Uttarakaanda (film)

Uttarakaanda is an upcoming Indian Kannada-language action drama film written and directed by Rohit Padaki. It stars Dhananjaya and Aishwarya Rajesh in lead roles and Shiva Rajkumar, Bhavana Menon, Vijay Babu, Yogaraj Bhat, Rangayana Raghu, Chaithra J. Achar, Umashree, Diganth, and Gopal Krishna Deshpande in supporting roles. The music has been composed by Amit Trivedi in his Kannada debut, while Advaitha Gurumurthy handles the cinematography.

The film is set in North Karnataka.

Cast

 * Dhananjaya as Gabru Satya
 * Aishwarya Rajesh as Durgi
 * Shiva Rajkumar as Maalika
 * Bhavana as Veeravva
 * Diganth as Mirchi Mallige
 * Vijay Babu as Torrino
 * Yogaraj Bhat as Patila
 * Rangayana Raghu as Bande Kaaka
 * Umashree as Pandari Bai
 * Chaithra J. Achar as Lacchi
 * Gopal Krishna Deshpande as Dharma

Pre Production
After their successful collaboration in the film Rathnan Prapancha, Rohit Padaki and KRG Studios announced their next film titled "Uttarakaanda" on 16 June 2022. However, only a technical team was announced with Charanraj, Swamy, Deepu S Kumar, and Vishwas handling the music, cinematography, editing, and artwork, respectively. Most of the team was changed before the filming began.

Casting
It was rumored that Dhananjaya or Shivarajkumar would headline the project with the former having more chances for leading the project. All the rumors were laid to rest when the team released the first look on the occasion of Dhananjaya's birthday in 2022. Later, in November of the same year, there were many reports of Shivarajkumar and Ramya also being part of the cast. The team then officially confirmed their presence for the former and the actress' presence was confirmed through a social media post. But the actress later announced that she would not be part of the film owing to date issues. It was also reported that Atul Kulkarni was roped in to play a role in the film. The team also conducted an audition for the supporting and other background actors in and around North Karnataka

After the filming began in April 2024, further cast details were revealed over the following days with their first-look posters. Chaithra Achar who has proved her mettle in the movies Saptha Sagaradache Ello, Toby, Gilky was roped in to play Lacchi. Malayalam filmmaker Vijay Babu was cast in the role of Torrino. Diganth was chosen to play Mallige, a character distinct from his previous roles. Director Yograj Bhat as Patil, and veteran and accomplished actors Rangayana Raghu and Gopal Krishna Deshpande were cast as Bande Kaaka and Dharma, respectively. National award-winning actress Umashree was on-boarded to play the role of Pandari Bai. The movie marked her second collaboration with the director after their successful film Rathnan Prapancha. Finally, Aishwarya rajesh was announced as the female lead owing to the vacancy as Ramya backed out of the project. The film marks her debut in Kannada cinema who has worked in various roles in the South Indian films. It is also reported that actress Bhavana Menon is also included in the cast and is said to be paired opposite Shivarajkumar as they have proved to be a successful onscreen pair.

Filming
The shooting of the film began in mid-April 2024. It is said to take place majorly in North Karnataka and in real locations were the story is set.

Soundtrack
Initially, Charanraj was said to compose the music for the film. He also composed the background score for the first look teaser which also received positive feedback from the audience. Later, Amit Trivedi was brought on board to compose the music, thereby making his Kannada debut.

Marketing
The first look of the film was released on 23 August 2022 on the occasion of the lead actor's birthday. A year later on the actor's birthday, the first look teaser was released which was well received.