Yogaraj Bhat's Garadi: Release Date, trailer, plot, cast, budget, OTT partner and more

Yogaraj Bhat has made a huge mark for himself through his romantic comedies including cult hits like Mungaru Male, Gaalipata, Drama and the more recent Gaalipata 2. With Garadi, however, he attempts to discuss an offbeat topic of kushti or traditional wrestling with the exponents of the sport, its setup and other facets in focus. Of course, the film can be expected to have his trademark humour and wordplay but one also looks forward to seeing how he tackles an enterprising subject such as this. Here's everything you need to know about this week's major Kannada release:

Release Date

Garadi went on floors back in 2021 and the film made its first impression when it emerged that Challenging Star Darshan is associated with it. The superstar was present during the launch and it was later reported that he would be making a special appearance in the film. Other reports state that the Garadi's shoot took about 60 days with Badami, Paddakal, Haihole and other places in Karnataka as the chosen set of locations. 

However, Despite going on floors in February 2022, the makers weren't able to bring the film out in theatres until November 2023 for various different reasons. Garadi is now set to arrive in cinemas on November 10, clashing with the Salman Khan starrer Tiger 3 at the box office.

Also Read: Exclusive! Garadi will release in 180 screens across Karnataka on November 10, with the focus on single screens, says Shrushti Patil 

Plot of Garadi

As already pointed out, Garadi is centred around the world of kushti or Indian traditional wrestlers but will be much more than a sports drama, as per the film's executive producer, Srushti Patil. In a recent conversation with OTTplay, she revealed that the film is every bit a commercial film and that while wrestling is an integral part of the story, audiences will also get to experience other elements like romance and action in proper doses. One part of the narrative is also focused on the relationship between a Garadi (a traditional gymnasium) coach and his pupils and how the underdog must go against all odds to prove himself.

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Trailer and other promotional material

The maiden and the only trailer of Garadi was released by Darshan on November 1, Kannada Rajyotsava. The 2-minute-42-second long video not only offers a peek into the world but also introduces us to the various characters that are part of it, from Yashas Soorya's underdog to the social media influencer that is Sonal Monteiro and everyone in between. The Garadi, of course, serves as the main backdrop for the film and one gathers that the film will essentially trace the journey of the male protagonist from a nobody to someone who can inspire others.

The makers have also released three songs thus far including the title track, the special dance number Hodirale Halagi (ft. Nishvika Naidu) and the romantic single Badavana Hrudaya.

Cast and Crew of Garadi

Former cop and politician BC Patil returns to the big screen with Garadi and will be seen playing the important role of a kushti coach in the film. Yashas Soorya plays the main lead and in order to fit into the role of a wrestler, he is said to have undergone the required physical transformation and training. Initially, the makers had cast Rachita Ram as the female but the actress walked out of the project owing to scheduling conflicts, making way for Sonal Monteiro. Challenging Star Darshan, too, is part of the cast and will be seen executing another important role in the film

The cast of Garadi also includes Dharmanna Kadur, Ravishankar, Sujay Belur, Pruthvi Shamanur, Raghu Hondadakeri, Cheluvaraj, Bala Rajwadi and others.

The core crew of the film consists of Vanaja Patil as the producer (under the Sowmya Films and Kourava Production House banners), AR Niranjan Babu as the cinematographer, Suresh Urs as the editor and Kourav Venkatesh & Arjun Raj as stunt choreographers. Yogaraj Bhat's frequent collaborator V. Harikrishna is the film's music composer.

OTT partner

In the same conversation with OTTplay, Srushti Patil divulged that the team is yet to zero in on the OTT or streaming partner but added that discussions with suitable platforms are on at the moment. Once the negotiations are completed, the satellite and OTT partners will be disclosed officially.