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Run Antony
Official Poster
Directed byRaghu Shastri
Written byRaghu Shastri
Screenplay byRaghu Shastri
Produced byParvathamma Rajkumar
Raghavendra Rajkumar
Guru Rajkumar
StarringVinay Rajkumar
Rukshar Dhillon
Sushmita Joshi
CinematographyManohar Joshi
Music byManikanth Kadri
Production
company
Vajreshwari Combines
Release date
  • 8 July 2016 (2016-07-08)
CountryIndia
LanguageKannada

Run Antony is a 2016 Indian Kannada action thriller film written and directed by Raghu Shastri, making his debut.[1] Produced by Parvathamma Rajkumar, Raghavendra Rajkumar and Guru Rajkumar under Vajreshwari Hospitality banner,[2] the film stars Vinay Rajkumar and debutants Sushmita Joshi and Rukshar Dhillon in the lead roles.[3] The film's score and soundtrack is composed by Manikanth Kadri whilst the cinematography is by Manohar Joshi.

The filming has taken place from December 2015 and took a stretch of 60 days to complete. The film released on 8 July 2016.[4]

Cast

[edit]

Production

[edit]

Development

[edit]

Raghu Shastri, a former assistant to Bollywood director Anurag Kashyap was approached by Raghavendra Rajkumar to direct the script which he had made ready. Actor Vinay found the script interesting and agreed to star in the film choosing this as his second venture after the success of his first film Siddhartha (2015). The script is said to have a blend of both romance and thriller concepts.[5] Early reports suggested the film would launch in November 2015 which eventually got postponed to December 2015.

Casting

[edit]

Soon after selecting Raghu Shastry to direct the film, producer Raghavendra Rajkumar along with his actor son Vinay Rajkumar went on to search for the two female leads by browsing through around 500 photographs. They finalized Rukhsar Mir and Sushmita Joshi to play the roles. While Rukhsar hails from Darjeeling and doing her studies in Bangalore, Sushmita also is from Northern India. Veteran actor Devaraj was roped in to play an important supporting role.

Soundtrack

[edit]

Manikanth Kadri has composed the score and original soundtrack for the film. Actor Puneeth Rajkumar has recorded a song for the film.[6]

Track listing

[edit]
No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)Length
1."Jhanak Jhanak"V. Nagendra PrasadPuneeth Rajkumar03:39
2."Kanna Kareyu"Raghu ShastriSoham Chakraborty, Yazin Nizar05:10
3."Marula"Jayant KaikiniSoham Chakraborty, Supriya Lohith04:46
4."Run Antony Yuva Mash Up" Keerthan Holla, Aravind Mukundan02:56
5."Run Run Run" Divya Kumar, Varijashree Venugopal03:57
6."Summane"Raghu ShastriJaved Ali05:08
Total length:25:36

Reception

[edit]

The Hindu said running with Antony was tiresome.[7] The Deccan chronicle rated 2 stars to the movie and reviewed the movie as a frustrating experience[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Run Antony

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Run Antony is a 2016 Indian Kannada-language action thriller film written and directed by Raghu Shastry in his debut. The movie follows Antony, an IT professional and son of an officer, who becomes depressed after rejection from his love interest and attempts , only to be rescued by Yashu, a optimistic young woman who restores his will to live. Just as his life seems to improve, Antony finds himself on the run, evading pursuers while unraveling a web of secrets tied to his past. Produced by , , and Guru Rajkumar under the Vajreshwari Combines banner, the film marks the acting debut of opposite lead actor , with supporting roles played by Sushmitha Joshi and Devaraj. Released on July 8, 2016, it blends elements of , romance, and high-stakes action, with music composed by . The narrative emphasizes themes of resilience and self-discovery amid relentless pursuit sequences that drive the thriller aspect.

