and eventually, actor Sharan filled in for Puneeth.

The film, meanwhile, has already sold its satellite and digital rights we hear. Colors Kannada has apparently picked up the satellite rights, so the digital rights should be with Voot Select as a combo deal. The question now is whether Bairagee will come to OTT within 30 days of its theatrical release or after 48 days.

At 60, Shiva Rajkumar continues to be one of the busiest actors in Kannada cinema. While he has two films – Nee Sigoovaregu and Vedha – also lined up, the actor is committed to a multilingual film with director Yogaraj Bhat, which will also star Prabhudheva. Shiva Rajkumar will collaborate with Avane Srimannarayana director Sachin Ravi for a spy-action thriller that is apparently based on the mythological figure Ashwatthama. Amid all this, he’s also found time to be a part of Tamil director Nelson’s next with Rajinikanth, in which the Century Star will play a pivotal role.