Bhairathi Ranagal on OTT: Mufti prequel to head to THIS platform after its theatrical run

Bhairathi Ranagal, the much-awaited prequel to 2017’s hit film Mufti, releases in theatres on November 15. The film, written and directed by Mufti maker Narthan, has Century Star Shivarajkumar return to play the crime boss of Ronapura, Bhairathi Ranagal. The film will explore Ranagal’s early life and how that shaped his bond with the people of Ronapura, as well as his days as a lawyer and what leads him to give that all up for a life of crime.

Shivarajkumar made THIS change to his Bhairathi Ranagal character in Mufti 

Bhairathi Ranagal heads to Zee Network

The film’s satellite and digital rights are already a done deal, according to Shivarajkumar. The actor was speaking to RJ Nethra on Star Express when he said that Zee Network, which already holds the rights to Mufti, would be taking Bhairathi Ranagal as well. As such, the film will head to Zee5 after its theatrical run. There is no tentative date yet, but it is unlikely to drop before the end of the year.

Bhairathi Ranagal sees Shivarajkumar, Madhu Guruswamy, Babu Hirannaiah, Devaraj and Chaya Singh reprising their Mufti characters. Joining the cast this time are Rahul Bose, Shabeer Kallarakkal, Rukmini Vasanth, Gopalkrishna Deshpande, Pratap Narayan, among others. The film has been produced by Shivarajkumar’s home banner Geetha Pictures.

The film will only serve as a prequel, taking a deep dive into Ranagal’s life before he became a gangster to the outside world and saviour to his people. Rahul Bose is the main antagonist this time, as a character that he describes as someone who takes joy in inflicting unspeakable cruelty on others. The cast has largely been tight-lipped about their roles and how that impacts the story.

Shivarajkumar admits that he was hesitant to play Bhairathi Ranagal in Mufti 

Meanwhile, Shivarajkumar is set to take a brief break from film activities, as he is undergoing treatment for an undisclosed ailment. He is scheduled to have surgery in the US, and is expected to resume film work sometime in February or March next year.