Guru Shishyaru on OTT: THIS is where you can watch Sharan’s sports drama after its theatrical run

Guru Shishyaru, which released in theatres today, is Kannada actor Sharan’s third home production and his 15th as a leading man. Directed by Jadeshaa K Hampi, the film has been co-produced by actor-filmmker Tharun Sudhir, who has also served as creative head on the project.

The film follows the story of PT master Manohar (Sharan) who lands at a remote village Bettadpura, to work at the local school. The school and the village itself are under dispute though, with a rich landlord, Rudrappa (Apurva Kasaravalli) staking claim and trying his best to get the villagers to leave. While the litigation on this has been going on for years, Rudrappa, who is a betting fanatic and runs the kho kho team that’s been winning a local tournament for more than a decade, agrees to let go of his claim if the Bettadpura team can defeat the defending champions. Whether Manohar can save the village and, in doing so, instil a renewed interest in kho kho among youngsters forms the crux of the narrative.

The film, which also stars Nishvika Naidu and Suresh Heblikar in pivotal roles, is a period drama set in 1995, and opened to positive reports today. It features Sharan in a different look, with the actor growing out a moustache and beard for the first time. The young actors on his kho kho team include Ekanth (son of Nenapirali Prem), Rakshak (late comedian Bullett Prakash’s son), Manikanta Nayak, son of MLA Raju Gowda, Suriya (Ravi Shankar Gowda’s son), and Naveen Krishna’s son Harshith, apart from Sharan’s son Hruday.

The satellite and digital rights of the film were sold prior to the release itself, with Zee Network lapping it up. The buzz is that Guru Shishyaru will be available to stream on Zee5 Kannada after its theatrical run. In fact, a source tells us that the team has signed the deal for an on or after 60 days of release, to allow Guru Shishyaru ample time at the box office. The source says that the team insisted on this time gap, as anything around the 30-day mark would be detrimental to its prospects in theatres.