• Source:JND

Maarigallu Teaser: Four years after Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar’s passing, his legacy continues to live on through technology. Fans were left emotional and nostalgic after seeing an AI-generated version of the beloved actor in the teaser of Maarigallu, a new web series set to release on ZEE5. Directed by Devraj Poojary and produced by Puneeth’s wife, Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, Maarigallu is a historical action-drama that brings together heritage, technology, and emotion in a unique way. Maarigallu stars Rangayana Raghu, Praveen Tej, and Gopal Krishna Deshpande, alongside television actors Ninaad Hrithsa, Prashanth Siddi, and A.S. Suraj. The series is scheduled to premiere on October 31, 2025.

Maarigallu teaser introduces viewers to the ancient Kadamba dynasty, the first royal family of Kannadigas and their flourishing kingdom, Vaijayanthipura, with Banavasi as its capital. The biggest surprise, however, comes when Emperor Mayuravarma, founder of the dynasty, appears on screen which is portrayed by a digitally recreated Puneeth Rajkumar. The one-minute teaser beautifully blends animation and artificial intelligence to resurrect Puneeth in an entirely new form. Narrated by actor Dhananjaya, the teaser begins by showing the peaceful reign of the Kadambas before shifting to a modern-day storyline. It then jumps to the 1990s, where a group of people in Sirsi set out to uncover a long-lost treasure linked to the ancient dynasty. The story soon turns into a thrilling tale of ambition, greed, faith, and destiny.

Meanwhile, fans were quick to react to the emotional teaser, flooding social media with heartfelt comments. Many called it a “divine moment” and thanked the makers for bringing back “Appu,” as Puneeth is lovingly known among fans. One user wrote, “Appu boss entry king is back!” while another said, “Will get to see my god again.” The unexpected appearance of the late actor, recreated through AI, left many nostalgic and teary-eyed.

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About Puneeth Rajkumar

Puneeth Rajkumar, the youngest son of legendary actor Dr Rajkumar, was one of Kannada cinema’s most celebrated stars. Known for films like Appu, Raajakumara, and James, he won hearts with his charm, humility, and powerful performances. His untimely death in 2021 due to cardiac arrest left a deep void in the industry. His final film, James, was released posthumously, followed by his cameo in Lucky Man and the travel documentary Gandhada Gudi, which celebrated Karnataka’s natural beauty.