Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige maker R Jagannatha: Smaller films can sustain in theatres only if…

The first Kannada film release of 2026, Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige began its theatrical journey with limited screens, given that the filmmaker is only on his second directorial and the lead actor a newbie. Directed by Hondisi Bareyiri maker Ramenahalli Jagannatha, Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige received fairly positive reviews from critics, but struggled to draw crowds in the initial few days, which, he admits could be owing to a lack of publicity. “We did not have the wherewithal to go all out and promote the film and trusted that audiences would watch the film and spread the word,” he said in a video he posted on social media.

Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige lost shows after first week, but is bouncing back now

“Smaller films like Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige are almost entirely dependent on word-of-mouth publicity from audiences. We have lost more than half our screens in Bengaluru, but the positive response from audiences has begun trickling down to others and even those limited shows went houseful on Saturday, owing to which, we’ve got 2 additional shows. In fact, we are expecting more shows to be added for Sunday (January 11) at multiplexes, as well as a few single-screen halls,” Jagannatha added, extending gratitude to audiences who placed faith in his content.

The filmmaker, however, also says that with films like his, sustaining in theatres is possible only if audiences watch it in the first couple of days. “For exhibitors, it’s a business and they look at the occupancy and if it is working out for them. If my footfalls on a particular day are low, even if I am confident of filling the same hall two days later, they will remove the show. They don’t care about the content. My request to audiences is that when a film like this with a relatively new star cast comes out, instead of pushing their plans ahead to several days later, they should do so in the opening weekend. That’s the only way to retain screens and shows,” he told Pratidvani.

Also read: Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige: Hondisi Bareyiri maker’s next to be first Kannada release of 2026 

Jagannatha says that after the first three days’ box office response he was worried that Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige, like Hondisi Bareyiri, would find its audience only after the OTT outing, but the improved occupancy at the start of the weekend has given him hope that all is not lost yet. The film stars newcomer Nihar, along with Sithara, Rachana Inder, Rajesh Nataranga, Ravindra Vijay, Ajith Hande, Giri Shivanna, among others.

Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige FAQs

Q. What is Ramenahalli Jagannatha's claim to fame?

A. Ramenahalli Jagannatha's claim to fame is the coming-of-age drama Hondisi Bareyiri, which did well during its OTT stint. 

Q. Who is on the cast of Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige?

A. Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige stars Nihar, Ravindra Vijay, Sithara, Rachana Inder, Rajesh Nataranga, among others. 

Q. Where to watch Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige?

A. Theertharoopa Thandeyavarige is currently in theatres, having released on January 1, 2026, as the first Kannada film of the year.