Two films, one director, one producer Custody and Phalguni had their trailers launched in a packed auditorium at Renukamba Digital Theaters. Both films, produced by Nagesh Kumar U.S. and directed by J.J. Srinivas, are set for release on August 8, marking a unique achievement for the duo.
The trailer launch event saw former KFCC President and producer Sa.Ra. Govindu, and Kannada Film Producers Association President Umesh Banakar unveiling the trailers. They extended their best wishes to the entire team.
The event was also attended by Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce President Narasimhalu, Vice President Shilpa Srinivas, Secretary Praveen Kumar, Kannada Film Directors Association President N.R.K. Vishwanath, along with notable producers B.M. Harish, M.G. Ramamurthy, and several dignitaries from the Kannada film industry.
Custody is a suspense thriller, while Phalguni is inspired by a real-life incident that occurred in Mandya. Actress Priya, of Bheem fame, plays the lead in Custody as a police officer named Durga Parameshwari. Rekhashri takes the lead in Phalguni, portraying the titular character, a village girl.
“This is the first time, as far as I know, that two films produced and directed by the same team are being released on the same day. August 8, which also marks the Varamahalakshmi festival, is an auspicious day. We are hopeful for audience support,” said director J.J. Srinivas.
“It is a great pleasure to see so many celebrities from the Kannada film industry support us at the trailer launch. These two films belong to entirely different genres, and thanks to the cooperation of our film crew, we are able to release both on the same day. We, along with some friends, are handling the distribution ourselves,” said producer Nagesh Kumar U.S.
Actress Priya shared, “Initially, the director narrated a different story to me. But three days later, he came back with the story of Custody. I play a police officer named Durga Parameshwari in the film.”
“Phalguni is my fourth film, and I play a simple village girl. The character is named Phalguni,” said Rekhashri.
Editor and actor Nagendra Urs, who has acted in both films, also edited Custody. He shared his experience of working on both projects.
Other attendees at the event included producer “Chingari” Mahadev, Victory Vasu, Aaradhya, Vinya Shetty, “Cheeta” Seenu, Srinivas, Magic Ramesh, Ashvitha, and many artists and technicians from both film units.