S Shyam Prasad
The filming of the much-awaited movie ‘45’ has officially wrapped up, marking a major milestone for this pan-Indian project that has been generating buzz since its inception. Starring industry stalwarts like Dr. Shivarajkumar, ‘Real Star’ Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty, the film is helmed by acclaimed music director Arjun Janya, making his directorial debut, and is produced under the Suraj Productions banner by Mrs. Uma Ramesh Reddy.
In a recent press conference organized to provide updates on the project, the cast and crew shared their experiences and thoughts on the film’s progress. The event began with a special felicitation ceremony where producer Ramesh Reddy honored Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty, acknowledging their significant contributions to the project.
Speaking first, Dr. Shivarajkumar expressed his excitement: ‘I am thrilled to be a part of ‘45.’ It’s not just another film—three of us coming together on the big screen is an experience to cherish. There’s no question of who’s ahead or behind here; we are a team. I’ve always been ready to act alongside Upendra, and it was a joy working with Raj B. Shetty as well. Arjun Janya’s direction doesn’t feel like a debut effort—it’s extraordinary. Ramesh Reddy’s production has been grand, and the action sequences choreographed by Ravi Verma will undoubtedly captivate audiences. ‘45’ is set to be a film that will impress movie lovers across India,’ he remarked.
Upendra, reflecting on the innovative storytelling techniques, said: ‘I’ve heard of animated storytelling only in Hollywood, but Arjun Janya has made it a reality in Kannada cinema. Not only did he use animation to convey the story, but he also translated that vision into the film itself. It’s a delight to have Ramesh Reddy support this vision. Working with Shivarajkumar and Raj B. Shetty was immensely satisfying. The shoot has now wrapped up, and I eagerly look forward to seeing it on the big screen.’
Adding his thoughts, Raj B. Shetty, visibly humbled, said: ‘I’ve always been a fan—watching Shivanna’s films and whistling in theaters, and being awestruck by Upendra’s ‘A’ posters. To now share the screen with them is truly a blessing. ‘45’ is a film that will make every Kannadiga proud, and I am proud to have been a part of it.’
Arjun Janya, with gratitude, likened the movie to a temple: ‘If ‘45’ is a temple, then Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty are like Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara, and Ramesh Reddy is the one who built this temple. Satya Hegde, our cinematographer, is the chief priest. Thanks to the collective efforts of this team, we’ve successfully wrapped up 106 days of shooting. Now, the focus shifts to the CG work,’ he added.
Producer Ramesh Reddy echoed his pride and satisfaction: ‘When Arjun narrated the story, he had initially planned to visualize it through animation. After seeing the animated version, I was convinced that this would be a landmark film. Despite initial concerns about how a first-time director might handle such a grand project, Arjun has surpassed all expectations. Every scene he shared boosted my confidence. With talents like Shivarajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty, I believe ‘45’ will resonate not only in Karnataka but also across India.’
Cinematographer Satya Hegde also shared insights into the technical aspects of the project, highlighting the visual grandeur that audiences can expect.
With the shoot now complete and post-production underway, ‘45’ is shaping up to be a cinematic masterpiece that fans are eagerly anticipating. Stay tuned as this film readies itself for a grand release, promising to redefine the action genre in Indian cinema.
