Sriimurali’s ‘Bagheera’ roars onto Netflix: A major OTT release for Kannada cinema

The much-anticipated Kannada superhero film Bagheera, starring Sriimurali and Rukmini Vasanth, has debuted on Netflix today (November 21, 2024). Directed by Dr. Suri, this action-packed venture has etched its name in history as the first Kannada film to be acquired by the global streaming giant, signaling a new era for Kannada cinema on international digital platforms.

Also read: Nayanthara thanks SRK, Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan for supporting her Netflix documentary

Bagheera, which hit theaters during the competitive Diwali 2024 season, stood its ground amidst heavyweight releases, earning critical acclaim and commercial success. The film has grossed an impressive ₹31 crore worldwide, with over ₹18 crore from domestic markets alone, making it a profitable venture on a modest budget.

The story revolves around Vedanth Prabhakar, played by Sriimurali, an IPS officer who dons the persona of a vigilante superhero, Bagheera, to combat organized crime and illegal organ trafficking. Scripted by KGF and Salaar director Prashanth Neel, the film masterfully blends emotional storytelling with high-octane drama. The stellar cast includes Rukmini Vasanth, Prakash Raj, Achyuth Kumar, and Sudha Rani, with visuals by Arjun Shetty and music by B. Ajaneesh Loknath.

Netflix has launched the film in Kannada and Telugu, with Tamil and Malayalam versions set to follow soon. The release is a watershed moment for Kannada cinema, paving the way for greater global recognition and expanded digital reach for regional films.