With Surya gearing up to arrive in theatres this week as a Sankranthi special, the team behind the film is hopeful that audiences will connect with its emotional love story rooted in everyday struggles. Produced under Nandi Cinemas by Belagavi-based brothers Basavaraj Benne and Ravi Benne, the film will release on January 15.
Director Sagar Das, who has also written the story and screenplay, says the film is designed to be engaging while carrying emotional depth.
“We’ve made this as an entertainer, but there is emotion and meaning in it too. Though we mentioned that the film has a North Karnataka flavour, the story is actually set in Bengaluru. Only Pramod Shetty’s character speaks that dialect,” he explains.
The narrative is set around three decades ago, yet the emotions remain contemporary. “The story happens 30 years back, but the love, conflicts and decisions are very relatable even for today’s generation. That connection is what we were aiming for,” Sagar adds.
Actor Ravishankar, who plays a key role in the film, says he came on board after being convinced about the script.
“For a first-time production, they have made a very sincere film. Sagar came with strong content and clarity. After College Kumar, I am again acting with Shruti, and that was another happy factor,” he says.
He also hints at the emotional weight the film carries in the latter half.
“The climax is very emotional, and the second half has intense scenes. It’s an emotional love story, and I think audiences who like strong drama will connect with it.”
Lead actor Prashanth, who plays Surya, describes his character as a fighter in every sense.
“He is a boy who grows up in a slum. Once he falls in love, he does everything he can to protect that relationship. At the same time, he is also fighting to achieve his dreams. That struggle is the heart of the film,” he says, adding that the viral response to the trailer has boosted the team’s confidence.
Female lead Harshita says the film explores love from a young woman’s point of view as well.
“It talks about the choices a college-going girl makes when it comes to love. I also really love the song that was recently released — it’s my favourite from the film. Working with senior actors like Ravishankar sir and Shruti ma’am was a great learning experience.”
The film has been shot across North Karnataka, Bengaluru and its surrounding regions, and Pune, giving it both local flavour and urban texture.
Sagar Das, who earlier worked as an assistant director with B Suresh, marks an important milestone with Surya as writer-director. Music for the film’s five songs is composed by Sri Shastri, with lyrics penned by Bahadur Chethan, Yogaraj Bhat, and the director himself.
With cinematography by Manuraj, dialogues by Manikanth KV, and action choreography by Narasimha, the film also features Pramod Shetty, Shruti, Armugam Ravishankar, TS Nagabharana, Bala Rajawadi, Bhajarangi Prasanna, Kunkum Harihar, Deepika, and Kaddipudi Chandru in supporting roles.