Late actor Puneeth Rajkumar's debut film Appu to re-release in honour of his 50th birth anniversary

Helmed by Puri Jagannadh, Appu marked Puneeth Rajkumar’s grand debut as a lead actor in 2002 and went on to become a blockbuster, running in theaters for over 200 days.

To celebrate Puneeth Rajkumar’s enduring legacy, his iconic debut film Appu is set for a grand re-release on his 50th birthday.

Announcing the news on X, his wife, Ashwini, confirmed that the beloved film will return to theatres on March 14, 2025, giving fans a chance to relive the magic of the late superstar on the big screen.

Helmed by Puri Jagannadh, Appu marked Puneeth Rajkumar’s grand debut as a lead actor in 2002 and went on to become a blockbuster, running in theaters for over 200 days. His charismatic screen presence and electrifying performance won hearts instantly, earning him the affectionate nickname Appu from his devoted fans.

Misunderstanding ! Get ready to relieve the magic. #Appu returns to theaters in honor of Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar's 50th birthday. In Cinemas on 14th March 2025A @PRK_Productions release#DrPuneethRajkumar @RakshithaPrem #PuriJagannadh #GuruKiran #Avinash pic.twitter.com/at6OyDMf2q Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar (@Ashwini_PRK) February 26, 2025

The film revolves around a spirited young man named Appu, who falls in love with Suchitra, the daughter of a high-ranking police official. Despite numerous challenges, including her father’s disapproval and various obstacles in their path, Appu’s unwavering love and determination ultimately win over Suchitra’s heart. Starring Puneeth alongside Rakshita, the film also features Avinash and Hemashree in pivotal roles.

To honour Puneeth Rajkumar’s enduring legacy, a tradition has been set in motion—one of his films will be re-released every year on his birthday, ensuring that his contributions to cinema continue to inspire future generations. The beloved actor’s birthday falls on March 17, and this year, his iconic debut film, Appu, will return to theaters.

The decision to re-release Appu was first announced in 2024 when Puneeth’s film Jackie was brought back to cinemas as part of this initiative. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, in collaboration with KRG Studios, had then confirmed that Appu would be the next film to receive a theatrical revival.

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Spanning an illustrious career of nearly two decades, Puneeth Rajkumar starred in over 30 films, leaving an indelible mark on Kannada cinema. His final film, James, was released posthumously, further cementing his status as an irreplaceable force in the industry.

On October 29, 2021, Puneeth Rajkumar experienced discomfort and informed his wife, Ashwini. However, before he could receive medical attention, he passed away while being taken to a hospital in Bangalore. He was 46 years old, and the cause of his death was confirmed to be a heart attack.