The scoreboard looks promising for Brat. The Shashank-directed film opened its innings on October 31, with confidence, and has collected over ₹3 crore within three days of release. Backed by Manjunath Kandkur’s Dolphin Entertainment, the youthful commercial entertainer, has held its ground with strong weekend numbers and steady word-of-mouth. Celebrating the early success, the team gathered with fans and media, marking a well-earned moment of joy.
At the event, a special video tribute showcased how audiences have embraced Krishna’s refreshing transformation as Kristy in Brat. The actor, known for his versatility, was visibly moved by the response and said that the film helped him rediscover himself.
“Everything about Brat, from the mannerisms, dialogue, and dance was different, and full credit goes to Shashank, who wanted to present me in a new light. My family told me this is my best performance so far. Even Milana said she fell in love with me all over again after watching Brat. It was challenging to maintain my physique and get the attitude right, but fans’ appreciation has made it all worthwhile.” shares Krishna.
Krishna described Brat as a mix of mass appeal and emotion. “While Kousalya Supraja Rama was a different kind of entertainer, Brat carries shades of grey in my character. It is pure entertainment. Every frame looks rich because of producer Manjunath Kandkur’s support,” he said.
He also praised his co-stars. “Dragon Manju as Dollar Mani has become a youth favourite, especially among women. Manisha has made a great start, and I am sure her career will grow. Ramesh Indira, and Achyuth Kumar brought depth to the story. Brat might look like a youthful entertainer, but it has been embraced by families too,” he added.
Producer Manjunath Kandkur expressed his happiness over the success. “I feel proud to have produced Brat. Shashank has delivered a true masterpiece. Krishna’s makeover is being appreciated everywhere, and Dragon Manju has become a celebrity overnight. The audience weren't bored for even a second. I thank all the technicians, and Arjun Janya for the music and background score that added so much energy. We plan to continue working with this amazing team,” he said.
Director Shashank revealed that Brat was inspired by real incidents and involved detailed research. “The story is based on real experiences. Characters like Dollar Mani exist in society. I wanted to explore human emotions through them. The film was made to entertain, not to preach. Cinema is about emotion, not messages. Krishna’s makeover was the biggest challenge, but he worked hard and lived the part. The result speaks for itself,” he explained.
He added that Brat breaks the usual pattern. “We wrote the screenplay in a non-linear format, which made the climax unpredictable. Some people had doubts about the concept, but I wanted to try something new. From the first show, the response was double what we expected. The audience’s support is our biggest win.”
Dialogue writer Yadhunandan shared insights into the creative process. “We went through 17 drafts before finalising the script. Betting among youngsters is common, but we wanted to present it in a fun and layered way. Dragon Manju’s character became a major highlight. Brat 2 will definitely have room for him,” he said.
Cinematographer Abhilash Kalathi, working with Shashank for the third time, called the success a proud moment. “Working with Shashank is like being in a classroom. The visuals, colour tone, and energy of the film connected with audiences,” he said.
Dragon Manju, who has become an overnight sensation, credited the Kannada audience for their faith. “They made Brat a winner. Everyone had doubts initially, but we trusted Shashank. Learning English lines and getting into the skin of Dollar Mani was challenging but rewarding,” he said.
Debutant Manisha Kandkur, who plays the female lead, shared her excitement. “I was nervous before the release but the love I have received is heartwarming. The song 'Naane Neena' became so popular. Krishna and Shashank guided me throughout. It was a memorable experience,” she said.
As Krishna concluded, “The success belongs to the people. They believed in us, and this result is their blessing.”
With strong word-of-mouth and rising collections, Brat continues to attract crowds across Karnataka. The makers now plan to release the film in Telugu after completing local distribution work. In Shashank’s words, “We made Brat for the audience to enjoy. They have embraced it with open arms, and that is our biggest victory.”
