Producer Pushkar Mallikarjunaiah, who has bankrolled films such as Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu, Kirik Party, and Humble Politician Nograj, is all set to become a distributor with Avane Srimannarayana, which he has jointly produced with HK Prakash.

Starring Rakshit Shetty, the big-budget film helmed by debutant director Sachin Ravi, will get a simultaneous release in five languages, including Hindi, towards the end of November. Pushkar Films will take up the distribution worldwide, including in Karnataka.

The producer says his entry into film distribution is a calculated move. “In 2019-2020, we have at least 10 films coming up from our production house, starting from Avane Srimannarayana. After this film is released by the end of November, Bheema Sena Nalla Maharaja will be out in December, followed by Avatar Purusha in January, and then a film with Vinay Rajkumar, which is currently rolling. We have also tied up with Senna Hegde for a Malayalam film. Then there is 777 Charlie, directed by Kiranraj, which we plan to release in June. Apart from these six films that are currently on floors, we are preparing to produce three more projects. With so many projects coming from our banner, we felt in-house distribution would work to our benefit. This will help us keep control over decisions like release dates, the number of theatres, etc.”

As a producer and distributor, who is also preparing for his acting debut, Pushkar says he wants to help promote and market quality films, and encourage new filmmakers. His inspiration comes from producer-distributor Jayanna, with whom he has been associated on all his films so far. “I will always have his guidance. We also are collaborating with Mohan Films, which is partnering with our distribution house,” says Pushkar.