‘Appu’ to Re-Release in Theatres for Puneeth Rajkumar’s 50th Birth Anniversary
Directed by Puri Jagannath and produced by Puneeth’s mother, veteran producer Parvathamma Rajkumar, ‘Appu’ was a massive success, running for nearly 200 days in theatres.
The 2002 Kannada blockbuster Appu, which marked Puneeth Rajkumar’s debut as a lead actor, is set for a grand re-release on March 14, 2025, in celebration of the late superstar’s 50th birth anniversary.
Directed by Puri Jagannath and produced by Puneeth’s mother, veteran producer Parvathamma Rajkumar, ‘Appu’ was a massive success, running for nearly 200 days in theatres. The film not only cemented Puneeth’s place in the industry but also earned him the beloved nickname "Appu" among fans.
Announcing the re-release, Puneeth’s wife Ashwini Rajkumar took to X (formerly Twitter), writing, "Misunderstanding ಬೇಡ! Get ready to relive the magic. #Appu returns to theaters in honor of Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar's 50th birthday. In cinemas on 14th March 2025."
The film is being digitally remastered to enhance its visual and audio quality, ensuring an immersive theatrical experience for both longtime fans and a new generation of moviegoers.
Puneeth, the youngest son of Kannada cinema legend Dr. Rajkumar, started his career as a child actor and won a National Award for Best Child Artist for Bettada Hoovu. His performance in Appu catapulted him to superstardom, thanks to its romantic action-packed storyline, electrifying dance moves, and hit songs that continue to resonate with fans.
His sudden demise in 2021 at the age of 46 due to cardiac arrest left the industry and his fans in shock. However, his legacy lives on, and the re-release of Appu stands as a heartfelt tribute to his enduring impact on Kannada cinema.
The youngest son of Dr Rajkumar, a revered legend in Kannada and Indian cinema, Puneeth grew up under the spotlight alongside his elder brothers, Dr Shiva Rajkumar and Dr Raghavendra Rajkumar, who are also prominent actor-producers.
