Mangaluru, 16 August 2026: Trailer of ‘Bana’, an upcoming Tulu film produced by Manohar Rai Vaipala under the Eeshi Productions banner and directed by Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli Nuliyalu, was released at Bharath Cinemas in Mangaluru.
The film's trailer has arrived ahead of Nagara Panchami festival, adding a timely cultural connection to a story rooted in the traditions and beliefs of Tulunadu. Former minister B. Ramanath Rai, who attended the trailer launch, said plays and films have contributed to the growth of the Tulu language. He urged Tulu-speaking people to support films made in Tulu by watching and encouraging them.
Former MLA Shakuntala Shetty described Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli as a talented filmmaker and artiste. She noted that his earlier two films had received a good response and said he had introduced several talented artistes to the film industry.
SCDCC Bank director Shashikumar Rai Balyaottu, Yatharth organisation founder-president Eshwar Prasad Shetty, entrepreneur Purushothama Shetty Yamuna, Roopa Varkady, Prem Surathkal, Sahaj Rai, Ravindra Shetty Ulaidottu and K.K. Pejavara were among those present. National Award-winning artiste Roopa Varkady was felicitated during the programme.
Jayaprakash Shetty’s dialogues stand out
Popular journalist Jayaprakash Shetty (JP Shetty) and National Award-winning artiste Roopa Varkady play prominent roles in the film. Jayaprakash Shetty's powerful dialogues have emerged as one of the highlights of the trailer, drawing attention to his character.
Nihal Rai makes his debut as the male lead, while Krithi Srinivas Poojary makes her debut as the female lead. Sharath Alva, Priya Shetty, Vijayahari Rai, Vikas Putran, Nijaroopa Shetty, Savitha Anchan and Praveen Kodakkal are also part of the cast. Arun Rai Puttur has handled cinematography, while Naveen Neralthodi is the editor. Music has been composed by noted music director Jaya Karthi.
Watch JP Shetty's dialogue here
Action, thriller, suspense and romance
The trailer has raised several questions around the film's story. Who were the people accompanying the child found in the forest? Why did a snake appear in front of a house? Is Nagaraja connected to those who caused harm to the bana?
The trailer suggests a combination of action, thriller, suspense and romance, with mystery unfolding through different situations.
The tagline “Namma Mann Da Kathe” (Our Land’s Story) also points to the film's focus on the culture, traditions and landscape of Tulunadu.
Director Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli Nuliyalu said the film combines a strong story and screenplay with a social message, humour, love, conflict and sentiment. The film has been made keeping audience expectations in mind, he said. With the trailer generating curiosity among viewers, ‘Bana’ is scheduled to release on October 23 across the coastal districts.
Keywords
Bana Tulu film, Bana movie trailer, JP Shetty, Jayaprakash Shetty, Nithin Rai Kukkuvalli, Tulu cinema, Bana film Mangaluru, Nagara Panchami, Citizen News Puttur