KRG Studios
{{Short description|Indian film production company}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2025}}
{{Use Indian English|date=May 2025}}
KRG Studios is an Indian film production and distribution company based in Bengaluru, India. It primarily deals with the production and distribution of Kannada-language and non-Kannada films across Karnataka.{{Cite web|last=cinimirror|date=2019-08-10|title=New office for KRG Studios to create more hits|url=https://cinimirror.com/new-office-for-krg-studios-to-create-more-hits/|access-date=2021-11-12|website=Cini Mirror|language=en-US}}
Background
KRG Studios established its distribution business in 2017 by Karthik Gowda with Yogi G Raj, having distributed over 100+ films in Karnataka to date. In 2020, KRG Studios ventured into full-fledged production, from conceptualization to creation of feature films and also launched the KRG Connects movie marketing unit in the same year.{{Cite news|title=Producer Karthik Gowda on Sunday announced all about his latest venture |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/producer-karthik-gowda-on-sunday-announced-all-about-his-latest-venture/articleshow/77183849.cms|access-date=2021-11-12|website=The Times of India|date=26 July 2020 |language=en}}
Film production
KRG Studios ventured into film production with Rathnan Prapancha, a film starring Dhananjay is an Indian Kannada-language comedy drama film written and directed by Rohit Padaki.{{Cite news |title=Dhananjaya-starrer Kannada movie 'Rathnan Prapancha' to release on October 22 |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/dhananjaya-starrer-kannada-movie-rathnan-prapancha-to-release-on-october-22/articleshow/86781767.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2021-11-12 |work=The Economic Times}} The film stars Malayalam actress, Reba Monica John in her Kannada debut, Panju, Umashree, Ravishankar Gowda, Anu Prabhakar and others. It was released directly on the digital platform Amazon Prime Video on 22 October 2021. It received positive reviews from critics and audience and became a streaming blockbuster on Amazon Prime Video.
Following their success of Rathnan Prapancha, they produced Gurudev Hoysala in 2023, an action thriller film written and directed by Vijay Naagendra, starring Dhananjaya, Amrutha Iyengar, B. S. Avinash, Achyuth Kumar, Naveen Shankar, Anirudh Bhat, Mayuri Nataraj, Rajesh Nataranga and others. B. Ajaneesh Loknath composed the soundtrack and background score, while Karthik.S handled the cinematography. The film marks Dhananjaya's 25th film as an actor.{{Cite web |title=KRG Studios Production 2 is Daali Dhananjaya's milestone 25th film, Hoysala |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/krg-studios-production-2-is-daali-dhananjayas-milestone-25th-film-hoysala/47298728f271 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Released on 30 March 2023, it opened to positive reviews and critical acclaim.{{Cite web |last=V, DHNS |first=Vivek M. |title='Gurudev Hoysala' review: A gripping, enjoyable cop drama |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/entertainment/gurudev-hoysala-review-a-gripping-enjoyable-cop-drama-1205568.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}
Uttarakaanda,{{Cite web |title=Uttarakaanda - Kannada Movie Review, Ott, Release Date, Trailer, Budget, Box Office & News - FilmiBeat |url=https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/uttarakaanda.html |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=www.filmibeat.com |language=en}} has been announced as the next production venture by KRG Studios. Directed by Rohit Padaki, the film stars Dr.Shivarajkumar, Dhananjaya and Ramya as lead roles.{{cite web |title=Uttarakanda first look poster released as a birthday gift for Dolly Dhananjay |url=https://www.journoindia.com/2022/08/uttarakanda-first-look-poster-released.html |access-date=2 June 2023}} It is one of the most anticipated Kannada cinema, especially because it marks the return of Sandalwood Queen Ramya.{{Cite web |title=Ramya: ಧನಂಜಯ ಜೊತೆ 'ಉತ್ತರಕಾಂಡ' ಸೇರಿಕೊಂಡ ರಮ್ಯಾ, 'ಇನ್ ಮ್ಯಾಲಿಂದ ಫುಲ್ ಗುದ್ದಾಂಗುದ್ದಿ' |url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/dhananjaya-ramya-starrer-uttarakanda-movie-muhurtha-photos/articleshow/95339995.cms |access-date=2023-06-02 |website=Vijay Karnataka |language=kn}} However, Ramya opted out of the film due to unavailability of dates.{{Cite web |last=Sharadhaa |first=A. |date=2024-03-27 |title=Ramya has opted out of KRG Studios' Uttarakaanda |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2024/Mar/27/ramya-has-opted-out-of-krg-studios-uttarakaanda |access-date=2024-04-05 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} It was also reported that Atul Kulkarni was roped into play a role in the film.