Daredevil Musthafa

Daredevil Musthafa Mattu Ramanuja Iyengari Patalam is a 2023 Indian Kannada-language comedy-drama film directed by debutant Shashank Soghal. The film is based on Poornachandra Tejaswi's short story of the same name from Abachoorina Post Office. It was produced by more than 100 fans of writer Tejaswi. The film stars an ensemble cast of Shishir Baikady, Aditya Ashree, Abhay, Supreeth Bharadwaj, Aashith, Srivatsa, Prerana, M. S. Umesh, Mandya Ramesh, Mysore Anand, Sunder Veena, Harini Srikanth, Nagabhushana, Poornachandra Mysuru, Vijay Shobhraj, Chaithra Shetty, Karthik Pattar, Krishnegowda and Mahadeva Prasad.

Plot
The goal of Ramanuja Iyengari and his gang is to expel Musthafa from the college. After a series of entertaining escapades, everyone's fate will be decided in a thrilling cricket match.

Production
When Shashank Soghal, a short film maker who was inspired by Poornachandra Tejaswi's short story, couldn't find producers for his intended directorial debut with the story Daredevil Musthafa, he turned to crowdfunding to raise the money. Both Aditya Ashree and Shishir Baikady, who come from theater backgrounds, reduced their weight to fit their characters as college students. The film was shot at Hardwick High School and College, while some scenes were shot in Melukote and Madikeri. The filming was completed within sixty days. The cinematography of the film was done by Rahul Roy and the editing of the film was done by Rahul Roy, Sharath Vashisht and Harish Komme. The trailer for the film was released on 4 May 2023.

Music
The music of the film was composed by Navaneeth Sham and released under PRK audio label.

Release
The film was theatrically released on 19 May 2023. It ran for over 50 days in few theatres across the state.

Home media
Online streaming rights to the film were acquired by Amazon Prime Video.

Reception
Siddaramaiah, the chief minister of Karnataka, has granted tax exemption for the film and posted a message on social media congratulating the cast and crew for all of their work. Marking the one year anniversary of the film, the director released the screenplay of the film in form of book.

Critical reception
The film received positive reviews from critics and audience.

Harish Basavarajaiah of The Times of India gave it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Daredevil is one of the best literary adaptations in Sandalwood in recent times and will surely be remembered as a classic in the years to come." Latha Srinivasan of India Today gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "It is a contemporary classic because it is an entertaining college drama with a religious twist."

Vivek M. V. of The Hindu wrote, "an entertaining college drama that does justice to Poornachandra Tejaswi’s famous short story" Subha J. Rao of The News Minute gave it 4 out of 5 stars noting its "a wholesome, precious watch in today’s world filled with division and hate."

Prathibha Joy of OTTplay gave it 4 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Daredevil Musthafa was a pleasant and heart-warming surprise, although, at two hours and 40 minutes, Shashank’s adaptation of the short story felt a tad too long drawn out." A. Sharadhaa of Cinema Express gave it 3.5 out of 5 stars and wrote, "Daredevil Musthafa promotes communal harmony is a treat to watch." Shashiprasad S. M. of The South First gave the film 4 out of 5 stars noting its "a must-see even if you haven’t read Tejaswi’s work and more so if you have!"