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In mid-90s a Kannada film emerged that defied cinematic norms captivating audiences with its raw portrayal of the underworld. This film directed by a debutant and featuring a leading actor from a legendary film family not only achieved commercial success but also set a record for the most re-releases in Indian cinema history. Which film is this? The film we are talking about is Om directed by legendary Upendra and starring Shivarajkumar the son of the iconic Dr. Rajkumar. Released on May 19 1995 Om delves into the life of Satya a priests son who after a tragic love affair descends into the world of crime. What set Om apart was its unflinching depiction of Bangalores criminal underbelly a narrative choice that was both bold and unprecedented at the time. How were the performances? Shivarajkumar’s role in Om showcased his range as an actor portraying a college student-turned-gangster with depth and intensity. His powerful screen presence and emotional performance made the character memorable and helped establish the film as a cult classic in Kannada cinema. Actress Prema portrayed Madhuri the female lead whose presence significantly influenced the emotional arc of the story. Alongside her Srishanthi added further depth to the narrative with a heartfelt performance. Sadhu Kokila provided moments of comic relief while maintaining a strong screen presence and actors like G. V. Sudhakar Naidu and M. S. Umesh brought intensity to their roles as figures from the criminal underworld. How has Om gained a huge respect? Oms impact was not limited to its initial release. Made on a budget of around Rs 50 lakhs Om was the most expensive film for the Dr. Raj banner at the time and earned about Rs 2 crore before release and final figures went up to Rs 5 crore. It became an industry hit and a cult classic in Kannada cinema holding a Limca record for over 550 re-releases and becoming the most screened film in the industry’s history. The films music composed by Hamsalekha and the cinematography by B.C. Gowrishankar complemented the gritty narrative creating a cinematic experience that resonated with audiences.