Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jan 14: Bollywood actor Sunil Shetty arrived at Mangaluru International Airport on Tuesday, January 14, to join the shoot of the Tulu movie Jai. Directed by and starring Rock Star Roopesh Shetty, the film marks Sunil Shetty’s much-anticipated debut in Tulu cinema.

Shetty was warmly welcomed at the airport by director Roopesh Shetty. The Bollywood actor had previously expressed a desire to act in a Tulu movie, but scheduling conflicts had delayed this dream. He will now feature in pivotal scenes of Jai, which will be shot on January 15 as part of the movie’s final production phase.

Sunil Shetty said, "I have always wanted to be part of a Tulu film, and in recent years, Tulu cinema has progressed significantly, with many good films being released. When Roopesh Shetty narrated the story of Jai  I felt it was the right opportunity. I have never forgotten my roots; I frequently visit Mangaluru and places like Bappanadu, Subramanya, and Dharmasthala. It’s a proud moment for me to be part of a Tulu film. A few years ago, I mentioned that if I came across a good subject, I would do a Tulu film, and Roopesh Shetty gave me that chance. I also hope that actors from Coastalwood get the opportunity to work in Bollywood."

Jai is a high-budget venture, with shooting conducted across multiple scenic coastal locations, including Kuthar, Dambel, Marakada, Shoolin Palace Maravoor, Bondel, Panambur, and Baikampady. The film boasts an impressive cast featuring prominent actors from Dakshina Kannada.

Following his success with Girgit, Gamjaal, and Circus, Roopesh Shetty has undertaken this ambitious project. Jai is produced under the banners of Jai Cinema, RS Cinemas, Shoolin Films, and Mugrodi Productions.

The story and dialogues are written by Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, with cinematography by Vinut K, music by Loy Valentine Saldanha, and editing by Rahul Vasista. The producers are Anil Shetty, Sudhakar Shetty Mugrodi, and Manjunath Attavara, with Deekshit Alva as co-producer. Naveen Shetty Aryans serves as the choreographer and executive producer.

The cast includes Devadas Kapikad, Naveen D Padil, Raj Deepak Shetty, Aravind Bolar, Bhojaraj Vamanjoor, Prasanna Shetty Bailoor, Sandeep Shetty Manibettu, and Umesh Mizar, with Adhvithi Shetty in the lead female role.

According to actor-director Roopesh Shetty, Jai is being shot in three phases, with the third and final phase concluding this January.