{{Cite web |date=2023-11-09 |title=Atul Kulkarni To Play Lead Role In The Rohith Padaki's Kannada Film Uttarakaanda |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/atul-kulkarni-to-play-lead-role-in-the-rohith-padakis-kannada-film-uttarakaanda-8655671.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=News18 |language=en}} Bollywood music composer and singer Amit Trivedi will make his Kannada debut with Uttarakaanda,{{Cite news |author= |date=2024-04-03 |title=Bollywood's Amit Trivedi to compose music for Kannada film 'Uttarakaanda' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/bollywoods-amit-trivedi-to-compose-music-for-kannada-film-uttarakaanda/article68023073.ece |access-date=2024-05-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} while cinematography will be handled by Advaitha Gurumurthy and art direction by Vishwas Kashyap. The team also held auditions for the supporting and other background actors in and around North Karnataka in March.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-29 |title=Dhananjaya-starrer Uttarakaanda Team Concludes Auditions For Additional Cast Members |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/dhananjaya-starrer-uttarakaanda-team-concludes-auditions-for-additional-cast-members-8832404.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=News18 |language=en}}
After filming began in April 2024, further cast details were revealed over the following days with their first look posters. Chaithra Achar who has showcased her talent in movies like Saptha Sagaradache Ello, Toby and Gilky was roped in to play Lacchi.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-17 |title=Actress Chaithra Achar's First Look From Uttarakaanda Unveiled |url=https://www.news18.com/movies/actress-chaithra-achars-first-look-from-uttarakaanda-unveiled-8854956.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=News18 |language=en}} Malayalam Filmmaker Vijay Babu was cast in the role of Torrino.{{Cite web |title=Malayalam actor-producer Vijay Babu forays into Kannada cinema with Uttarakaanda |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/malayalam-actor-producer-vijay-babu-forays-into-kannada-cinema-with-uttarakaanda/fbde0e3908282 |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} Diganth to play Mallige, a character distinct from his previous roles.{{Cite news |author= |date=2024-04-18 |title=Diganth, Chaithra J Achar join the cast of 'Uttarakaanda' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/diganth-chaithra-j-achar-join-the-cast-of-uttarakaanda/article68078838.ece |access-date=2024-04-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} Director Yograj Bhat as Patil, while veteran and accomplished actors Rangayana Raghu and Gopal Krishna Deshpande were cast as Bande Kaaka and Dharma respectively.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-20 |title=Uttarakaanda Movie: 'ಬಂಡೆ ಕಾಕಾ' ನಾಗಿ 'ಉತ್ತರಕಾಂಡ'ದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿದ್ದಾರೆ ರಂಗಾಯಣ ರಘು - Vistara News |url=https://vistaranews.com/cinema-film/sandalwood/uttarakaanda-movie-bande-kaaka-rangayana-raghu/635245.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |language=kn}} National award-winning actress Umashree was on boarded to play the role of Pandari Bai, this movie marks her second collaboration with the director and production team following their successful film Rathnan Prapancha.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-22 |title=Dhananjay: ಉತ್ತರಕಾಂಡ ಚಿತ್ರದ ಪಂಡರಿಬಾಯಿ ಇವರೇ! |url=https://kannada.news18.com/news/entertainment/sandalwood-veteran-actress-umashree-in-uttarakaanda-movie-rvj-dvp-1665201.html |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=News18 ಕನ್ನಡ |language=kn}} and finally Aishwarya Rajesh was announced as the female lead 'Durgi' owing to the vacancy as Ramya backing out of the project. The film marks her debut in Kannada cinema who has worked in various roles in the South Indian Films.{{Cite news |author= |date=2024-04-23 |title=Aishwarya Rajesh to make Kannada debut with 'Uttarakaanda' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/aishwarya-rajesh-to-make-kannada-debut-with-uttarakaanda/article68096998.ece |access-date=2024-04-28 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} It is also reported that actress Bhavana Menon is also included in the cast who would is said to be paired opposite Shivarajkumar who have proved to be a successful onscreen pair.{{Cite web |date=2024-04-23 |title=Bhavana Menon to collaborate with Shivarajkumar again within 'Uttarakaanda' |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2024/Apr/23/bhavana-menon-to-collaborate-with-shivarajkumar-again-within-uttarakaanda |access-date=2024-04-28 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}
