Looking Ahead: What to expect from Kannada cinema in 2020? The actors and trends in vogue in Sandalwood
Star-studded projects, promising newcomers, big budgets and bigger names... The new year promises all things glitter and glamour for Kannada cinema
Looks like 2020 will only get bigger and better for Sandalwood, with top stars slated to come out with at least a couple of films each, which will be released through the year.
Darshan, who rode high with three films in 2019, will begin 2020 with the release of Roberrt.
His other projects lined up for the year are Rajendra Singh Babu’s directorial, Raja Veera Madakari Nayaka, and Prakash Jayaram’s yet-to-be-titled project.
Yash will have just one release in 2020 -- KGF Chapter 2.
Puneeth Rajkumar, who had a solo release in 2019, is expected to have more than a couple of releases this year. The Power Star’s first film in 2020 will be Yuvarathnaa, where he plays a rugby player.
Puneeth's James, directed by Chethan Kumar, and D Satyaprakash’s yet-to-be-titled film with the actor are also in the pipeline.
For Sudeep, 2020 will begin with Kotigobba 3. The actor will then follow it with Phantom. He's also said to be planning his directorial venture by the end of 2020.
As for Shivarajkumar, Drona will hit theatres either in January or February, followed by Bhajarangi 2. The actor’s yet-to-be-titled project will go on the floor in February and will be another project
Upendra has more than a couple of films lined up for 2020, including Buddivanta 2, Kabza, Home Minister, Ravi Chandara, and a film directed by Shashank.
Dhruva Sarja will look forward to Pogaru, and a yet-to-be-titled project directed by Nanda Kishore.
Rakshit Shetty’s only release for 2020 will be 777 Charlie. The actor-director will also begin his directorial venture, Punyakoti.
Sriimurali fans can await Mahesh Kumar’s Madagaja and a yet-to-be-titled project to be directed by Dr Suri and produced by Prashanth Neel.
Ganesh is coming up with Gaalipata 2, followed with Trible Riding, and a project with director Suni.
Duniya Vijay’s Salaga is another film to look out for in 2020.
Director Suri is currently getting ready with his Suri Popcorn Monkey Tiger, which will star Dhananjay, who got popular as the antagonist, Daali, after Tagaru.
Suri, after completing the Dhananjay film, will move on to Kaage Bangara. He may also take up another project this year.
This apart, Kannada film industry’s busiest actors, Chiranjeevi Sarja and Prajwal Devaraj, will have at least a handsful of releases in 2020.
Notably, Roberrt, starring the Challenging Star, Power Star’s Yuvarathnaa, Kichcha’s Kotigobba 3, and Shivarajkumar’s Bhajarangi 2, along with Dhurva Sarja’s Pogaru, will all be releasing this summer.
The year 2020 will also have Real Star Upendra and director R Chandru coming back after I Love You. The duo will be working in the gangster film, Kabza.
Another interesting film to look forward to is Rishab Shetty’s directorial, Rudraprayag, which stars Anant Nag.
One of the fresh talents to look out for in 2020 will be Dheeren Rajkumar. The actor’s upcoming film, Shiva 143, will be released this year.
His sister, Dhanya Ramkumar, will also open her account this year, with her first film Ninna Sanihake slated to be out in 2020.
Also making a foray into the industry is Yuvarajkumar, who is gearing up for his launchpad, which will be announced in February this year.
Sudeep’s nephew, Sanchith Sanjeev, will also be striving to make his mark in films in 2020.
Zameer Ahmed Khan’s son, Zaid Khan, makes his debut, with Jayathirtha’s directorial Banaras.