The trailer and songs of Gangs of UK, directed and produced by Ravi Srivatsa under the Deadly Arts banner, were released at the Karnataka Film Chamber premises. Real Star Upendra launched the trailer and conveyed his wishes. Producer K. Manju, Umesh Banakar, advocate T. Prasannakumar, Radhakrishna Adiga, Praveen, Uday, Sethu Mukundan, Thriller Manju, along with friends and well-wishers of Ravi Srivatsa, were present.
The film is based on a real incident that took place at Pillari Falls in Bagalkot. The story, screenplay, and dialogues have been written jointly by Ravi Srivatsa and writer M.S. Ramesh. Speaking on the occasion, Srivatsa shared the challenges faced during the making and certification process.
He stated that the Regional Censor Board, citing excessive violence, banned the film and asked the team to approach the Revising Committee. He expressed disappointment that officials had not properly viewed the film before making the decision, which he described as irresponsible. Later, the film was cleared by the Revising Committee.
The film’s concept is built around the idea that “blood leaves its mark, and determination travels from one person to another.” It carries the tagline In the Lap of Bheema. Srivatsa confirmed that the film is now ready for release.
The cast includes Amogh (son of filmmaker K.V. Raju), Orata Prashanth, Jyothi Shetty, Kote Prabhakar, Padma Vasanthi, Muni, Sonu Upadhya, Praveen, Ugram Reddy, Sathya, Dhillon, Naveen, Prajwal Maski, Umesh, Vikas, veteran actor Balakrishna lookalike Tankasale Umesh, Mahantesh Hullur, along with several local talents. Producer L.N. Reddy has joined hands with Ravi Srivatsa for the project.
Actor Muni, who plays the role of Kaala, spoke about the hardships faced during shooting in Bagalkot’s heat. Kote Prabhakar and Orata Prashanth also shared their experiences. Writer M.S. Ramesh recalled that Srivatsa had narrated the story to him two years ago and that Bagalkot reminded him of his mentor, K.V. Raju.
Actor-director Upendra, speaking at the event, said that after Kashinath’s school of filmmaking, there emerged another group of filmmakers including Srivatsa, whose films carry strong emotions. He mentioned that he too had faced similar struggles during film releases and felt a positive vibration at the event.
Producer K. Manju remarked that Ravi Srivatsa had worked very hard on the film. Umesh Banakar added that he had predicted the censor difficulties but appreciated that Srivatsa had overcome them. Advocate Prasannakumar recalled how Srivatsa had once approached him for rental housing, which he had declined, but now found the film to be powerful, describing its scenes as impactful.
The film also features songs based on the poems of Shishunala Sharif.