Gandhada Gudi, Kannada Superstar Puneeth Rajkumar’s last film was released on October 28, a day before his first death anniversary. It received positive and emotional reactions from fans and critics.
The title of the film could not be more apt. It has a long association with the Rajkumar family, and also means ‘the abode of Sandalwood’. Appu, as he is popularly known in Karnataka, redefines the meaning of a ‘true hero’ in this film through an unforgettable journey into the breathtaking forests, oceans, flora, and fauna of Karnataka.
Directed by Amoghavarsha, the project’s teaser was unveiled last year in December. The docudrama, presented by PRK Productions and Mudskipper, features Puneeth Rajkumar and Amoghavarsha exploring the wildlife, nature and its majestic beauty. It hit theaters on October 28, a day before Puneeth’s first death anniversary.
As expected, the centrifugal point of Gandhada Gudi is Puneeth; he surprises his fans with his child-like curiosity for nature, like when he watches the elephants and tigers roam freely in the wild. Puneeth adorns every frame, whether it is the actual adventure or a flashback sequence.
A day before the release, a celebrity show was held which was also attended by Sudha Murty, author, and chairperson of Infosys. After watching the film, she praised the makers of Gandhada Gudi and said, “It showed great respect for our nature.” Murty also praised the director for making the film very well.
Film critic Anup Bhandari wrote on Twitter that watching Gandhada Gudi was an experience beyond reviews and ratings. He said that for those close to the actor, the docudrama was as if he was picking up their last conversation. He further said the show was a peek into the actor’s life which portrays the true self of the much-loved actor.
Filmmaker Karthik Gowda wrote, “Hero. The Reel Hero. The Real Hero. Appu Sir! #Gandhadagudi is to be watched like a ritual. #Amogh great job man. @Ashwini_PRK @PRK_Productions.” Actor-director Rakshit Shetty wrote, “An incredible journey of discovery with the legend, Appu sir himself! Gandhadagudi is a dream, an ode, a prayer. A heartfelt applause to the entire team for delivering this gem to us in such a spectacular way.”
Puneeth Rajkumar passed away on October 29, 2021, due to cardiac arrest. He donated his eyes, which gave eyesight to four different people. Puneeth was given a state funeral, which was attended by Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.