ZEE5, India’s largest homegrown OTT platform, has announced the World Digital Premiere of the much-awaited Kannada romantic thriller ‘Elumale’ on October 17, 2025. Directed by Punit Rangaswamy and produced by Tharun Sudhir and Atlanta Nagendra, the film features an impressive ensemble cast including Raanna, Priyanka Achar, Jagapati Babu, Kishore, and TS Nagabharana.

Set against the scenic yet politically sensitive Karnataka–Tamil Nadu borderlands, ‘Elumale’ tells the story of Harish (played by Raanna), a humble cab driver from Chamarajanagar, and Revathi (played by Priyanka Achar), a wealthy woman from Salem. What begins as a tender cross-border love story soon turns into a gripping thriller, interwoven with themes of law enforcement, smuggling, and political tension.

According to a UNI report, the film is being praised for its blend of emotional depth, regional authenticity, and fast-paced storytelling, promising to appeal to both romance and thriller lovers.

Sharing his experience, lead actor Raanna said, “Harish is a simple, boy-next-door character, and playing him was a journey that felt very personal to me. From working on the local slang to understanding his backstory, the process was challenging and rewarding. What makes ‘Elumale’ special is that it has been made with a lot of heart, and now, with its digital premiere, I hope even more audiences connect with Harish’s story. If the character stays with viewers after watching it, I’ll feel I’ve done justice to the role.”

With regional storytelling on OTT platforms gaining steady momentum, ZEE5’s release of ‘Elumale’ further reinforces its commitment to high-quality Kannada cinema, spotlighting new talent and stories deeply rooted in local culture.