Darshan is currently facing trial in the Renukaswamy case. Amid this, distributor Shankar has announced the re-release of the actor’s 2005 hit, Shastri, this week. Directed by PN Satya, Shastri is an action-packed gangster film that tells the story of a medical student named Shastri. Due to unfortunate circumstances, he gets entangled in the underworld. Despite his criminal ties, Shastri becomes a benevolent figure who helps the poor and oppressed, provoking the wrath of several ruthless dons. The film also features a romantic subplot with Manya playing Kanaka, a wealthy and arrogant girl who was previously rejected by Shastri.
Speaking to a section of the media, Shankar clarified that the re-release has no connection to Darshan’s current legal issues. He explained that there are no new Kannada film releases this week, apart from Kamal Haasan’s Indian 2, directed by Shankar. This gap presented an opportunity to re-release Shastri in a few available theaters.
Shankar also expressed concern about some Kannada stars shifting their focus to pan-India films at the expense of the Kannada film industry. He noted that some actors, who initially gained fame through Kannada cinema, are now prioritizing pan-Indian projects, neglecting the local industry. Shankar reminisced about the days when icons like Rajkumar and Vishnuvardhan would release new films every three months, ensuring steady employment for many. He highlighted the positive impact of regular Kannada film releases, pointing to the release of Darshan’s Kaatera in December 2023, which reopened 80 theaters and provided jobs for 500 people across various venues.
