Forest | |
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![]() Theatrical release poster | |
Directed by | Chandra Mohan |
Written by | Satya Shaurya Sagar |
Screenplay by | Chandra Mohan Satya Shaurya Sagar |
Story by | Chandra Mohan Satya Shaurya Sagar |
Produced by | N M Kantharaj |
Starring | |
Cinematography | V. Ravikumar |
Edited by | Arjun Kittu |
Music by | Songs: Dharma Vish Score: Anand Rajavikram |
Production company | NMK Cinemas |
Release date |
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Running time | 145 minutes |
Country | India |
Language | Kannada |
Forest is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language comedy thriller film directed and co-written by Chandra Mohan. [1] It is produced by N. M. Kantharaj under his NMK Cinemas banner and features an ensemble cast of Chikkanna, Aniissh Tejeshwar, Gurunandan, Rangayana Raghu, Sooraj Pops, Sharanya Shetty and Archana Kottige. [2]
Principal photography commenced in April 2023 and continued till January 2025 where most of the film being shot in the forest regions of Madikere, Chikmagalur, MM Hills and few portions being canned in Bengaluru. [3] The film's cinematography was handled by V. Ravikumar and edited by Arjun Kittu. The music is composed by Veer Samarth and Dharma Vish. [4]
Forest was released on 24 January 2025. [5]
Chandra Mohan, who previously directed Double Engine (2018) and Brahmachari (2019), announced his third film in April 2023. He roped in Chikkanna as one of the leads, with whom he worked in Double Engine previously. Rest of the cast was subsequently signed in. About 80% of the filming commenced in the forests of several districts in Karnataka. [7]
The soundtrack consists of songs composed by Dharma Vish to the lyrics by Chetan Kumar and Puneeth Arya. [8]
No. | Title | Lyrics | Singer(s) | Length |
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1. | "Odo Odo Odo" | Puneeth Arya | Kailash Kher, Harsha Uppar | 2:22 |
2. | "Paisa Paisa" | Chetan Kumar | Chandan Shetty | 3:28 |
Total length: | 6:20 |
The Movie received mixed reviews from critics, with a blend of positive and negative feedback on its humor and supernatural elements. The Times of India’s Sridevi S. wrote, “Forest is a decent attempt at blending comedy and supernatural thrills, with Chikkanna and R. Raghu’s chemistry standing out, though the narrative could have been tighter for a more impactful experience.” [9] A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express said, “Forest is a fun ride with comedy, thrills, and supernatural twists, keeping viewers hooked with lively characters, though parts feel predictable.” [10] Y. Maheswara Reddy of Bangalore Mirror noted, “Set in a dense forest, Forest delivers solid entertainment with humor and supernatural vibes, making it enjoyable despite small flaws.” [11] Shashiprasad S. M. of Times Now added, “Forest offers endless fun and laughs in a supernatural jungle setting, with strong performances making it a hit with audiences.” [12] In contrast, India Today’s Sanjay Ponnappa was critical, stating, “Forest aims for laughs but ends up disappointing, with a weak script and poor execution overshadowing its supernatural premise.” [13]