Synopsis

Plot

Antony D'Souza, an IT professional and the son of a retired , leads a seemingly content life surrounded by friends until he faces rejection from his love interest, plunging him into deep depression. Overwhelmed, he attempts by jumping from a multi-story building but miraculously survives. Undeterred in his despair, Antony heads to a railway station for another attempt, where he accidentally encounters Yashu, a young woman fleeing from mysterious pursuers. Yashu, portrayed as charming and enigmatic, shares fragments of her backstory involving a dangerous conspiracy tied to a recent bomb blast, drawing Antony into her peril despite his initial reluctance. As they evade antagonists linked to a larger terrorist plot—evoking loose references to global threats like ISIS and 9/11—their partnership deepens, with Yashu helping Antony rediscover a sense of purpose amid the chaos. The narrative escalates when a shocking bomb explosion occurs nearby, implicating Antony as a prime suspect in the terror act, forcing him to go on the run while the police, led by a determined officer, track him using surveillance footage within a 24-hour window. Throughout their flight, involving high-stakes chases and implausible action sequences across the city, Antony uncovers clues pointing to Yashu's family, where deceptive elders play a pivotal role in the conspiracy. A key twist reveals Yashu's true identity and her deeper connection to the bomb plot's orchestrators, intensifying the thriller elements as Antony leverages his father's military background to navigate the dangers. In the climax, Antony confronts the villains in a tense showdown, averting a larger and clearing his name, ultimately achieving personal redemption through his newfound resolve to protect Yashu and expose the plot.

Themes

"Run Antony" explores the central theme of overcoming depression and through unexpected human connections that instill purpose and positivity in the protagonist's life. Antony, depicted as a deeply depressed IT professional contemplating , encounters Yashu at a critical moment, which shifts his perspective toward hope and resilience. This transformation underscores how interpersonal relationships can serve as catalysts for emotional recovery, emphasizing the power of and companionship in combating struggles. The film further delves into themes of redemption and second chances, symbolized by Antony's evolution from passive despair to active heroism amid escalating threats. His journey illustrates a of personal agency and self-discovery, where and newfound responsibilities offer opportunities for and growth, moving beyond victimhood to . This motif highlights the individual's capacity to reclaim agency through adversity, foregrounding resilience as a path to renewal. "Run Antony" critiques conventional romance-thriller hybrids by attempting to balance emotional depth with action spectacle, though it often falters under commercial trappings. The integration of romantic elements, such as duets and love stories, sometimes dilutes the thriller's tension, revealing the challenges of blending introspective personal growth with high-stakes excitement. Motifs of fate and , exemplified by the pivotal railway station , drive the plot's thriller aspects while reinforcing the serendipitous nature of change and connection.

Cast and crew

Cast

The principal cast of Run Antony features in the titular lead role as Antony D'souza, portraying a depressed young man who gradually transforms into a amid the film's thriller elements. makes her acting debut in as Yashu (also known as Yashwini), the female lead depicted as a fugitive with a enigmatic background that drives the central narrative. Supporting the leads is an ensemble of seasoned actors, including Sushmitha Joshi as Kannika, Antony's concerned mother who provides emotional grounding for the protagonist. appears as Nazeem Khan, an intelligence officer serving as a primary antagonistic force in the story. Additional notable roles are filled by Sai Kumar in a , as a comedic ally among Antony's friends, and in a supporting capacity, contributing to the film's blend of tension and interpersonal dynamics.
ActorRoleDescription
Antony D'souzaThe central , a suicidal yet principled young man drawn into danger.
Yashu/YashwiniThe mysterious female lead whose plight propels Antony's journey.
Sushmitha JoshiKannikaAntony's supportive mother, offering familial insight.
Nazeem KhanA formidable opposing the leads.
Sai Kumar(Cameo)Brief authoritative figure enhancing the thriller stakes.
(Friend/Ally) in Antony's circle of acquaintances.
(Supporting)Elderly ensemble member adding depth to community interactions.

Crew

The film was directed and written by Raghu Shastry in his feature debut, where he crafted the narrative blending action-thriller elements with dramatic undertones centered on the protagonist's emotional turmoil. Production was overseen by , , and Guru Rajkumar under the Vajreshwari Combines banner, with Mangala Raghavendra Rajkumar serving as executive producer. Manikanth Kadri composed the original score and songs, contributing to the film's atmospheric tension and melodic interludes. Cinematographers Karm Chawla and captured the visuals, emphasizing dynamic framing and lighting to enhance the action sequences and moody settings. Editors Esham Khan and Haseen Khan handled the post-production assembly, ensuring a tight pace that balanced suspense and character development. Art direction was managed by Varada Raju and Chaitra Puthreya, who designed the production elements to reflect the story's urban and introspective environments. Choreographers A. Harsha, Imran Sardariya, and Murali directed the dance routines, integrating rhythmic sequences that complemented the soundtrack. Puneeth Rajkumar provided guest vocals for the upbeat track "Jhanak Jhanak," adding a notable celebrity touch to the album.

