Royal (film)

Royal is a 2025 Indian Kannada-language masala film directed by Dinakar Thoogudeepa, written by Raghu Niduvalli and produced by Jayanna Films. The film stars Viraat and Sanjana Anand in lead roles, along with Raghu Mukherjee, Chaya Singh, Rangayana Raghu and Achyuth Kumar in supporting roles. The music was composed by Charan Raj, while cinematography and editing were handled by Sanketh Mysuru and KM Prakash.Royal is released on 24 January 2025 .

Plot

Krishna, a con artist, learns that he is the son of Sudarshan, a food company owner and soon takes responsibility of protecting the company from a shrewd business tycoon.

Cast

Production

Royal marks director Dinakar's return to cinema after six years. The title launch was held on 6 February 2023 which was presided by Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar and producer Vijay Kiragandur. In March 2021, it was reported that Dinakar would team up with Jayanna Films and direct a film with Puneeth Rajkumar in the lead role. However, with the death of Puneeth, the project was shelved and subsequently called off by the makers. Later, with the same producers, Dinakar teamed up and cast Viraat of Kiss (2019) fame upon the decision made by the producers. In July 2022, Dinakar tweeted "We are Overwhelmed to present our next vision Production 23 to be directed by me and produced by Jayanna Films’ Jayanna and Bhogendra Sir" confirming that the project would be an youthful commercial entertainer with thriller elements. He roped in Salaga actor Sanjana Anand to play the female lead. She joined the film sets in August 2022. He further confirmed that the subject he intended to do with Puneeth Rajkumar was not the same as this film's story. The principal photography of the film began in February 2023 in various parts of Karnataka and Goa states.

Release

Slated for the theatrical release on 24 January 2025, Royal team arranged for a pre-release screening on 20 January. Actor Darshan made his first public appearance after his legal trouble and supported the film. The special screening was also arranged for Darshan-Dinakar's mother Meena Thoogudeepa. Post the screening, Dinakar revealed that "Darshan watched the film because of my son Surya, who is making his debut as a child artist with this film".