Composer Arjun Janya steps into direction with 45, and the trailer, released on Anand Audio, hints at a story that goes beyond its star cast, where every choice carries weight, belief, and an unspoken moral order. Scheduled for release in multiple languages, 45 has audiences eagerly counting down to this cinematic experience.
The trailer starts with a quiet reflection on life itself. It shows a birth date, a death date, and the narrow space in between. This simple framing sets the tone for what is to come. The film hints at an ancient moral structure where actions do not end with the body. It suggests that life continues to be judged even after it seems to end. The implication is subtle but firm, giving the trailer a thoughtful quality.
Bringing together Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B Shetty, 45 places three different energies within this philosophical context. Upendra’s voice gives the trailer a reflective depth, presenting the story as one shaped by choice and consequence. His role feels like that of a narrator guiding the audience through a moral landscape. Raj B Shetty appears as a relatable, everyday character, indicating the human cost when things are out of balance. His scenes feel grounded and personal.
One of the trailer’s most striking moments comes when Shivarajkumar appears in a female avatar, dressed in red Bharatanatyam attire. The look immediately stands apart from the rest of the footage. Presented without explanation, the transformation adds layers of intrigue, suggesting themes of duality, judgment, and transformation. The implication is subtle but clear: identity in 45 may extend beyond the physical.
The trailer intentionally avoids laying out the plot. Instead, it delivers bits of stylized violence, symbolic imagery, and a controlled intensity. These visuals point to a moral universe where unseen forces are always at play. The approach feels calculated, prioritizing atmosphere and suggestion over straightforward clarity.
Directed by Arjun Janya, who has composed music for over 150 films, 45 marks his first feature film as a director. Produced by Ramesh Reddy under the Suraj Productions banner, it boasts a strong technical team, with Satya Hegde as the cinematographer. The film is being presented as a high-concept mainstream release. The buzz indicates that many narrative twists have been intentionally kept under wraps, with the trailer acting as an introduction rather than a complete reveal.
The film, rated U/A, is set for a nationwide release in five languages on December 25.
