Kattemar is a Tulu movie, released on 16 January 2026 starring Swaraj Shetty, J.P Thuminad, Lanchulal K S, Harshitha Kulal, Rakshith Ganiga, Santhosh Acharya Gumpalaje and Karthik Mulki. Kattemar opened with modest expectations in coastal Karnataka theaters, riding on local buzz from its trailer and cultural ties to attract Tulu-speaking audiences during Sankranthi.
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As a low-budget comedy-drama blending rural humor with everyday mishaps, it appealed to family viewers appreciating relatable narratives on community and chaos, posting a grounded day one driven by word-of-mouth in Mangalore-Udupi regions. Positive reviews highlighting the ensemble’s chemistry sustained limited holds, though competition from pan-Indian releases kept numbers low, reflecting how regional films rely on authenticity to navigate festive slates without star power.
In India, the performance underscores Tulu cinema’s niche strength in fostering loyalty through stories mirroring local life, even as broader dynamics favor mainstream entertainers. Overseas, minimal diaspora added to domestic focus, emphasizing challenges for smaller languages in global outreach. The movie’s box office trajectory exemplifies the resilience of content-driven regional fare, starting small but potentially building through organic appeal in home turf.
Launching with controlled hype, it benefited from holiday crowds for endorsements praising its light-hearted take on rural quirks. Unlike mass spectacles, its emphasis on situational laughs sets it apart, echoing enduring Tulu hits that thrive on emotional connections. As earnings stabilized with possible weekend gains, it affirmed viewer preference for feel-good tales, often recovering through extended runs. This pattern reaffirms that in diverse markets, films grounded in culture endure, with collections influenced by sentiment over promotions.
Kattemar 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Kattemar |
| Directed by | Sachin Katla, Rakshith Ganiga |
| Written by | Sachin Katla, Rakshith Ganiga |
| Produced by | Lanchulal K S |
| Actor | Swaraj Shetty |
| Actress | TBA |
| Other Cast | J.P. Thuminad, Harshitha Kulal, Aakanksha Rao, Lanchulal K S, Pushparaj Bollar, Mime Ramadas |
| Cinematography | Santhosh Acharya Gumpalaje |
| Edited by | Ganesh Nirchal |
| Music by | Karthik Mulki |
| Production Companies | Astra Productions |
| Distributed by | TBA |
| Release Date | 16 January 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 7m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Tulu |
| Film Industry | Tuluwood |
| Genre | Action, Drama |
| Censor Rating | UA |
Kattemar Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 16 Jan | ₹0.05 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | 17 Jan | ₹0.02 | -60 |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.06 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.07 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.08 crore | – |
Kattemar is a Hit or Flop
Waiting
What is the budget of Kattemar
The film budget is ₹2 crore.
Kattemar Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT date: Expected 8 weeks post-theatrical.
Our Review
Kattemar shines as a heartfelt Tulu comedy-drama co-directed by Sachin Katla and Rakshith Ganiga, centering on Swaraj Shetty’s village youth entangled in humorous escapades from family feuds and traditions. Shetty delivers a charming performance blending innocence with wit, reminiscent of relatable leads in Chaal Jeevi Laiye where mishaps lead to growth. J.P Thuminad adds depth as a quirky mentor, while Harshitha Kulal brings emotional warmth to relational arcs.
The story weaves light satire on rural norms with clever dialogues, though predictable twists echo regional staples like Pilibail Yamunakka. Critics note authentic dialect and brisk pacing, ideal for local viewers, with a folk-infused score enhancing rustic vibes. Box office-wise, it opened at ₹0.05 crore gross on day one amid low occupancy, dropping to ₹0.02 crore on day two per Sacnilk and social reports, totaling ₹0.07 crore India gross till date.
Predictions favor under 1 crore lifetime against ₹2 crore budget, flop with OTT potential for cult appeal like Tulu gems gaining traction digitally. Comparing Kattemar to contemporaries, it shares ensemble laughs of Tulu hits like Oriyardori Asal but distinguishes with modern twists on heritage, standing out in coastal cinema. Directors balance humor with subtle messages, captured through vibrant cinematography of Mangalore landscapes, akin to understated successes like Umil.
Ensemble synergy excels in group scenes depicting community bonds, yet emotional peaks could elevate like in stronger tales such as Barke. As of January 17, 2026 morning, daily earnings low lakhs, reflecting niche run in Karnataka with 3/5 ratings. Future outlook points to quick wrap under 2 crore worldwide, potentially emulating slow-burners like Karavali in sparking discussions on traditions. In deeper reflection, Kattemar embodies Tulu film’s cultural preservation, challenging norms with optimism, comparable to desi dramedies.
Its box office till date minimal highlights volatility for low-profile ventures in festive slots, encouraging authentic scripts. With predictions of under-recovery, it underscores streaming’s role in extension, adding to reflections on community while entertaining through sincere portrayals and timeless bonds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of Kattemar?
Sachin Katla and Rakshith Ganiga co-direct this Tulu drama.
What is the plot of Kattemar?
A powerful tale from Tulunadu with action and cultural elements.
Is Kattemar a remake?
No, original Tulu film.
When will Kattemar release on OTT?
Platform TBA, likely 8 weeks after theatres.
When did Kattemar release?
The film released on 16 January 2026 in regions where Tulu films screen
Who are the lead actors?
The film stars Swaraj Shetty and J.P. Thuminad in central roles.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
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