Production

Development

The development of Run Antony began in late 2015, following the commercial success of lead actor Vinay Rajkumar's debut film Siddhartha earlier that year, which prompted the Rajkumar family to greenlight the project as Vinay's sophomore venture. The film was announced publicly in November 2015, with a muhurat scheduled for December 14, marking the official start of under the family's production banner. Scriptwriting was handled by debut director Raghu Shastry, who crafted the story as an original narrative blending romance and action thriller elements to explore themes of personal redemption and emotional turmoil. Shastry's vision emphasized a fast-paced structure infused with emotional depth, drawing from his prior experiences assisting filmmakers like Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj, as well as his work on the YouTube channel Jump Cuts, which caught Vinay Rajkumar's attention and led to the initial pitch. The script evolved through collaborative workshops, particularly with newcomer cast members, to refine its focus on individual agency and self-discovery over conventional plot drivers. Financing was secured through the Rajkumar family's established production house, Vajreshwari Combines (also known as Sri Vajreshwari Combines), founded by in 1975 and renowned for backing over 80 films. served as the primary producer, with her sons supervising the project and Rajkumar (Yuva Rajkumar) handling production duties, framing Run Antony as a family-supported endeavor. This backing aligned with the company's tradition of nurturing new talent within the industry, though specific budget figures were not publicly disclosed. Casting decisions for the lead role were directly influenced by the script's requirements for a youthful, introspective protagonist, solidifying Vinay Rajkumar's involvement from the project's .

Casting

The casting process for Run Antony began during the film's development phase, with producer and his son Vinay reviewing around 30 scripts before selecting this project. Vinay Rajkumar was chosen for the lead role of Antony due to his youthful image and the positive reception to his debut performance in Siddhartha (2015), marking this as his second film. His selection was confirmed in late 2015, aligning with the family's production banner, Vajreshwari Combines. For the female lead role of Yashu, debut director Raghu Shastry reviewed approximately 500 audition photos before shortlisting candidates, ultimately selecting (then credited as Rukhsar Mir) after a ; this marked her debut. In supporting roles, Sushmitha Joshi was cast as the maternal figure Kannika from among multiple candidates, as a newcomer from studying in Bengaluru. was assigned the villainous role, leveraging his extensive experience in thrillers such as Mufti (2017) and earlier action films. The production faced challenges in securing debutants like and while balancing them with established supporting actors to ensure ensemble chemistry, though no major controversies arose during the process. Casting was finalized around the muhurat on December 14, 2015, reflecting the Rajkumar family's preference for controlled, in-house talent acquisition.

Filming

Principal photography for Run Antony commenced on December 29, 2015, following the film's launch earlier that month on December 14. The production adhered to a structured timeline under debut director Raghu Shastry, wrapping up principal shooting by early April 2016. Shooting primarily took place across various locations in , , to capture the film's urban and rural contrasts. Key sites included the bustling streets of Bengaluru for scenes depicting IT environments and railway sequences, as well as rural areas in and the scenic hills of Kudremukh for high-energy chase pursuits. Some interior shots were handled in studio settings to facilitate controlled environments. The film's action sequences, centered on choreographed pursuits and fights, were executed with an emphasis on dynamic visuals through practical on-location filming. Manohar Joshi employed techniques such as drone shots to enhance the tension in running and chase scenes, contributing to the thriller's stylistic rhythm. As a debut directorial effort backed by the efficient Rajkumar family production house, the shoot faced no significant delays, with Shastry attributing the smooth pace to the team's coordination. Following the completion of filming in April 2016, a was prepared shortly thereafter to advance into editing.

Soundtrack

Composition

The soundtrack for Run Antony was composed by , who crafted a selection of romantic ballads and energetic thriller tracks to align with the film's blend of emotional depth and suspenseful pacing. Kadri developed six original songs for the album, with lyrics contributed by Jayant Kaikini, Raghu Shastry, and . A notable feature is the motivational track "Jhanak Jhanak," which includes guest vocals by , adding an uplifting dimension to the score. Recording for the occurred in 2016 ahead of the film's audio launch on May 7, featuring Sufi-based music with irregular patterns in a story-telling format, except for one track. The complete runs for a total of 25 minutes. In addition to the songs, Kadri composed the background score following , incorporating tense orchestral arrangements to heighten the intensity of action sequences and synchronize with the edited narrative flow. The overall musical approach sought to amplify the film's themes of emotional struggle, including suicide ideation, and its thriller momentum, ensuring the score supported rather than dominated the plot's progression.

