Time travel, mystery, and an emotional core are the elements of Prajwal Devaraj's long-gestating film Gana, which is finally seeing its theatrical release on January 31. Interestingly, this will be the first release in 2025 for the actor, who did not have a single release last year. According to the makers, this film revolves around a landline phone that connects two timelines: 1993 and the present day. It stars Vedhika and Yasha Shivakumar as the female leads.
For producer Parthu, Gana marks his first venture to Sandalwood. Hailing from Telugu cinema, he is making his Kannada debut under the Cherry Creations banner. “I have followed Kannada films closely, and I admire how the industry balances content-driven storytelling and commercial appeal. I was drawn to the idea of Gana because it’s not just a time-travel thriller—it has depth, emotion, and entertainment. This is my first Kannada production, and if the audience embraces it, I am eager to invest more in Kannada cinema,” he shares.
Parthu firmly believes that Gana has all the ingredients to be a unique film. “Time-travel is a rare concept in Indian cinema, and our story unfolds in a way that keeps the audience engaged. The mother-son bond is the emotional core of the film. While the narrative plays with science fiction, the emotions remain real and relatable,” he adds.
Helming the project is Hariprasad Jakka, a filmmaker with a strong Telugu background. Having worked closely with Pushpa 2 director Sukumar, Hariprasad brings a distinct cinematic vision to his first Kannada venture. “I’ve always been fascinated by stories that challenge conventional storytelling. Gana was that challenge—it’s a film that plays with time but is deeply rooted in human emotions,” he explains.
The film's execution required painstaking attention to detail, especially in terms of the depiction of the two timelines. “We didn’t want the transitions between 1993 and the present to feel forced. It had to be organic. That’s why we paid special attention to the set designs, costumes, and overall visual tone to make the contrast between the two eras feel seamless,” he says.
The journey of Gana wasn’t easy. The film was shot over 75 days across Bengaluru and Mysore, with a meticulous focus on quality and storytelling. “We didn’t want to rush the process. Every scene had to serve a purpose, whether it was driving the story forward or establishing the emotional weight of the narrative,” Hariprasad shares.
Another highlight of Gana is its music, composed by Anoop Seelin. “Music plays a crucial role in time-travel films. It has to capture the essence of two different timelines while maintaining a cohesive feel. Four songs are in the film, and three have already been released under Saregama Kannada. The response has been fantastic,” says Parthu.
Despite its experimental premise, Gana doesn’t shy away from commercial elements, the makers say. “We made sure the film has something for every kind of viewer. Whether you love action, thrill, or emotional drama, there’s something in it for you, it’s a family entertainer with a unique twist,” says the producer, who is rolling out Gana in over 200 screens in Karnataka.