He speaks candidly about cinema, which is not only his passion but also a significant part of his existence. Since 2016, Kannada filmmaker Hemanth Rao has been involved in writing, directing, and producing films, earning multiple awards for his contributions, beginning with his debut film, Godhi Banna Sadharana Mykattu. His most recent directorial effort in 2023, Sapta Saagaradaache Ello – Side A and Side B, also garnered him accolades, and he has now returned with a new production titled Agnyathavasi.

On Agnyathavasi

Agnyathavasi, set to premiere on April 11, features a cast that includes Rangayana Raghu, Sharath Lohitashwa, and Siddu Moolimani, among others. The film's technical team comprises Director of Photography Advaitha Gurumurthy, editor Bharath Chandrashekar, and music composer Charan Raj.

In an interview with Hindustan Times regarding Agnyathavasi, which is produced under his new banner Dakshayani Talkies, Hemanth Rao shared, “My mother passed away in 2024 due to cancer, and in her memory, I established Dakshayani Talkies. She was instrumental in introducing me to literature, and for me, compelling storytelling is paramount. Directed by Janaradhan Chikkana, Agnyathavasi features a script that I found particularly engaging. It is a murder mystery that I believe will connect with audiences.”

Given that Malayalam cinema has produced numerous successful thrillers and police dramas with widespread appeal, he is asked if he envisions Agnyathavasi achieving similar success for Kannada cinema. “I certainly hope so. It would be wonderful if it transcends regional boundaries and resonates with viewers everywhere. Ultimately, it is up to the audience to embrace this,” he responds.

In 2025, over 70 Kannada films have been released, with many struggling at the box office. While Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam films have established a strong presence across India and consistently deliver hits, Kannada cinema appears to be facing challenges. “I acknowledge that. However, I prefer not to dwell on complaints; instead, I see this as an opportunity to effect change and introduce diverse cinematic experiences. Agnyathavasi is part of that initiative. Although many viewers flock to theaters for blockbuster films, I believe that quality storytelling can also attract the Kannada audience. My focus is on delivering compelling narratives across various genres to draw audiences to theaters,” he emphasizes.

When asked if he believes that star power is essential for a film's box office success today, he states, “Unlike in the past, audiences are becoming more selective. A film may perform well for the first couple of days based solely on star power, but it is crucial to combine that with strong content.”

Are movie theatres dead?

Recently, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos made a notable remark regarding the future of movie theatres, asserting that they are unlikely to return post-Covid. As a filmmaker, Hemanth Rao offers a different perspective, likening Sarandos' statement to a salesman promoting bottled water by claiming that the river is contaminated. He believes this analogy captures the essence of the situation. Rao asserts that cinema is far from extinction and will endure for at least another century. The communal experience of watching films in theatres is unique and cannot be substituted by streaming services. The grandeur of the big screen provides a visual experience that is irreplaceable.

Hemanth Rao was prepared to collaborate on a film this year with Kannada actor Shiva Rajkumar, titled Bhairavana Kone Paata; however, the project has been postponed due to the actor's health concerns. Rao expresses, “It is only right to allow him the necessary time to recover fully before we proceed with the film. In the meantime, I am developing another script, and we expect to make an official announcement regarding this new project by the end of April,” concludes the director.

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