Darshan takes an indirect dig at non-Kannada movies releasing around his ‘Kaatera’

Dunki will be released in theatres on 21 December and Salaar on 22 December, whereas Darshan’s Kaatera will be released on 29 December.

They should fear, not us: Darshan

Darshan interacting with the media. (Supplied)

Sandalwood has been facing stiff competition from non-Kannada films for ages.

With Dunki and Salaar hitting the marquee around the same time, the timing of the release of Kaatera has been in the news for some time.

Though KGF (2018 & 22) and Kantara(2022) broke the shackles and expanded beyond boundaries, non-Kannada movies managed to make good business in the state.

“Others (non-Kannada films) should fear when they are coming here (Karnataka). If not, one may have to doubt whether there are Kannadigas here. However, Kannadigas have always appreciated and accepted Kannada films with good content and making,” Darshan pointed out.

He added, “Moreover, Kaatera is not a pan-India film but a pure Kannada movie made for the Kannada audience.”

Specialities of Kaatera

A poster of the film ‘Kaatera’. (Supplied)

None other than Darshan suggested the title for the film, which signifies strength from a goddess name.

Also, the Kannada flick is based on a real-life incident set in the 1970s and depicts a farmer’s life in an emotional way but with a touch of action thriller.

“When I make a movie, many assume that my character will make a grand entry in an extravagant scene, song or through an action-packed fighting sequence. But in Kaatera, audiences have to wait for 20 minutes from the start of the movie for the first song and another 20 minutes for the first fight sequence,” the actor revealed.

He explained that the quality of content packed in Kaatera has ample space for everyone portraying characters to showcase their skills.

For the first time, Darshan will be seen performing some unique fighting sequences in Kaatera.

“There are three fighting sequences in the film — in the first scene, I use both my hands; in the second, I use only one hand; in the final sequence, I don’t use my hands. It was challenging but this is just a glimpse of many such specialities in the film,” Darshan added.

A proud feeling

Director Tharun Kishore Sudhir expressed that Kaatera is a project which will make every Kannadiga prouder.

“Everyone was sceptical as to whether one month was enough to reach out to the audience since the announcement of the release date. However, when I have Challenging Star on my side, every challenge can be challenged,” the filmmaker said.

Tharun Kishore added, “It was like walking on a tightrope, and eventually, we managed to blend content and commercial aspects in the film. There will be a huge surprise in the trailer, which will be released on 16 December.”

Countdown has started..One Day to go for Trailer…Two weeks for movie!
Kaatera storm is arriving🔥#Kaatera Grand Trailer Launch Event at Hubli on Dec16#KaateraStormFromDec29#KaateraTrailerDec16 @TharunSudhir @RocklineEnt @Aradhanaa_r @harimonium @aanandaaudio pic.twitter.com/JNUDrnXhJj

— Darshan Thoogudeepa (@dasadarshan) December 15, 2023

Tharun helmed Darshan in Robbert (2021). He revealed that the Challenging Star pulled off the fight sequences without rehearsals.

“I know that Tamil actor Vijay sir is a master when it comes to his dancing skills. He observes the choreography and then dances exactly and even better than the choreographer without rehearsals. In the case of Darshan sir, he does it with fight sequences.”

Produced by Rockline Venkatesh, Kaatera also marks the debut of Aradhanaa Ram, the daughter of actress Malashree and renowned Kannada film producer late Ramu.

Vijanath Biradar, Padma Vasanthi, Shruthi, National Award-winning child actor master Rohit, Avinash, and Kumar Govind and theatre artists from the Ninasam Theatre Group are a part of the movie.