No One Can Fill the Void Left by Puneeth Rajkumar, Says Yuva

Yuva Rajukumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar’s son, is set to make his big screen debut with Yuva. The film, slated to hit screens on March 28, has created a buzz in the industry as Annavru’s family is widely regarded as the cornerstone of the Kannada film industry. In an interaction with the media, Yuva spoke about taking forward his family’s legacy and the late Puneeth Rajkumar’s influence on Sandalwood.

On being asked if can can fill the void left by Appu’s death, he said that the Powerstar is irreplaceable. He further added that Sandalwood needs new heroes and he is happy to be part of the change.

“No one can fill the void he left, The Kannada industry needs a new breed of heroes every now and then and I am fortunate to be a part of that,” he said.

Puneeth, Dr Rajkumar’s youngest child, followed in his father’s footsteps when he made his big screen debut with ‘Appu’ (2002). He then consolidated his standing in the industry with his work in movies such as ‘Power’, ‘Hudugaru’, ‘Arasu’, and ‘Raajakumara’. Appu also hosted the Kannada version of ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati?’, which is itself based on ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire?’.

He was also a fitness enthusiast and this endeared him to the youth. Puneeth died in 2021 after a heart attack. ‘James’, his final feature film in a lead role, hit screens in 2022 and emerged as a blockbuster. He also had a special appearance in ‘Lucky Man’, 

Coming back to Yuva Rajkumar, he will be hoping to make a solid impression on fans with his work in ‘Yuva’. The film is set in a college campus and follows the rivalry between rival student gangs. Going by the synopsis, the plot will explore the events that transpire when the protagonist takes a stand for his friends.

‘Yuva’ is directed by Santosh Ananddram, best known for ‘Mr. and Mrs. Ramachari’ and ‘Raajakumara’. The cast includes Sapthami Gowda, Achyuth Kumar, and Prakash Raj. It is produced by Vijay Kiragandur under Hombale Films, the banner behind ‘KGF’ and ‘Kantara’. .