Four decades after the iconic 1980s Kannada superhit Guri starring the legendary Dr Rajkumar, a film bearing the same title returns to the screen — but this time with a new voice, a different heart, and a strikingly relevant message. Titled Guri, with the English tagline - I Love My School, the film is a tribute to education, childhood resilience, and the power of community.
Produced under the Vishnu Durga Production banner by Radhika SR and Chitralekha S, Guri is a deeply personal and ambitious project helmed by Selvam Madappan. Taking on the roles of writer, director, cinematographer, and screenwriter, Selvam brings over 15 years of experience in the Kannada film industry to this passion project that stemmed from a real-life incident
“While visiting Teralli Betta near Kolar, I came across a government school that had been shut down. Children were playing in a nearby pond with their teachers — it moved me,” said Selvam. “When I spoke to locals and learned more, I knew I had to tell this story.”
The film centers on a couple of spirited Class 3 students who take a stand when their beloved government school faces permanent closure. Their protest, driven by innocence and determination, leads to unexpected triumph — a narrative that exposes the widening gap between public and private education systems.
“It’s a story of courage, innocence, and the will to make a difference,” Selvam added.
Child actors Mahanidhi and Jeevith Bhushan play the leads in the film, which also stars Achyuth Kumar, Jayashree, Ugram Manju, TS Nagabharana, Avinash, Pawan Kumar, and Chandraprabha. “There’s something deeply pure about this film — it’s not just cinema, it’s a slice of reality,” noted Achyuth Kumar.
Music for Guri is composed by Palani D Senapathi, with lyrics penned by V Manohar and Madhusudan. The film’s audio rights have been picked up by Lahari Velu’s MRT Music, a new player in the industry.