Veera Kambala: Hamsalekha Calls It a Timeless Salute to Tulunadu’s Valour

Kambala, the iconic buffalo race of coastal Karnataka, is more than a rural sport — it is a cultural heartbeat of Tulunadu. With Veera Kambala, veteran filmmaker Rajendra Singh Babu crafts a story that treats the tradition not as mere spectacle, but as a living symbol of history, faith, and community pride.

The film’s trailer was unveiled by noted composer Hamsalekha, who reflected on his long creative association with the director. Calling art “ageless,” he described Veera Kambala as an artistic tribute to the spirit of valour that Kambala embodies. His words added emotional depth to the launch event.

The trailer vividly captures the raw power of buffaloes racing through slushy tracks, vast paddy fields echoing with cheers, and charged village gatherings. Beyond the spectacle, it hints at intense rivalries, inherited legacies, and personal stakes. Ritualistic elements and glimpses of rural life suggest that the narrative delves into identity and power structures within a deeply rooted cultural framework.

Speaking at the event, Rajendra Singh Babu highlighted the extensive research behind recreating the world of Kambala. He acknowledged the contributions of Tulu theatre personality Vijay Kumar Kodialbail and researchers who offered detailed insights into the tradition. Intriguingly, he also hinted at an unexpected narrative layer linking the rural sport to the Mumbai underworld — blending cultural authenticity with dramatic intrigue.

Produced by Dr Vinita Vijay Kumar Reddy and Arun Rai Todar under Baba’s Blessing Films, the film stars Prakash Raj and Ravishankar in prominent roles, with Radhika Narayan appearing in a special role. Several noted artistes from Tulu theatre further enrich the film’s milieu.

Music is composed by Manikanth Kadri, while Vijay Kumar Kodialbail has penned the screenplay and dialogues. Releasing in Kannada and Tulu, Veera Kambala is set to hit theatres on February 27.