Rangitaranga Returns to Theatres: Anup Bhandari’s Debut Film Marks 10-Year Anniversary
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Rangitaranga Returns to Theatres: Anup Bhandari’s Debut Film Marks 10-Year Anniversary
A decade ago, an unassuming Kannada thriller quietly made its way into theatres and went on to redefine the industry. Rangitaranga, the debut feature from techie-turned-filmmaker Anup Bhandari, captured the imagination of audiences with its gripping storyline, fresh cast, and eerie setting. Released on July 3, 2015, the film became the highest-grossing Kannada film of the year, despite its modest budget and relatively unknown stars.
Now, to commemorate its 10th anniversary, Rangitaranga is making a grand return to the big screen. The re-release is set for July 4, 2025, giving fans old and new a chance to revisit or discover the hauntingly atmospheric world of Kamarottu.
A Quick Recap: What Is Rangitaranga About?
Set in the fictional village of Kamarottu on Karnataka’s coast, the story follows novelist Gautham Suvarna (played by Nirup Bhandari) and his wife Indu (Radhika Narayan), who arrive in the village to perform spiritual rituals. When the heavily pregnant Indu mysteriously disappears, Gautham sets off on a desperate search, joined by investigative journalist Sandhya (Avantika Shetty). Their search uncovers not just Indu’s fate, but a sinister pattern of missing pregnant women and a deeper mystery tied to Gautham’s own identity.
The film’s intelligent screenplay, immersive setting, and suspense-driven plot earned it both critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing Anup Bhandari’s reputation as a filmmaker to watch.
The Legacy and Universe of Rangitaranga
Following Rangitaranga, Bhandari experimented with the fantasy-comedy Rajaratha, which struggled at the box office. However, he returned to familiar ground with Vikrant Rona , a spiritual successor to Rangitaranga that revisited Kamarottu with a new storyline. Featuring Kannada superstar Kiccha Sudeep, Vikrant Rona expanded the universe with another tale of mystery and folklore, this time focusing on the disappearance of children and the legend of a terrifying Brahmarakshasa.
As Rangitaranga gears up for its 10th anniversary re-release, it offers audiences a chance to re-experience the film that launched one of Kannada cinema’s most intriguing cinematic worlds. Whether you are a longtime fan or a first-time viewer, July 4, 2025, promises a trip worth taking back to the shadows of Kamarottu.