Track listing

The soundtrack album for Run Antony was released on May 23, 2016, by Anand Audio, ahead of the film's July 2016 premiere. Composed by , the album consists of six tracks, blending romantic, upbeat, and fusion elements typical of film music.
No.TitleSinger(s)Duration
1Jhanak Jhanak3:41
2MarulaSoham Chakraborthy, Supriya Lohith4:46
3Summane5:12
4Kanna KareyuSoham Chakraborthy, 5:10
5Run Run RunDivya Kumar, Varijashree Venugopal, MC Vickey4:00
6Run Antony2:52
The total runtime of the album is 25:39.

Release

Theatrical release

Run Antony was released theatrically on 8 July 2016 in the Kannada language across theaters in Karnataka, India. The film received a U certification from the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) on 5 July 2016, allowing unrestricted public exhibition suitable for all ages, with a runtime of 128 minutes. Distribution was managed by Sri Vajreshwari Combines and Sri Vajreshwari Movies, with the production handled as a home banner by Rajkumar under the same label; audio rights were acquired by Anand Audio, which released the jukebox prior to the film's launch. The initial screenings began at the Kapali theater in Bangalore as the main venue. Promotional activities included an audio launch event on 7 May 2016, coinciding with lead actor Vinay Rajkumar's birthday, attended by members of the Rajkumar family such as and to boost visibility. Marketing efforts featured the theatrical trailer released on 30 April 2016 via Anand Audio's platform, alongside posters highlighting the film's action-thriller elements blended with romantic undertones to generate audience interest. Producer led pre-release promotions across various cities in to ensure wide outreach.

Home media and distribution

The home video release of Run Antony was limited, with no widely documented or Blu-ray editions available through major distributors following its theatrical run. sales were constrained by the film's regional appeal and modest box office performance, primarily targeting Kannada-speaking audiences in . The film's television premiere occurred on channel on December 17, 2017, marking its world television debut. Dubbed versions in and Telugu became accessible via unofficial uploads starting around 2020, with Hindi-dubbed full movies continuing to appear on channels as recently as September 2025. For streaming, Run Antony was previously available on platforms like , but as of November 2025, it is not currently available on major over-the-top (OTT) services such as or . Full movie uploads, including the original cut, appeared on post-2020, often through fan or secondary channels. International distribution remains niche, with screenings limited to Kannada diaspora events in the and , without formal theatrical or streaming deals abroad. Audio rights were acquired by Anand Audio, which handled the soundtrack's digital and physical distribution, contributing to sustained of composer Manikanth Kadri's tracks through platforms like and . Overall rights sales reflected the film's regional scope, with stronger performance in audio compared to video formats.

Reception

Critical response

Run Antony received mixed to negative reviews from critics, who praised lead actor Vinay Rajkumar's performance and the film's emotional exploration of but criticized its uneven pacing and weak . The film holds an average critic rating of around 2-2.5 out of 5 across major publications, highlighting a consensus on its ambitious intent undermined by execution flaws. In a for , Sunayana Suresh awarded the film 2.5/5 stars, commending for showing greater promise than in his debut while effectively conveying the protagonist's depression and budding romance, though she noted the narrative's sluggish pace in the first half and commercial elements like duets that diluted the thriller aspects. described it as a "frustrating experience," criticizing the slow-motion sequences and absurd plot points that failed to deliver edge-of-the-seat tension, despite strong camera work. called the film "tiresome," pointing to illogical thriller elements, meandering narration, and an imbalance between romance and suspense that disrupted the flow with unnecessary songs. Similarly, labeled it average, appreciating debut director Shastry's daring approach and Vinay Rajkumar's efforts but faulting the slow action and irrational screenplay that weakened post-interval suspense. Critics highlighted strengths in the sensitive handling of the suicide theme and the debuts of director Raghu Shastry and actress , which added emotional depth despite the film's flaws. However, common weaknesses included forced and implausible twists, a screenplay lacking cohesion, and an uneven blend of romantic interludes with thriller pursuits that left characters underdeveloped. The soundtrack, featuring slow Sufi-style tracks, was occasionally noted for its but largely seen as impeding the pace. Audience reception was more positive but varied, with an rating of 7.6/10 based on a small sample of 84 votes, where users lauded the twists and unpredictability, though local forums and sites like reflected mixed sentiments on acting and storytelling.

