45 First Review: Early Reactions Praise Shiva Rajkumar-Upendra-Raj B Shetty Film Ahead Of Release

45 First Review: The upcoming Kannada action-drama 45, directed by music composer-turned-filmmaker Arjun Janya, is set for its theatrical release on December 25, 2025. With just a day remaining before the film reaches audiences, early responses from the press show and the overseas premiere have started circulating online. The film features a strong ensemble cast led by Shiva Rajkumar, Upendra, and Raj B. Shetty, along with Kaustubha Mani and Jisshu Sengupta.

A press show for 45 was held in Bengaluru on December 23, followed by the film's first international premiere in Canada. Additionally, Karnataka will host paid premieres tonight, allowing select viewers to watch the film ahead of its official release.

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Among those who attended the press screening, journalist Sunayana Suresh shared her initial reactions on social media. Taking to X, she wrote, "#45 is going to be a blockbuster. What a film! Must watch. Loved, loved it." Her comment quickly drew attention from fans of the film's lead actors, many of whom have been anticipating the project since its announcement.

She further elaborated on her impressions through an Instagram post, describing the film as a blend of several cinematic styles popular across South Indian industries. In her words, the film brings together "the mass appeal of a Lokesh Kanagaraj film," "the madness of an Uppi film," and "the philosophy of a Raj B Shetty film," along with dialogues reminiscent of works by Suri and Yogaraj Bhat. She also highlighted the musical impact, comparing it to the energy that composer Anirudh often brings to his projects. Without revealing storyline details, she encouraged viewers to watch the movie in theaters once it releases.

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45 Movie Technical crew

45 marks Arjun Janya's directorial debut, transitioning from his long career as a music composer. The film is produced by Smt. Uma Ramesh Reddy and M. Ramesh Reddy under Suraj Productions. The technical crew includes cinematographer Satya Hegde and editor K. M. Prakash, while the stunt sequences are choreographed by Dr. K. Ravivarma, Jolly Bastian, Different Dany, and Chetan D'souza. Art direction is by Mohan Pandith, with still photography by G. B. Siddu.

Costumes were designed by PuttaRaju, Bharath Sagar, and Varshini; choreography was handled by Chinni Prakash and B Dhananjay; makeup was managed by Uma Maheshwar; and post-production work involved Yash Gowda for VFX and Pathaje Colorbar for colour grading, along with support from Sripaada Studios, representing an extensive team of leading technicians from the Kannada film industry.

With early reactions already circulating and paid premieres scheduled for tonight, 45 enters release week with considerable attention. The film's performance from December 25 onward will offer a clearer picture of how audiences respond to Arjun Janya's first directorial venture.

Credit: Filmibeat