Ekka Movie: Cast, Collection, OTT Release & More

You’re a wide-eyed guy from a sleepy village, cards in hand, dreaming of a simple life—maybe a house for your mom, a quiet evening with friends. One wrong turn in the big city, and bam, you’re dodging bullets, betrayals, and the kind of moral quicksand that swallows souls whole. That’s the hook of Ekka Movie, the 2025 Kannada action drama that’s got everyone from die-hard Sandalwood fans to casual binge-watchers buzzing. Released on July 18, it’s not just a film; it’s a gritty reminder that the ace card in life can flip from luck to curse in a heartbeat.

As someone who’s spent years dissecting Kannada cinema—from the emotional gut-punches of Lucia to the high-octane thrills of KGF—I have to say, Ekka feels like a love letter to the underdog. Directed by Rohit Padaki (the mind behind the heartfelt Rathnan Prapancha), it stars Yuva Rajkumar in a role that screams “breakout moment.” But does it shuffle the deck enough to stand out in a year packed with blockbusters? Let’s dive in, shall we? I’ll break it down like we’re chatting over filter coffee—honest, no fluff.

The Story: From Village Ace to City Beast

At its core, Ekka (which translates to “Ace” in the card game of life) is a classic tale of transformation. Meet Muttu (Yuva Rajkumar), a carefree small-town lad from Parvathipura. He’s got that innocent charm—think endless games of cards with buddies, playful banter with his mom Rathna (Shruti), and zero ambitions beyond saving his family’s crumbling home. But when financial woes force him to Bengaluru for quick cash, things spiral. A shady cab ride lands him in the crosshairs of the underworld, courtesy of a deceitful friend Ramesh and the fearsome don Masthan Bhai (Atul Kulkarni).

What follows is a whirlwind of action-packed chases, heart-wrenching betrayals, and those quiet moments of doubt that make you wonder: Would you crack under the city’s grind? The plot weaves in romance with neighbor Nandhini (Sanjana Anand), a tender bond with a kid who dubs him “Superman,” and enough twists to keep you guessing. It’s 148 minutes of raw emotion, where love, friendship, and family collide with gang wars and moral gray zones.

Rohit Padaki doesn’t reinvent the gangster wheel here—echoes of Jogi or Jackie linger—but he adds a fresh layer: Bengaluru’s underbelly isn’t glamorous; it’s suffocating, relatable, almost claustrophobic. Remember that scene where Muttu stares at a fancy restaurant menu, gobsmacked by the prices? It’s a small beat, but it hits like a truck, capturing the small-town-to-metro shock so many of us know too well.

Pros: The emotional build-up in the first half is goosebump city—Padaki’s storytelling simmers like a slow boil. Cons: The second half leans into predictable tropes; you might see some punches coming from a mile away. Still, it’s a ride worth taking if you’re into films that blend mass appeal with a soul.

Meet the Cast: Yuva’s Star Turn and Ensemble Firepower

Yuva Rajkumar isn’t just carrying the Rajkumar legacy anymore—he’s owning it. After his debut in Yuva (2023), where critics nitpicked his greenhorn vibes, Ekka shows marked growth. As Muttu, he nails the arc from lamb to lion: boyish grins in village flashbacks give way to steely glares and sweat-drenched fury. There’s a scene midway where he confronts his fractured reflection—vulnerable, raging—that’ll make you root for him, flaws and all. Atul Kulkarni, returning to Kannada after a hiatus, chews scenery as the menacing Masthan Bhai, his eyes alone screaming “don’t cross me.”

The women hold their own too. Sanjana Anand brings warmth and wit to Nandhini, the love interest who’s no damsel—her confrontations with sleazy patrons are chef’s kiss. Sampada Hulivana’s Mallika bookends the story beautifully, her role a full-circle emotional anchor that ties Muttu’s chaos together. Supporting turns from Rahul Dev Shetty (as the slimy Ramesh), Aditya (a no-nonsense cop stealing scenes), and Shruti (heartbreaking as the mom left behind) add depth without overshadowing.

