Actor Prem Transforms Into Bengaluru Founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda for Historical Drama ‘Kempambudhi’

By Suman S R

Entertainment Bureau, Bangalore Mail

October 21, 2026

The festive season of Dasara brought a magnificent cinematic reveal for Sandalwood fans. The makers of the highly anticipated historical drama Kempambudhi unveiled a striking new poster, revealing actor Prem in the monumental role of Bengaluru’s legendary founder, Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.

Backed by Hombale Films under the mentorship of entrepreneur and Padma Shri awardee Prashanth Prakash, the film is produced by the Prashanth Prakash Foundation. With production currently entering its final leg, the team has confirmed that shooting will wrap up soon, setting the stage for a grand theatrical release.

A Tale of Visionary Leadership and Local Folklore

Directed by renowned Malnad theatre artist-turned-filmmaker Ramesh Begar, Kempambudhi is a cinematic adaptation of a celebrated novel by veteran journalist and writer Jaanagere Venkataramaiah.

The narrative dives deep into authentic historical records and rich regional folklore. Rather than focusing solely on battlefield conquests, the plot sheds light on Nadaprabhu Kempegowda’s exceptional environmental consciousness, pioneering town-planning strategies, and progressive welfare measures designed for the prosperity of his citizens.

A Striking Artistic Presentation

The newly released Dasara poster immediately caught the attention of film enthusiasts. Adopting an architectural and artistic approach, the promotional still frames Prem resembling a monolithic stone sculpture. With a commanding, resolute stance, the visual brilliantly bridges Bengaluru’s historic legacy with the vibrant cultural celebrations of the festival.

Star-Studded Cast and Crew

Kempambudhi features a stellar ensemble cast alongside Prem:

 Meghana Gaonkar stars in the female lead opposite Prem.

 Samyukta Hornad plays a pivotal character.

 The supporting lineup includes seasoned actors like Sudha Belawadi, Rajesh Nataranga, Ramesh Pandit, Rajendra Karanth, Vasanth Krishnamurthy, Karthik A, Ravikumar, Nagashree Begar, Chiranjeevi, Rajneesh, and Nikhil Marthanda.

The film’s technical brilliance is driven by a top-tier crew. Cinematographer Shashira handles the camera work, while Avinash and Abhishek manage art direction. The soulful musical score is composed by Veer Samarth.

As Kempambudhi heads toward the finishing line of its production, excitement continues to build among Kannada cinema fans eager to witness Bengaluru’s foundational history brought to life on the big screen.