IMBU

Synopsis

Set in a vibrant rural community, the film follows Balanna, a devout man dedicated to his spiritual duties despite personal hardships like illiteracy and financial struggles. He finds joy in uplifting others, especially his academically gifted daughter. His life changes when he receives a mobile phone, opening a world of Yakshagana performances and digital possibilities. However, his innocence leads him into a scam, costing him his savings and his revered status in the village. As his world unravels, even his spiritual duties falter, shaking the community’s faith. A poignant tale of trust, resilience, and the clash between tradition and technology, the film explores Balanna’s struggle to rebuild and rediscover faith amid loss.

Director’s Statement

This film explores trust, resilience, and the clash between tradition and modernity. Balanna’s journey highlights the fragility of trust in the digital age, where technology connects and deceives in equal measure. His struggle serves as a cautionary tale about digital literacy, especially for those new to it.
Set in the Tulu coastal region, the film captures the tension between cultural heritage and modernization. Through Yakshagana performances and Oracle ceremonies, it celebrates tradition while questioning how we adapt to a rapidly changing world. Balanna’s experience is not just his own—it mirrors the challenges many face today.

Shivadhwaj Shetty

Writer – Director

Shivadhwaj Shetty

Writer – Director

Shivadhwaj Shetty is a multifaceted creator, director, and performer known for his cinematic artistry across Kannada, Malayalam, Tulu, and Konkani films. With over 40 films to his credit, he has portrayed diverse roles, both lead and supporting, showcasing his versatility. Transitioning to directing, he revealed his true passion. His debut, Gaggara (Tulu), earned a National Award, marking his emergence as a filmmaker of purpose. Naa Puttuna Mannu (Kodava) won the Karnataka State Award, while E-Mannu (Kannada, 2020) received accolades for Best Social Awareness Film and Best Lyrics. In 2022, Koramma garnered a Special Jury Mention at the Bangalore International Film Festival and selections at international festivals, highlighting his commitment to impactful storytelling. His latest work, Imbu, delves into the intersection of modern communication technologies and rural life, exploring how technology shapes confined worlds. Through his narratives, Shetty invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of their own realities.

Prashanth Rai

Producer

Prashanth Rai

Producer

Prashanth Rai’s career, transitioning from journalism to entrepreneurship, has been defined by his fascination with the power of visual storytelling. As a seasoned journalist, he contributed to leading Kannada and English publications, covering diverse topics such as current affairs, business, and entertainment. His extensive experience in cinema journalism offered him a nuanced understanding of both the artistic and commercial dimensions of filmmaking. Driven by his passion for storytelling, Prashanth founded Write People, a writers’ collective responsible for crafting scripts for numerous successful TV shows. His entrepreneurial drive led him to co-produce popular Kannada reality shows in collaboration with Shivadhwaj. Expanding his creative horizons, he established Picchar Studio, which produced the Hindi TV drama Agniskashi. The studio also ventured into cinema with the Tulu film Imbu, bringing fresh and innovative narratives to the screen. Through his ventures, Prashanth continues to explore and redefine storytelling across mediums.

cast

Naveen D Padil
Chandrakalaa Udupi
Harish Vasu Shetty Mumbai
Kasaragod Chinna
Thamma Lakshmana
Prashamsa Shetty
Pushparaj Bolar
Udaya Alva Iddya Surathkal

crew

Story, screenplay, dialogue, direction: Shivadhwaj Shetty
Producer: Prashanth Rai
Cinematography: Suresh Bhyrasandra
Editing: Ganesh Nirchal
Art direction: Santhosh Poojary Venuru
Background music: Shinoy V Joseph
Production manager: Shankaranarayana Sullia
Re-recording engineer: RJ Rahul