Here’s a quick cast breakdown for the uninitiated:

Role	Actor/Actress	Why They Shine
Muttu	Yuva Rajkumar	Raw intensity; evolves from naive to unbreakable.
Nandhini	Sanjana Anand	Sassy, supportive—steals hearts without trying.
Masthan Bhai	Atul Kulkarni	Menacing presence; every line drips menace.
Mallika	Sampada Hulivana	Emotional core; subtle power in a pivotal arc.
Rathna	Shruti	Maternal ache that grounds the frenzy.
Ramesh	Rahul Dev Shetty	Betrayal done right—hateable in the best way.

It’s an ensemble that pulses with chemistry, proving Kannada cinema’s got talent for days. If you’re an intermediate fan, you’ll appreciate how Padaki gives everyone a moment— no one’s just wallpaper.

Behind the Scenes: Budget, Production, and That Box Office Buzz

Ekka didn’t come cheap—rumors peg the Ekka Movie Budget at around ₹20-25 crores, a solid mid-range bet for a star vehicle with big action set-pieces. Produced by PRK Productions, Jayanna Films, and KRG Studios (hello, Puneeth Rajkumar’s influence via Ashwini), it screams polish. Satya Hegde’s cinematography turns Bengaluru’s alleys into a character—grimy, glowing, alive. Charan Raj’s score? Phenomenal. Tracks like “Bangle Bangari” went viral pre-release, blending folk beats with hip-hop edge, while the BGM amps every fistfight to epic levels.

Now, the numbers: Ekka smashed the Ekka Movie Collection gates wide open. Day 1? A whopping ₹1.60 crores—the biggest Kannada opener of 2025, outpacing Vaamana by 159%. Weekend tally hit ₹5.66 crores (Day 1: ₹1.45 Cr, Day 2: ₹1.82 Cr, Day 3: ₹2.39 Cr), with Karnataka occupancy at 40-50% and night shows housefull. By week’s end, it crossed ₹6.50 crores domestically, edging out as the year’s top Kannada grosser so far. Worldwide? Steady climb to ₹8-10 crores, thanks to diaspora screenings. Not KGF territory, but a win in a drought year for Sandalwood.

Fun fact: The title dropped on Karnataka Rajyotsava (Nov 1, 2024), a nod to regional pride that paid off big.

Critical Verdict: Hits, Misses, and Where It Lands

Reviews are a mixed bag—much like a high-stakes card game. India Today calls it an “almost perfect Kannada actioner,” praising the goosebump first half and Yuva’s growth (3.5/5). Cinema Express echoes: “Reshuffles the deck with meaning,” highlighting emotional simmering over bombast (3/5). But The Hindu laments a “formulaic approach that fails to engage,” docking points for clichés (2/5). Times of India? 2.5/5: “Familiar ride,” solid tech but no emotional knockout.

Audience scores? IMDb’s at 7.4/10, with X (Twitter) ablaze: “Yuva 🔥 Story top-notch!” vs. “Old wine, no spark.” For intermediate viewers, it’s a 7/10—thrilling if you love Suri-style grit, skippable if originality’s your jam.

Read More: Yuva Movie (2024): Cast, Budget, Reviews, OTT Details

When and Where to Catch Ekka on OTT

Missed the theaters? No sweat—the Ekka Movie OTT Release Date is locked for September 12, 2025, on ZEE5. (Early rumors pointed to Prime Video, but ZEE5 snagged rights—smart move for their Kannada push.) Expect it post-Su From So‘s wave, around 8 weeks after theatricals. Audio on Anand Audio, satellite TBD.

FAQ: Your Ekka Queries Answered

Wrapping the Deck: Why Ekka Stays With You

Look, Ekka isn’t flawless—those second-half lulls might test your patience, and it borrows heavily from the gangster playbook. But damn, in a year where Kannada films have struggled to fill seats, it delivers heart, hustle, and just enough hope to make you cheer for the underdog. Yuva Rajkumar’s proving he’s no flash-in-the-pan; he’s the real deal, shuffling his way to stardom.

If you’re an Indian movie lover craving that mix of mass masala and quiet feels, stream it when it drops—or better yet, revisit a theater if it’s still running. Life’s too short for safe bets; sometimes, you gotta play the ace. What’s your take—team Muttu or calling bluff? Drop a comment, and hey, for more Sandalwood deep dives, check our guide to Yuva Rajkumar’s Rise or join the chat on our free WhatsApp community. Let’s keep the convo rolling—who’s next in Kannada’s hot seat?