Dhruva Sarja’s Martin heading for a mid-2023 release?

Dhruva Sarja has been in the Kannada film industry for a decade, and is still only four films old. His fifth, Martin, which reunites him with director AP Arjun, who launched him with Addhuri, is yet to release. Produced by Uday K Mehta, the film was launched in August last year and was meant to be a Dasara 2022 release. However, the makers could not meet this deadline and pushed it ahead and are yet to announce an alternate date.

In recent media interactions, Dhruva has been talking about shooting for the film’s climax in an extended schedule. Fans have been hopeful that the makers will target at least a March 2023 release, but sources close to the film team tell us that it will more likely be in theatres only by June. “Martin has been announced as a pan-India film and is being made on a massive scale. Dhruva is being extra-careful to ensure that no misstep is made, given that it is one of the most expected films. He runs everything about the film by his uncle Arjun Sarja, and only if he too is satisfied do they proceed with the shoot. This, of course, is causing delays in production, but it is in keeping the greater good of the film in mind,” says the source, adding, “The team also needs to shoot another 3-4 songs, and then determine if any patchwork is required to complete the film. It is highly unlikely that this can be done in another month or two. Even if they do, the team will then have to begin promotions, which will also take at least a couple of months. The earliest that Martin can be in theatres is June.”

Once Martin is completed, the actor is expected to head to the set of director Prem’s film, KD – The Devil.