Commercial performance

Run Antony had a modest theatrical release on over 100 screens across , capitalizing on the anticipation surrounding Vinay Rajkumar's involvement as a member of the prominent Rajkumar family. The film's release date was shifted from July 1 to July 8 to avoid direct competition with Ganesh-starrer Zoom, allowing for a clearer window in the market. Despite generating significant pre-release buzz through its online trailer and Vinay Rajkumar's star power, Run Antony underperformed commercially and failed to resonate with audiences, ultimately ranking among the top five flops of 2016 in . The film's inability to sustain initial interest led to a shortened theatrical run in major centers, preventing it from achieving blockbuster status for a mid-budget production. In the long term, the film was previously available on digital streaming platforms such as , contributing to ancillary revenue streams beyond its theatrical earnings, though it did not recover to notable commercial success.

References

  1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5872120/
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movie-reviews/movie-review-run-antony/movie-review/53129217.cms
  3. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5872120/plotsummary/
  4. https://www.nowrunning.com/movie/18901/kannada/run-antony/cast-and-crew/
  5. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/movie-reviews/090716/run-antony-movie-review-a-frustrating-experience.html
  6. https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/entertainment/reviews/movie-review-run-antony/articleshow/53120541.cms
  7. https://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/Running-with-Antony-is-tiresome/article14479733.ece
  8. https://nettv4u.com/movie-review/kannada/run-antony
  9. https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/quotThis-is-the-best-time-for-new-age-cinema-in-Kannadaquot/article14470848.ece
  10. https://in.bookmyshow.com/person/rukshar-dhillon/1071065
  11. https://www.themoviedb.org/movie/691255-run-antony?language=en-US
  12. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5872120/fullcredits/
  13. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/run-antony/cast-crew.html
  14. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2015/Dec/10/guru-rajkumar-to-produce-vinays-run-antony-853929.html
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYwYEyowJH8
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  17. https://kannadamoviesinfo.wordpress.com/2016/07/07/run-antony-2016/
  18. https://www.jiosaavn.com/album/run-antony-original-motion-picture-soundtrack/YsgULkYxrHY_
  19. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2015/Nov/16/run-antony-will-be-vinays-second-outing-843644.html
  20. https://www.instagram.com/srivajreshwaricombines/
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  22. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt5872120/fullcredits
  23. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/Apr/05/run-antony-completes-shoot-920262.html
  24. https://www.thehindu.com/features/metroplus/guess-where-vinay-rajkumar-went-to-shoot-for-run-anthony/article8437860.ece
  25. https://sidmoviereviews.wordpress.com/2016/07/08/run-antony/
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  28. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/music/puneeth-rajkumars-top-10-hit-tracks-as-playback-singer/photostory/78279945.cms
  29. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/kannada/2016/May/04/run-antony-audio-launch-on-vinay-rajkumars-bday-932405.html
  30. https://music.apple.com/us/album/run-antony-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-ep/1812597883
  31. https://gaana.com/album/run-antony
  32. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/movies/run-antony.html
  33. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/run-antony-aka-run-anthony-movie-review-live-audience-response-685864
  34. https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x5t6w6e
  35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mplN43sStY
  36. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/kannada/movies/news/run-antony-teaser/articleshow/52054892.cms
  37. https://www.filmibeat.com/kannada/news/2016/run-antony-gets-a-new-release-date-july-8-231548.html
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3oUsgcQsWw
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6n87l7v9Kc
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuGG3946udY
  41. https://www.digit.in/digit-binge/movies/run-antony-735592.html
  42. https://www.justwatch.com/in/movie/run-antony
  43. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qs1cUoYXAy0
  44. https://open.spotify.com/album/3lcyTMlTnMxUSpsB37QeR9
  45. https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2016/Jul/09/review-anthony-runs-but-slowly-878731.html
  46. https://letterboxd.com/film/run-antony/
  47. https://www.ibtimes.co.in/sandalwood-2016-top-5-flop-movies-year-kannada-box-office-709153
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