Media Release

Dubai, Jul 29: Last year on February 14 it was a moment of pride for all Tuluvas in the UAE, as the first-ever international Tulu movie 'Nirel' got released in Golden Cinema, near Gubaiba Metro Station here. More than 3,000 Tuluvas watched the movie in two shows in the 1,500 seating capacity of Golden Cinema. But things have changed now as Golden Cinema is on the verge of demolition.

The 1,500-seat theatre, located opposite Al Ghubaiba metro station in Bur Dubai, opened in 1972 and 'was the only one in the Middle East with a balcony', according to general manager Hassan A Kannu. Over the years it has screened some of the biggest films in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam cinema, regularly attracting Thursday-night world premieres ahead of the usual Friday-night opening in India.

By closing business since May 2 this year, Golden Cinema has closed the doors for the grand launch of Tulu movies in the UAE. "We have already sold around 500 tickets as of now and above all, more than 4,000 people have expressed their wish to watch 'Dhand' across the UAE. It is a pity that other than Golden Cinema, there are only small theatres which cannot accommodate more than 250 persons," said Shodhan Prasad, who is preparing to release his much-awaited Tulu movie 'Dhand' in Dubai.

With a strong message along with comedy and action, Dhand is already running successfully in Mangaluru and Mumbai. "We are still finding a way to arrange a grand premier show with release of our movie in UAE. Our aim is to attract more Tuluvas and simultaneously to find an alternative to Golden Cinema to screen the movie. Within few days we will announce our release date," said confident Shodhan Prasad.

'Dhand', a mass entertainer, with comical storyline stars Sandeep Shetty of Prasamsha Kaup, whose acting skill and comedy timing is already commended by Tulu audience. after this release we will also have Arjun Kapikad playing the protagonist. While local actors of Dubai, Deepak Paladka, Anoop Sagar and Shodhan Prasad have played important roles in the movie. Ranjith Bajpe working in Dubai's private company has written and directed the movie. Abhishek SN's music is already a super hit by now and also available for free download through Dhand movie's official site.

It will be a tough decision for Dhand team to overcome theatre problems in the UAE and find an alternative to release this movie. Daijiworld is the official media partner of the movie and Daijiworld's Mangaluru office is also featured in the movie.