Much awaited Tulu movie Gajanana Cricketers set for worldwide release in January 2026

Much awaited Tulu movie Gajanana Cricketers set for worldwide release in January 2026

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru / Dubai, Sep 3, 2025: The much-awaited Tulu film Gajanana Cricketers (Jantottu Since 1983), produced under the banner of Prajwal Films, is set for release in January 2026 across Karnataka and overseas. The film is produced by Prajwal Shetty and directed by Keerthan Bhandari.

Billed as a big-budget venture in Tulu cinema, the movie is based on cricket and the lives of players, interwoven with humor, romance, and a strong social message. The story, screenplay, and direction are by Keerthan Bhandari, who makes his directorial debut with this film. A major portion of the shooting took place in and around Mangaluru. Producer Prajwal Shetty also plays a lead role.

 

 

 

 

 

The cast features Vineeth Kumar, Naveen D. Padil, Arvind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Deepak Rai Panaje, Prakash Tuminaadu, Umesh Mijar, Samatha Amin, Anvita Sagar, Sarvotham Shetty, Walter Nandalike, Roopa Varkadi, Lanchu Lal, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, Pushparaj Bollaru, Sachin Mada, James Mendonca and Karan Poojary, among others.

Cinematography is by Vinuth K. Suvarna, with editing by Sujay Shivaram and Kaushik Bhandari. Lyrics are by director Keerthan Bhandari, who has earlier written more than 25 songs for Tulu and Kannada films. Music is composed by Srujan Kumar Thonse. Co-producers are Rohan Pereira (Vamanjoor) and Santosh Lad.

The teaser was recently released on social media and has drawn strong viewer appreciation, with many calling it a refreshing development for Tulu cinema.

Grand Audio Launch - in Dubai!

 

A grand audio launch was held on August 24, 2025, at Fisherman’s Hub, TIME Oak Hotel, TECOM Dubai. Renowned playback singer Vijay Prakash released the audio and sang a soulful track from the film in his melodious voice. The event was attended by more than 150 guests, including B. R. Shetty, Sarvotham Shetty (Abu Dhabi), Harish Sherigar, Pratap Mendonca, James Mendonca, Sudarshan Hegde and Hidayath Adoor.

Premiere Shows Abroad

Ahead of the release, premiere shows will be held across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other countries from November 22, 2025. According to producer Prajwal Shetty, the team is working toward a worldwide release of Gajanana Cricketers in January 2026.