Kothalavadi
Greed devastates Kothalavadi as villagers, driven by desperation and corruption, pursue wealth through illegal sand mining. After a bus accident and a tragic child drowning, chaos erupts. Local power broker Babanna manipulates politics, inciting violence and betrayal, while Inspector Parashuram and orphaned Manji challenge the dark cycle consuming their community.
Kothalavadi, a village battered by famine, and lack of job opportunities, has its people desperately seeking survival. Amidst this hardship, Mohana, the only one managing to find employment through construction jobs, also helps provide work to others. But tragedy strikes—when a bus accident kills many seeking a better life, including Manji’s mother, leaving her orphaned. Manji, the leading lady, is devastated as the villagers believe their land is cursed. Amidst their despair, Babanna, a cunning scrap dealer and a master puppeteer, seizes the moment. He convinces the villagers that their land holds
hidden gold - the sand beneath the river - and lures them into illegal sand mining. Blinded by desperation and greed, they corrupt thesystem, fueling the rise of the sand mafia.
Babanna leaves behind his life of scrap dealing and becomes the head of the sand mafia in the village. With his influence growing, Mohana, his right-hand man, stands by him and enforces his will with brute force.
The police step in, but Mohana doesn’t hesitate to beat them back. When Inspector Balaraj and his team fall victim to his wrath, the media turns the spotlight on Kothalavadi. In response, the department sends IPS officer Parashuram, a man determined to end the chaos.
Guilt-ridden, the villagers surrender their mining vehicles to Parashuram, vowing to stop. Babanna, furious at their betrayal, lashes out, accusing them of selling their souls to Malini. But the next day, in a grand performance, he pretends remorse, urging the villagers to contest the elections instead. Fooled once more, they insist he run, pledging their support. And so, the battle lines are drawn -Babanna versus Malini, with Mohana and the Kothalavadi villagers caught in the middle.
As Kothalavadi marches towards the elections, the unanswered questions loom large—how did the children die? Will Babanna defeat Malini? And above all, will Mohana and the people of Kothalavadi finally realize their mistakes, or is greed too deeply rooted in their souls?
Pushpa Arunkumar
Producer and Founder of PA Productions
Mrs. Pushpa Arun Kumar, originally from a farming family in Hassan, married Arun Kumar from Padavarahalli, Mysore, a KSRTC bus driver, on April 14, 1985. They have two children: daughter Nandini, who married into a traditional family, and son Yash, a celebrated actor across India. United by their passion for cinema, Pushpa and Arun Kumar founded PA Productions and debuted with Kothalavadi, aiming to enrich the Kannada film industry.
Sriraj
Writer and Director
Bangalore native SRIRAJ discovered his passion for films early in life, developing an obsession with directing. After completing his education, he trained at the Karnataka Film Directors Association and spent ten years as an assistant director. With experience as a writer and dialogue writer in Kannada cinema, he now directs PA Productions’ film Kothalavadi.
Karthik S
Cinematographer
Karthik S discovered his passion for cinema right after completing his education, aiming to become a cinematographer. He began as an assistant to Naveen of Mufti fame, contributing to films like Premapujyam, Madagaja, Ammachi, and Inspector Vikram. Transitioning to an independent cameraman, his work on Once Upon a Time Jamaligudda caught the attention of Dolly Dhananjay, who then hired him as the cinematographer for Hoysala, produced by KRG Connects. Later, he also served as the cinematographer for JC by Dolly Productions. Now, he captures stunning visuals in PA Productions’ film Kothalavadi.
Vikas Vasishta
Music Director
Vikas Vasishta has been practicing Carnatic classical music under Vid. Balasubrahmanya Sharma for 15 years. A finalist on Suvarna’s STAR SINGER reality show, he won the Radio Mirchi Best Male Singer State Award for “Nanu Manasaare” from the movie Manasaare and the Kempegowda Award. He has composed music for several Kannada films including Jeethu, Nam Gani Bcom Pass, Dhamaka, Long Drive, and Interval, and contributed to the award-winning play Gulle Nari (KIMA Music Awards 2014). With over 1,000 concerts across India and abroad—performing at venues like Hongkong and Bahrain Kannada Sangha—Vikas has also served as Music Director for Zee Kannada serials Mahadevi and Bramha Gantu. As the founder of Team Bhrame, he has collaborated with renowned artists such as Sonu Nigam, Karthik, Vijay Prakash, Rajesh Krishnan, and Gurukiran.
R Pavan
Editor
Born in Bangalore in 1982, R. Pavan is a seasoned film editor and colorist. His creative journey began with award-winning painting, which sparked his passion for media and led him to earn a diploma in filmmaking and VFX from CCTEK and Edit Institute. Over two decades, he has contributed to corporate films, ads, documentaries, and features, even serving as an associate director. In 2014, he debuted as chief editor on the Kannada film "Shuddhi," later honored with the Karnataka State Award for Best Feature Film in 2017. Pavan continues to broaden his expertise by collaborating with diverse directors on various projects.
