December was the most anticipated month for the Kannada film industry, but it ended up being a mixed bag as fans learned the harsh reality that movies featuring superstars don’t necessarily guarantee high quality. People thronged to theatres to watch Darshan’s The Devil, Mark, starring Sudeep, and 45, headlined by Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty; however, all three marquee movies failed to meet their expectations.
The Devil, released on December 11, squandered an opportunity to make a gripping dual-role action thriller thanks to an archaic treatment. Darshan’s massive fanbase — unperturbed by his arrest for the alleged murder of Chitradurga resident Renukaswamy — ensured a terrific opening for the movie. That said, the actor’s dwindling reputation following the arrest will have an impact on the overall box office result.
45, the directorial debut of music composer Arjun Janya, is an ambitious misfire. The director lacked clarity on what he wanted to say, as ideas such as the Garuda Purana, social responsibility, divine power, and life after death got lost in a convoluted narrative structure. The film’s star power salvaged its uneven form. Sudeep, in an attempt to release one film a year, ensured Mark hit the screens exactly a year after Max. However, the film had suffered from a strong hangover from Max. Despite being technically solid, the movie was a dull ride due to convenient writing.
The year reiterated the fact that there is a strong disconnect between yesteryear filmmakers and today’s audience. Yogaraj Bhat, once a master of attracting youth to theatres, made Manada Kadalu, a love triangle that failed to impress youngsters. Nagashekar attempted to revive his career with Sanju Weds Geetha 2, a second instalment to the 2011 musical hit. Upset with the terrible reception, the director released a trimmed version again, only to be ignored the second time as well.
‘Simple Suni’, who broke through with Simple Agi Ondh Love Story, a trendy love story in 2013, is struggling to understand the pulse of the audience as his Gatha Vaibhava, a reincarnation romantic drama, tanked at the box office. Interestingly, social media was also abuzz with filmmakers and producers blaming people for not turning up to theatres to support Kannada movies.
Some debutant filmmakers made a mark, proving why it’s important to evolve from outdated filmmaking approaches. Keshav Moorthy’s Nimma Vasthugalige Neeve Javaabdaararu (on Sun NXT) explored the vulnerabilities of human behaviour, while Kuldeep Cariappa’s Nodidavaru Enantare (Prime Video) was a poignant tale of a man’s quest to find himself. Hebbuli Cut, from Bheemrao, was a sharp narrative on caste bias, while Green Girl discussed the socio-political implications of forbidden love.
In a largely dull year, Sandalwood flexed some box office might with JP Thuminad’s Su From So, a hilarious horror comedy with a big heart, and Rishab Shetty’s prequel Kantara: Chapter 1, which, despite lacking the novelty of its first part, scored big on production and entertainment values. Debutant Punit Rangaswamy’s edge-of-the-seat thriller Elumalealso set the cash registers ringing. In an encouraging sign, gifted actors such as Dheekshith Shetty (Telugu movie The Girlfriend) and Chaithra Achar (3BHK, Tamil) shone bright by exploring other language industries.
ALSO READ: Arvind Kashyap interview: Inside the epic world of Rishab Shetty’s ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’
2025 also saw filmmakers taking the legal route against “negative and malicious reviews.” If only they put extra effort into the script and do the basics right, success and love from the audience will inevitably follow. It remains to be seen if fans and makers have a harmonious relationship in 2026.
Published – December 31, 2025 01:00 pm IST
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