Mangaluru: Tulu film Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983), produced under the banner of Prajwal Films and directed by Keerthan Bhandary, is receiving an encouraging response from audiences following its theatrical release on May 22. The film, which revolves around cricket and the lives of players, has been attracting moviegoers across several centres in coastal Karnataka.
The movie has been released in multiple locations, including Mangaluru, Surathkal, Padubidri, Udupi, Kundapur, Manipal, Karkala, Puttur, Beltangady and Deralakatte, among other towns. The positive response has been seen as a boost for the Tulu film industry, which continues to produce content rooted in local culture and regional storytelling.
Cricket forms the heart of the story
Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) is centred on cricket and explores the lives, aspirations and challenges faced by players. The film combines sports drama with elements of humour, romance and emotional storytelling.
According to the makers, the narrative goes beyond cricket and highlights social issues while portraying the strong bond that develops among players and communities through the sport.
The film seeks to connect with audiences through relatable characters, local settings and a storyline that reflects the passion for cricket often seen in villages and towns across coastal Karnataka.
Keerthan Bhandary handles story, screenplay and direction
The film has been written and directed by Keerthan Bhandary, who has also penned the screenplay. By handling multiple creative responsibilities, Bhandary has attempted to present a cohesive narrative that balances entertainment with a meaningful message.
The director has woven together different aspects of life, including friendship, ambition, love and social responsibility, while keeping cricket as the central theme.
The film’s title, Jantottu Since 1983, references the backdrop of a local cricketing culture that has evolved over decades, adding a nostalgic element to the story.
Producer Prajwal Shetty plays lead role
Producer Prajwal Shetty has taken on the lead role in the film while also backing the project under the Prajwal Films banner.
His performance anchors the narrative, which follows the journey of characters connected through their love for cricket. The film marks another effort by local filmmakers to create content that resonates with regional audiences while showcasing the talent available within the Tulu film industry.
The makers believe that the combination of sports, comedy and emotional drama has helped attract audiences of different age groups.
Ensemble cast adds strength to the film
The movie features a large ensemble cast comprising several well-known artistes from the Tulu entertainment industry.
Actors Vineeth Kumar, Naveen D Padil, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Deepak Rai Panaje, Prakash Tuminadu and Umesh Mijar play important roles in the film.
The cast also includes Anvitha Sagar, Samatha Ameen, Sarvotham Shetty Abu Dhabi, Walter Nandalike, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Pushparaj Bollur, Roopa Varkady, Lanchulal, Sachin Mad, James Mendonsa and Karan Poojary, among many others.
The presence of experienced comedians and character actors has contributed to the film’s entertainment value and helped create a strong connection with audiences familiar with Tulu cinema.
Positive response for regional cinema
The encouraging reception received by Gajanana Cricketers highlights the continued popularity of regional films that reflect local culture, language and traditions.
Tulu cinema has witnessed steady growth over the years, with filmmakers increasingly exploring diverse themes while maintaining a strong cultural identity. Sports-based stories remain relatively rare in the industry, making the film a distinctive addition to recent Tulu releases.
Industry observers believe the film’s success could encourage more producers and directors to experiment with fresh subjects and larger-scale productions in the future.
Conclusion
With its blend of cricket, humour, romance and social messaging, Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983) has struck a chord with audiences across coastal Karnataka. Backed by a talented cast and crew, the film continues to draw viewers to theatres, offering another positive chapter for the growing Tulu film industry.