On the occasion of their 6th anniversary, KRG Studios announced their collaboration with TVF Motion Pictures in the arena of feature films with a specific focus on South Indian regional languages{{Cite web |date=2023-07-22 |title=KRG Studios, TVF Motion Pictures team up to produce South Indian films |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/Jul/22/krg-studios-tvf-motion-pictures-team-up-to-produce-south-indian-films-2597250.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} with the purpose of bringing interesting and fresh stories to young adults everywhere. The muhurtha of the film happened in Bangalore on 6 September 2023, where Kichcha Sudeep was the special guest at the event and slammed the clapboard for the first scene of the film, titled Powder.{{Cite web|url=https://vijaykarnataka.com/entertainment/news/kiccha-sudeep-wishes-to-diganth-dhanya-ramkumar-starrer-powder-movie/articleshow/103080780.cms|title=ದಿಗಂತ್, ಶರ್ಮಿಳಾ ಮಾಂಡ್ರೆ, ಧನ್ಯಾ ರಾಮ್ಕುಮಾರ್ ನಟನೆಯ 'ಪೌಡರ್'; Kiccha Sudeep ಸಾಥ್|website=Vijay Karnataka}} A comedy Kannada feature film, directed by the Janardhan Chikkanna and written by Deepak Venkateshan, the movie boasts a stellar cast including Diganth, Dhanya Ramkumar, Sharmiela Mandre, Anirudh Acharya, Rangayana Raghu, Ravishankar Gowda, Gopal Krishna Deshpande and others. The shooting commenced in Mysuru on 30 October 2023{{Cite web |date=2023-12-04 |title=Powder wraps up Mysuru schedule, next stop Bengaluru |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/kannada/news/2023/Dec/04/powder-wraps-up-mysuru-schedule-next-stop-bengaluru-50119.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}} and concluded with a second schedule in Bangalore on 14 March 2024.{{Cite web |title=TVFs Maiden Kannada Feature Film Powder Finally Completes The Shoot |url=https://zeenews.india.com/regional/tvfs-maiden-kannada-feature-film-powder-finally-completes-the-shoot-2730896.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Zee News |language=en}} The film is slated to release in theatres on 12 July 2024.{{Cite web |last=ANI |date=2024-03-15 |title=It's a wrap for Kannada feature film 'Powder' |url=https://theprint.in/feature/its-a-wrap-for-kannada-feature-film-powder/2001769/ |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=ThePrint |language=en-US}}
Further, the production has announced their next film (5th production) on 25 June 2023, tilted Kirik'et 11.{{Cite news |author= |date=2023-06-25 |title=Danish Sait, Naveen Shankar to star in 'Kiriket 11' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/danish-sait-naveen-shankar-to-star-in-kiriket-11/article67008337.ece |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The movie marks the Kannada debut of director Suman Kumar, co-writer of the popular Hindi web series The Family Man and Farzi written by Manoj Kumar Kalvanan, the film revolves around cricket starring Danish Sait and Naveen Shankar in lead roles.{{Cite web |last=Sharadhaa |first=A. |date=2023-06-26 |title=Danish Sait, Naveen Shankar get ready for a game of Kirik'et 11 |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2023/Jun/26/danish-sait-naveen-shankar-get-ready-for-a-game-of-kiriket-11-2588493.html |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}} The shooting of the film will commence shortly.{{Cite news |date=2023-06-25 |title=Naveen Shankar and Danish Sait team up for sports comedy, Kiriket 11 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/naveen-shankar-and-danish-sait-team-up-for-sports-comedy-kiriket-11/articleshow/101255505.cms |access-date=2024-05-13 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}
On the eve of superstar Kiccha Sudeep's birthday in 2023, the production team made an exciting announcement that they will be working with Sudeep for the very first time on a film titled KK (King Kichcha).{{Cite web |date=2023-09-01 |title=Kichcha Sudeep returns to direction after 10 years, to collaborate with KRG Studios |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/kichcha-sudeep-set-to-return-to-direction-after-10-years-join-forces-krg-studios-2429851-2023-09-01 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=India Today |language=en}} The film marks the return of the actor to the director's chair after nearly a decade.{{Cite news |author= |date=2023-09-02 |title=Sudeep returns to direction after ten years |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/sudeep-returns-to-direction-after-ten-years/article67262832.ece |access-date=2024-05-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} The team has shared a title teaser that reveals the tagline "God Forgives, I don't" which suggests that Sudeep is ready to take on yet another actioner with KK, with him also playing the main lead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aninews.in/news/entertainment/bollywood/kichcha-sudeep-goes-behind-lens-after-10-years-for-kk20230901233747/|title=Kichcha Sudeep goes behind lens after 10 years for 'KK'|website=ANI News}}
