Elumale () is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language romantic thriller film written and directed by debutant Punit Rangaswamy. It was produced by Tharun Sudhir and Atlanta Nagendra under the banners Tharun Sudhir Kreatiiivez and De Arte Studios. The film stars Raanna and Priyanka Achar in the lead roles, with Jagapathi Babu, Kishore and T. S. Nagabharana appearing in supporting roles. The film was released theatrically on 5 September 2025.
Since the film is set in across several states, it includes dialogues in Kannada, Tamil, English and Telugu languages. The plot revolves around a young girl who has eloped on the night of her marriage, and plans on meeting her boyfriend on Male Mahadeshwara Hills. However, it is also the night that Operation Cocoon is launched to capture the forest brigand Veerappan. The film was commercially successful at the box office. It also received positive reviews from critics upon release. Raanna's performance received praise. The Hollywood Reporter India included him in one of the top five performances in Kannada cinema for 2025.
Plot Set in the borderlands between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, the film follows Harish, a cab driver from Chamarajanagar, and Revathi, a wealthy young woman from Salem, whose cross-border romance becomes entangled with law enforcement, smugglers and larger political undercurrents. As the lovers attempt to reunite their relationship, a series of incidents complicate their plans and push the narrative towards a tense, thriller climax.
Cast
Production Elumale marked the directorial debut of lyricist-turned-director Punit Rangaswamy. The project was produced by Tharun Kishore Sudhir (under Tharun Sudhir Kreatiiivez) with Atlanta Nagendra as a co-producer; De Arte Studios is listed as a production partner. Principal photography and location work emphasize the film's borderland setting; interviews and production write-ups note the film's multilingual elements and period details used to evoke the story's milieu.
Music
The film's soundtrack and background score were composed by D. Imman.
Release and reception Elumale opened in theatres on 5 September 2025. Actor Sudeep praised the film's craft, saying it is "worth watching". A film tutor at FTTI, Pune mentioned that, ‘Elumale’ is an interesting demonstration of how a good screenplay can turn a simple story into an intense experience.
Critical response was positive, with reviewers praising the film's blend of romance and thriller elements, performances and technical craft.
A critic from Deccan Herald gave 4 stars and wrote, "It may not be a one-of-a-kind experience, but the cinematic experience is definitely worth your time". The Times of India rated the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "With strong performances, period authenticity, and gripping suspense, it’s a must-watch for fans of romance and thrillers alike". The News Minute wrote, "Elumale is a self-aware exercise that knows exactly what it wants to communicate. It’s a film made with a keen eye, as well as the intent to enthral audiences without being formulaic". A critic from Cinema Express wrote, "The film captures the raw, haunting romance of Harisha and Revathi, while delivering a pulse-pounding thriller that tests courage and destiny in every moment. It demands attention, provokes emotion, and leaves you marvelling at the power of love caught in extraordinary circumstances". A critic from The Hollywood Reporter India called the film "a breath of fresh air in a genre that often uses intercaste love to tell stories of bloodshed and brutality". A critic from India Today rated the film 3.5/5 stars and wrote, "Elumale is a good watch and is highly recommended for thriller lovers. The film does have some flaws and hints of dated or old-school narration, but these are digestible as the thriller elements and performances impress". A critic from Kannada Screens wrote, "‘Elumale’ is a well-crafted romantic thriller". A critic from OTTplay rated the film 3/5 stars and wrote, "Elumale has a tight narrative that is interesting for the most part and makes for a decent watch". Elumale makes it into the top 3 movies of 2025.
Home Media Elumale satellite and digital rights are owned by Zee5. It was premiered on 17 October 2025.
Accolades
Elumale was nominated for 14th SIIMA awards in 6 Categories.
Ceremony Category Nominee Result14th South Indian International Movie AwardsBest DirectorPunit RangaswamyBest Film Atlanta Nagendra, Tharun SudhirBest Female Playback SingerMangliBest Actor in a Negative Role KishoreBest Debut Actress in Lead Role Priyanka AcharBest Supporting ActorT S Nagabharana
Elumale was selected in the popular films section at 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) 2026.
Award Category Nominee Result 17th Bengaluru International Film Festival (BIFFes) 2026Best Popular Film Atlanta Nagendra, Tharun Sudhir
Award Category Recipient Result Ref Chandanavana Film Critics Awards 2026Best FilmAtlanta Nagendra, Tharun SudhirBest Debut Actress Priyanka AcharBest ScreenplayPunit RangaswamyBest Supporting ActorKishore Best Editor Prakash K M Best Music Director D Imman Best Background Score D Imman Best Stunt ChoreographyVinod Best Male Singer V M Mahalingam Best Female Singer Mangli Best DirectorPunit Rangaswamy
Elumale was selected for the AKKA CineGannada film festival 2026 and won awards in four categories.
Award Category Nominee Result AKKA CineGannada Film Festival 2026Best First Film Atlanta Nagendra, Tharun Sudhir Best Director Punit Rangaswamy Best Music Director D Imman Best Male Singer V M Mahalingam
Elumale won two awards at Chittara Star Awards 2026.
Award Category Nominee Result CHITTARA STAR AWARDS 2026Best Promising Movie Atlanta Nagendra, Tharun Sudhir Best Debut Actress Priyanka Achar
Elumale won two awards at Prajavani Cine Samman Awards 2026.
Award Category Nominee Result PRAJAVANI CINE SAMMAN AWARDS 2026Best Screenplay Punit Rangaswamy Best Debut Actress Priyanka Achar
Elumale won four awards at ChitraSanthe Film Awards 2026.
Award Category Nominee Result CHITRASANTHE FILM AWARDS 2026Best Film Critics Atlanta Nagendra, Tharun Sudhir Favorite Hero Raana Favorite Director Punit Rangaswamy Best Supporting Role - Male Kaddipudi Chandru
Box Office Elumale collected around 5.25 crores as per IMDb. It was declared as box-office hit. First 10 days of collection was 3.25 crores
References
External links