Actor Dhruva Sarja’s new film Criminal was officially launched yesterday with a muhurtha ceremony held at Annapoorneshwari Nava Mantralaya Temple in Basavanagudi, Bengaluru. The film marks Dhruva’s seventh project, with Rachita Ram joining him as the female lead. Set against the backdrop of North Karnataka, the film is based on a real incident.
Director Raj Guru said Dhruva Sarja agreed to the project after hearing the story. He added that he took a selfie with the actor after the narration, and the responsibility of handling the project became clear to him. He said the film is set in North Karnataka and that a major production house has offered him this opportunity. Criminal is his second directorial. He requested audience support for the film.
Producer Manish said he was surprised when Dhruva asked him to produce the film. He added that producing a Kannada film has been a long-time dream and described it as an important moment for him.
Actor Rachita Ram said she is collaborating with Dhruva again after eight years, recalling that their previous film Bhajarangi also had its muhurtha at the same place. She said she agreed to the film immediately when Dhruva contacted her, even before hearing the story or details about the production house. The director later narrated the story at her home. She stated that Dhruva is performing an experimental role and noted that Criminal is his seventh film.
Dhruva Sarja said the film is based on a love story that took place in Haveri’s Haveri–Hangal region of North Karnataka. He added that 99% of the incidents shown in the film will follow the real events. Actor Thara, who played the mother role in Bhajarangi, will again appear as a mother in this project. Dhruva said he discussed the story with Rachita Ram, who agreed immediately. The film will be made entirely in the North Karnataka dialect, and he has been preparing for the role accordingly.
Director Raj Guru, who previously made Kerebete, is directing Criminal. The project is produced by Goldmines Telefilms and will release pan-India in five languages. The technical crew includes music composer Chandan Shetty, cinematographer Vaidi, and stunt coordinators Ravi Varma and Vikram Mor.
Dhruva Sarja plays a village herdsman named Shiva, while Rachita Ram plays Parvathi. The first shot filmed features a scene where the protagonist speaks while holding the heroine’s braid.