The banner has also ventured into Tamil language films through collaborating with acclaimed filmmaker Anjali Menon{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2024-02-19 |title='Wonder Women' Filmmaker Anjali Menon Sets Partnership With South Indian Content Specialist KRG Studios (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/wonder-women-anjali-menon-krg-studios-1235916089/ |access-date=2024-02-20 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} and Malayalam through collaboration with Friday Film House.{{Cite web |title=After Abbabba, Karthik Gowda and Vijay Babu now collaborate for Malayalam movies |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/after-abbabba-karthik-gowda-and-vijay-babu-now-collaborate-for-malayalam-movies/d2e7236138999 |access-date=2024-03-02 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}
As KRG expands its footprint to comprehensive film production, on February 20, 2024, the production proudly announced its first collaboration with the trendsetting filmmaker Anjali Menon for their next project tentatively title KRG07.{{Cite web |last=Ramachandran |first=Naman |date=2024-02-19 |title='Wonder Women' Filmmaker Anjali Menon Sets Partnership With South Indian Content Specialist KRG Studios (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2024/film/asia/wonder-women-anjali-menon-krg-studios-1235916089/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Variety |language=en-US}} Known for her iconic works such as the highly acclaimed Bangalore Days, Manjadikuru, Ustad Hotel, Koode and more recently Wonder Women, Anjali Menon brings her unique storytelling prowess to a special Tamil feature film in partnership with KRG.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=Bangalore Days director Anjali Menon to work on a Tamil film next! |url=https://www.timesnownews.com/entertainment-news/tamil/bangalore-days-director-anjali-menon-to-work-on-a-tamil-film-next-article-107845308 |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Times Now |language=en}} This collaboration with Anjali Menon marks a pivotal moment for the company, focusing on bridging gaps in storytelling within the Kannada industry and beyond.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-20 |title=National Award Winning Writer Anjali Menon To Collaborate With KRG Studios For A Feature Film {{!}} Glamsham |url=https://glamsham.com/regional/regional-news/anjali-menon-to-collaborate-with-krg-studios-for-a-feature-film/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |language=en-GB}}
On 29 February 2024, Friday Film House and KRG Studios announced their collaboration to produce and distribute feature films.{{Cite web |title=After Abbabba, Karthik Gowda and Vijay Babu now collaborate for Malayalam movies |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/after-abbabba-karthik-gowda-and-vijay-babu-now-collaborate-for-malayalam-movies/d2e7236138999 |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}} The collaboration will initially involve three feature films and will explore several other opportunities in distribution. The first feature titled Padakkalam, directed by Manu Swaraj will commence production soon.{{Cite web |last=Kotagunasi |first=Manjunath B. |title=KRG Studios: ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಿನಿಮಾ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣದ ಜತೆಗೆ ಮಲಯಾಳಂ ಚಿತ್ರರಂಗಕ್ಕೆ ಹೊರಟು ನಿಂತ ಕೆಆರ್ಜಿ ಸ್ಟುಡಿಯೋಸ್ |url=https://kannada.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/sandalwood-news-karthik-gowda-and-yogi-g-rajs-krg-studios-forays-into-malayalam-film-industry-announced-padakkalam-mnk-181709370701014.html |access-date=2024-05-13 |website=Kannada Hindustan Times |language=kn}}
Films distributed
{{pending films key}}
List of films produced
{{pending films key}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of films produced by KRG Studios |
| scope="col" | Year
! scope="col" | Title ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes ! scope="col" class="unsortable" | {{Refh}} |
|---|
| 2021
| Direct OTT Release on Amazon Prime |
| 2023
| Presented by KRG Studios along with Daali Pictures |
| 2023
| |
| 2024
| Powder | In collaboration with The Viral Fever |
| TBA
| {{pending film|italic=|''Ekka'}} | Filming |
| TBA
| {{pending film|italic=no|"Mango Pachcha" }} |Filming |{{Cite news |date=2023-06-25 |title=Danish Sait, Naveen Shankar to star in 'Kiriket 11' |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/danish-sait-naveen-shankar-to-star-in-kiriket-11/article67008337.ece |access-date=2023-08-31 |newspaper=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}} |
| TBA
|{{Pending film|Uttarakaanda|italic=yes}} |Anjali Menon Direction |
| 2025
|{{Pending film|Padakkalam|italic=yes}} |In collaboration with Friday Film House |
| TBA
|{{Pending film|King Kichcha (KK)}} |Filming |