The film released theatrically on 21 November 2025,[3] and features soundtrack composed by S. Narayan and Jassie Gift, while the cinematography is by PKH Das and Kumar Gowda, the editing is by Shivaprasad Yadav.[4] The film addresses the dangers of social media misuse, women’s safety, and family responsibility in the digital age.
Plot
The story begins in Malenadu, where Eeshwar (Shreyas Manju), an engineering student, dreams of becoming a film director rather than focusing on his studies. His parents (played by Sharat Lohitashwa and Tara) struggle to keep him grounded, urging him to help with their small grocery business. Eeshwar spends most of his time with friends and his comic uncle Singarappa (Sadhu Kokila), indulging in mischief and cinema fantasies.
During a family event, Eeshwar meets Ananya (Brinda Acharya), a charming young woman who moves into his neighborhood. He falls in love at first sight. Their budding romance takes a turn when Ananya disappears under mysterious circumstances after a train journey where Eeshwar loses his tablet while taking a selfie with her. Rumors spread that the two have eloped, forcing Eeshwar and his uncle to clear their names.
Parallelly, the narrative introduces Anish Patil (Duniya Vijay), a tough crime branch officer investigating a human trafficking racket that exploits women through social media traps. His probe reveals a sinister network led by Matthew, who lures girls via fake profiles and sells them abroad. The investigation gains momentum when Anish finds Eeshwar and Ananya’s selfie, linking them to the case.
As the search intensifies, shocking truths emerge: Ananya had a Facebook friend named Vivek Kulkarni, whose involvement points to a larger conspiracy. The film moves across Bengaluru, Malenadu, and Goa, showcasing the gang’s operations and the police’s desperate attempts to rescue victims. Eeshwar’s personal quest to find Ananya intertwines with Anish’s mission, leading to high-octane chases, emotional confrontations, and revelations about trust and responsibility in the digital age. The climax delivers a strong social message: unchecked social media use can lead to catastrophic consequences, urging families to monitor online activities and prioritize safety. The film ends with Anish dismantling the trafficking ring and Eeshwar realizing the value of responsibility over reckless ambition.
S. Narayan conceived Maarutha as a wake-up call for the digital generation, inspired by real-life cases of online harassment and missing women. He emphasized that the film is not women-centric but deeply rooted in their experiences, aiming to spark conversations about safe social media practices.[5] The film marks S. Narayan’s return to action thrillers after a series of family dramas. It was shot across Karnataka and Goa, capturing both urban and coastal landscapes. The director revealed that the film was inspired by real cases of social media scams and missing women reports.
Marketing
The promotional campaign included a 4K teaser featuring Duniya Vijay and Shreyas Manju. Social media outreach highlighting the film’s message on digital safety. Song releases tied to festive occasions like Dasara.
Composed by S. Narayan, the soundtrack blends devotional and thematic tracks. The single, “Nammamma Savadatti Ellamma”, was launched during Dasara festivities.
Maarutha received mixed to positive reviews from critics, with praise for its social message and performances, but criticism for pacing and narrative length.
Samyukta Karnataka rated the film 3/5, appreciating its awareness on social media dangers and women’s safety. The review noted that the film serves as a “warning bell for families” and commended Shreyas Manju’s action sequences and Brinda Acharya’s performance. However, it observed that the story felt stretched due to its broad theme.
Asianet Suvarna News described the film as “Vintage S. Narayan,” highlighting its family drama, emotional depth, and strong message. The review praised Duniya Vijay’s intense portrayal of a cop and the director’s ability to blend social commentary with entertainment, though it mentioned that the narrative occasionally meanders with too many subplots.[6]
Vishwavani News gave the film 2.5/5, calling it a suspense thriller with potential but lacking novelty. While the performances and action scenes were appreciated, the review criticized the film for predictable family drama elements and underutilized comedy tracks.[7]
Flick Feeds termed the film “Marvelous” for its timely subject and emotional appeal, but pointed out that the film feels lengthy and loses focus mid-way before regaining momentum in the last 30 minutes. The review praised the climax and Narayan’s dialogues and music, while suggesting tighter editing could have improved the experience.
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