The much‑anticipated Kannada fantasy thriller 45 has made a powerful debut with premiere screenings ahead of its Christmas release. Directed by Arjun Janya in his big‑screen directorial debut, the 150‑minute spectacle stars Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty, blending high‑octane action, emotional drama, and philosophical themes of life and destiny.
Early reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, with audiences praising the film’s roller‑coaster first half, whistle‑worthy hero introductions, and goosebump‑inducing sequences. Word‑of‑mouth from premiere shows has created a wave of excitement across Karnataka, positioning 45 as one of the most talked‑about releases of the season.
Advance bookings have already broken records, surging past ₹45 lakhs with more than 16,000 tickets sold. In Bengaluru alone, over 40 shows ran housefull, a remarkable feat considering initial doubts about premium ticket pricing. The strong turnout reflects the film’s growing buzz and the star power of its ensemble cast.
With its unique blend of fantasy storytelling and mass entertainment, 45 is being hailed as a landmark Kannada release. As the film gears up for its Christmas weekend run, industry watchers predict it could set new benchmarks for regional cinema, further cementing the dominance of Kannada films in the pan‑Indian market.