Pruthvi Ambaar
Mangalore-born Pruthvi Ambaar began as a radio jockey and debuted in Tulu films before breaking through in the 2020 film Diya. Versatile in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi cinema, he starred in films including Bairagi and Life is Beautiful. Now he remarkably leads Kothalavadi, PA Productions’ debut film.
Kavya Shaiva
Introducing the talented Kavya Shaiva, who makes her stunning debut as a heroine in Kothalavadi, playing the role of Manji with incredible depth and conviction. She began her journey in 2020 with a second lead role on Colors Super, rose to prominence as the lead in Kendasampige (Colors Kannada, 2022), and captivated audiences by winning Dance Karnataka Dance (Zee Kannada, 2024). A rising star in every sense, she is undoubtedly set to shine in the Kannada film industry.
Gopal Krishna Deshpande
Gopal Deshpande, hailing from North Karnataka, began his journey in theatre with no initial interest in acting for the big screen. Yet today, he stands as one of the most respected and versatile actors in Kannada cinema, known for his powerful and authentic performances.
He has delivered memorable roles in acclaimed films such as 777 Charlie (Rakshit Shetty), Garudagamana Vrishabha Vahana, Sapta Sagaradaache Ello, Yuva (Hombale Films), Uttarakanda (KRG Studios), Bheem, and many more. His performance in Shakha Hari earned widespread recognition.
Now, he adds another impactful role to his filmography by playing Ramesh Babu aka Gujari Babu in Kothalavadi, a film proudly produced by PA Productions. A master of his craft, Gopal Deshpande continues to captivate audiences with his effortless ability to embody diverse characters.
Rajesh Nataranga
Rajesh Nataranga is a renowned Indian film actor and writer, celebrated for his compelling screen presence and versatile performances. Over the years, he has been part of numerous acclaimed films such as Kaddipudi, Kendasampige, Operation Alamelamma, Gajakesari, Killing Veerappan, Gurudev Hoysala, and Ona Sarala Prema Katha. His work has consistently earned praise from critics and audiences alike. In Kothalavadi, produced by Namma PA Productions, he delivers a standout performance as SP Parashuram, a fiercely loyal and principled police officer.
Avinash Yelandur
Avinash is a talented actor in Indian cinema. He has acted in numerous films, including those in Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Hindi. He entered the film industry in 1988 and has been entertaining us to date. He has received a National Award. He played the role of a commissioner named Ananthpadmanabha in our PA production.
Mansi Sudhir
Mansi Sudhir is a talented actress from Udupi district, and the daughter of renowned Kannada professor Muralidhar Upadhya Hiriyadka. She began her film journey in 2006 with Ramya Chaitra Kala by Sunil Kumar Desai and went on to act in serials like Guru Raghavendra Vaibhav, Mahabharata, and Seethe.
She gained widespread recognition for her role as Rishab Shetty’s mother in the blockbuster film Kantara. Mansi also runs Nritya Niketan Kodavoor, a dance school in Udupi. Her film credits include UI, 45, Kedi, and Krishnan Pranayasakhi. In PA Productions’ Kothalavadi, she shines as Malini Thammannavaru.
Abhinandan Kashyap
Background Score
Abhinandan Kashyap is an Indian film score composer, singer, and sound designer known for his innovative approach to music and sound. He made his debut as a music composer in 2021 and gained recognition for his work in Avatara Purusha Part 2 (Pushkar Films). He also debuted as a Virtual Reality sound designer for Once Upon a Time in Jamaligudda. His contributions to Kannada cinema include acclaimed works in Jamaligudda (2022) and Loveli (2024). Abhinandan’s unique soundscapes have earned him industry praise, and he is currently composing the music for PA Productions’ much-anticipated upcoming film, Kothalavadi.
Raghu Niduvalli
Dialogue Writer
Since childhood, Raghu Niduvalli was drawn to cinema, watching every film on TV and in local tents. After PUC, his passion deepened, and with help from his cousin Kantaraj, a makeup artist, he entered the film industry as an assistant director in Care of Footpath by Master Kishan. While working with renowned directors and nurturing his love for writing, he got his breakthrough when director Jayateertha offered him a chance to write dialogues for Bullet Basya. The film’s success launched his career, and he has since written for over 30 films, including Bell Bottom, Bajrangi, Vajrakaya, and Kothalavadi by PA Productions.
Stunn Sagar
Action Director
Stunn Sagar, originally from Bangalore, was inspired by his father, a respected stunt master in the Kannada film industry. Watching him work sparked Sagar’s passion for stunts from a young age. He began his career as a fighter in 2014 and has since contributed to over 380 films across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, and Hindi languages. Sagar has worked with leading stunt choreographers like Ravi Varma, Vinod, and the renowned Telugu duo Ram-Lakshman. Now stepping into the spotlight, he makes his debut as a stunt director for Kothalavadi, an action-packed film proudly produced by PA Productions.