Drawing from his experience as a writer on 'Kaatera' (2023), director Jadesh K Hampi uses similar content-driven narrative template for 'Landlord'. He brings together feudal system, oppression, struggles of working class, constitutional ideals of social justice and equality, and the caste system to shape a compelling storyline.Read at source
Landlord 2026 
Synopsis
Landlord
Set in rural Karnataka in the 1980s, Landlord follows Rachayya, a quiet and idealistic labourer who lives with his wife Ningavva and daughter Bhagya, aspiring for dignity and a small piece of land of his own. His village, however, is firmly controlled by Sanna Dhani, an influential landlord whose authority extends across land ownership, local politics and social hierarchy. Though Rachayya believes in lawful change and hopes institutions will protect the weak, he increasingly witnesses the exploitation, caste‑based oppression and fear that govern daily life under Dhani’s rule. When incidents of violence and injustice escalate—most notably the death of an innocent family—the villagers’ long‑standing frustrations erupt. These events force Rachayya to confront the limits of his patience. As the community’s trust in legal remedies fades, the villagers rally behind him, recognising his integrity and quiet strength. Rachayya gradually transforms from a hopeful, rule‑abiding man into a reluctant leader who channels the villagers’ anger into collective resistance against the landlord’s dominance. The conflict ultimately builds toward a decisive confrontation in which the villagers challenge generations of entrenched power. The struggle becomes not only about reclaiming land but also about restoring dignity and societal balance.
- Director
- Jadesh K Hampi
- Release
- 23 Jan 2026
- Language
- Kannada
Cast & crew
RA Rachita Ram Ningavva 
Raj B. Shetty Sanna Dhani RA Rakesh Adiga Cast RI Rithnya Vijay Bhagya SH Shishir Baikady Devi AC Achyuth Kumar Cast 
Umashree Cast BH Bhavana Rao Cast MI Mithra Cast AB Abhi Das Cast SH Sharath Lohitashwa Cast GO GopalKrishna Deshpande Cast BH Bhavya Gowda Cast B. B. Suresha Cast CH Chayashree Umesh Cast DU Duniya Vijay Cast JA Jadesh K Hampi Director, Writer M M M Shrikantha Writer K. K. S. Suraj Gowda Producer K. K. V. Sathyaprakash Producer B. B. Ajaneesh Loknath Composer SW Swamy J. Gowda Cinematographer K. K. M. Prakash Editor 
Srikanth Writer
Raj B. Shetty Sanna Dhani RA Rakesh Adiga Cast RI Rithnya Vijay Bhagya SH Shishir Baikady Devi AC Achyuth Kumar Cast Umashree Cast BH Bhavana Rao Cast MI Mithra Cast AB Abhi Das Cast SH Sharath Lohitashwa Cast GO GopalKrishna Deshpande Cast BH Bhavya Gowda Cast B. B. Suresha Cast CH Chayashree Umesh Cast DU Duniya Vijay Cast JA Jadesh K Hampi Director, Writer M M M Shrikantha Writer K. K. S. Suraj Gowda Producer K. K. V. Sathyaprakash Producer B. B. Ajaneesh Loknath Composer SW Swamy J. Gowda Cinematographer K. K. M. Prakash Editor Srikanth Writer Reviews
Indian-media reviews, grouped by reception.
Critics' consensus
Mixed
Across 6 available source-linked Indian-media reviews for Landlord, reception is mixed. The 3 scored reviews average 57/100.
Best forViewers looking for action and drama in Kannada cinema.
All 6 reviews shown
If you are in the mood for a film with Kaatera vibes, Landlord may be right up your alley. Just don't go in expecting the standard set by the former.Read at source
Landlord, directed by Jadesh Kumar, who previously co-wrote the successful Kaatera (2023), continues his engagement with socially rooted narratives, this time set against a rural backdrop and focusing on the long-standing imbalance of power tied to land ownership. Set in a feudal system, the film explores how control over land became a tool for social dominance, shaping lives across generations.Read at source
The only difference between the two films, and a big one at that, is that while the former manages to realise its potential, Landlord gets swayed by the weight of its own promise.Read at source
The film's politics grabs your attention. Kannada cinema is known to shy away from themes of caste discrimination; however, Jadeshaa here offers a serious, even if not unfamiliar, look at the fight between the haves and the have-nots.Read at source
Writer-director Jadesh K Hampi’s first attempt at commercial action, Landlord is an engaging film that impresses in the first half, building expectations, only for it to turn typical and underwhelming in the second half. The proceedings throughout the film are fairly standard for the genre, but the build-up of the story, characters, and stakes in the first half is what truly stands out. Jadesh’s talent for writing is evident in the film; however, the same cannot be said about his direction. A messy screenplay, marked by abrupt endings to impactful scenes, jarring cuts, and tonal shifts that do not make sense; random integration of social messages; and, worst of all, the downgrading of strongly written characters solely to elevate the hero — these issues largely point to the director’s vision and its underwhelming execution.Read at source
Media & trailers
Source-linked video records attached to this title.
Details
Soundtrack
Technical specs
- Release date
- 23 Jan 2026
- Language
- Kannada
- Country
- IN
- Director
- Jadesh K Hampi
Trivia
- Landlord was officially launched with a muhurta ceremony on lead actor Duniya Vijay's birthday in early January 2025.
- Principal photography took place across multiple locations including Nelamangala, Mangaluru, Tumakuru, and parts of Uttara Karnataka.
- Actor Raj B. Shetty agreed to wear a wig for his role as the antagonist to match the director's vision for the character's period look.
- Rithanya Vijay, the daughter of lead actor Duniya Vijay, made her acting debut in the film as his on-screen child.
- The film grossed ₹2.8 crore worldwide on its opening day, making it the highest day-one grossing Kannada film of 2026.
- Digital streaming rights for Landlord were acquired by Zee5, with the film beginning streaming on March 19, 2026.
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