Karavali controversy explained: Kannada actor Prajwal’s no show, non-payment of dues and more
What started with the trailer launch of Karavali soon turned into a public controversy involving growing backlash from actor Prajwal Devaraj, producers and fans. The controversy arose from pending payments, dubbing no-shows and fan protests. What happened here?
What should have been a celebratory trailer launch? Karawali The controversy that broke out on July 7 in Bengaluru became one of the biggest controversies in the Kannada film industry this year. The event, held ahead of the film’s release on July 24, saw protests from a section of lead actor Prajwal Devaraj’s fans after they alleged that his voice had been changed in the trailer.
While Prajwal was initially announced as one of the guests at the trailer launch, his absence at the event further added to the growing speculations, prompting fans to demand answers from the makers. The controversy soon escalated into a public war, with the film’s producers, Prajwal Devaraj and Raj B Shetty, issuing separate statements over allegations of dubbing, pending remuneration and miscommunication.
Written and directed by Gurudutt Ganiga, Karawali One of the most anticipated releases of 2026 in Kannada cinema. Produced by Gurudutt Ganiga Films in association with VK Films and Suram Movies and presented by KVN Productions, the film stars Prajwal Devaraj in the lead role, with Raj B Shetty appearing in an extended cameo. The film’s trailer was released on July 7 and has been praised for its scale and promise of rooted storytelling.
What did director Gurudatha Ganiga say?
Addressing the media at the trailer launch, writer-director and producer Gurudutt Ganiga claimed that Prajwal Devaraj had confirmed his presence by the previous night and passes had been arranged for the actor’s fans.
According to Ganiga, the production team had been trying to contact Prajwal for almost two months to complete the remaining dubbing portions, but did not receive any response from him. He alleged that repeated calls and messages were not answered, with the actor’s manager only telling him that Prajwal was busy.
Ganiga further claimed that a dubbing studio was booked for Prajwal after the trailer launch. Suprith, the distributor through KVN Productions, had also attempted to initiate discussions through a mutual friend. However, the negotiations never came to fruition.
remuneration dispute
The makers also publicly addressed reports regarding Prajwal’s pending remuneration. According to Ganiga, the actor had signed the film for Rs 1.25 crore, of which Rs 1 crore had already been paid, while Rs 25 lakh was remaining.
The director stated that the production never intended to withhold the remaining amount and insisted that the remaining payment would be paid. He also revealed that after watching the early cut KarawaliPrajwal reportedly described it as “a landmark film in my career”.
Prajwal Devaraj: ‘I was not angry, I was hurt’
In an interview to a regional news channel after the controversy, Prajwal Devaraj said that he was disappointed rather than angry. But, he had a different story to tell.
He said, “I could have dubbed just for the trailer, but they didn’t want me.”
The actor claimed that after devoting two and a half years to the project the issue was not just about money but respect. Prajwal said that he had rejected other films during production and even shaved his head for the role.
She said, “I had asked my manager before the trailer launch if they needed me to dub. We could have sorted out the financial issues later. No one called me. They didn’t even send me the trailer. I got it at midnight on July 7 and, of course, I was sad that my voice was not in it.”
Prajwal also said that the financial dispute is unresolved.
“Remuneration is the problem. Last year alone, I left Rs 1.5 crore in the market because I wanted to support the producers. Today, I am in financial trouble,” he said. He said the producers had reportedly informed him that they would not pay the remaining amount.
When the media present at the trailer launch asked how much of the pending amount was yet to be paid, Prajwal said that he would confirm the exact figures with his chartered accountant as GST calculations were involved.
Was Raj B Shetty the reason?
Whereas Karawali It was announced in 2024 with Prajwal Devaraj, Raj B Shetty joining the project in August 2025 in what the makers describe as an extended cameo. Following the release of the trailer, questions were raised by the media whether the inclusion of Raj and his prominence in the trailer had created friction between the producers and Prajwal.
Addressing the speculations, Ganiga dismissed the claims. According to him, Prajwal was informed from the beginning that another lead actor might join the project and Prajwal also agreed to this decision. He also pointed out that Prajwal remained the face of the film’s promotional material, while Raj B Shetty’s name was not on many posters.
Raj B Shetty: ‘No actor is bigger than cinema’
Reacting to the growing controversy, Rakkaspuradhol actor Raj B Shetty distanced himself from the controversy and said that the film should always remain bigger than individuals. Clarifying that he only plays an extended guest role, the actor said that he neither sought top billing nor expected prominence in the promotional campaign.
He said, “Even if my name does not appear on the poster, I have no problem. The film is bigger than me.”
Raj urged both sides to resolve the issue amicably and said he looked forward to meeting Prajwal in person. He argued that ego clashes and fan-driven rivalries often prevent the Kannada film industry from reaching greater heights.
Speaking against celebrity worship, she said, “I never asked anyone to put my cut-outs. If a day comes when people are fighting over my cut-outs, then that should be the day when I leave the film industry.”
Prajwal Devaraj on Raj B Shetty
Dismissing speculations of any issues with Raj B Shetty, Prajwal praised his co-star and confirmed that Raj plays his father in the flashback portions of the film.
“Raj is an amazing actor. I have worked with many heroes before.” foursome. Your work should speak for itself. I’m really happy that he is a part of the film,” he said.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Prajwal said that he will continue to support Karawali.
He said, “This is my film too. I will personally promote it in every possible way. I hate this noise. I am a quiet person. This film is important not just for me but for everyone who has worked on it.”
Who is Prajwal Devraj?
Prajwal Devaraj is a famous Kannada actor who has acted in around 40 films in a career spanning almost two decades. Son of veteran Kannada actor Devaraj, he made his acting debut in six (2007) and starred in films such as Geleya, Murali Meets Meera, Chowka, Gentleman, Inspector Vikram And Mafia.
Over the years, Prajwal has built a reputation for playing action-oriented roles while experimenting with different genres. Karawali It is widely considered to be one of the most ambitious projects of his career, with the actor spending over two and a half years working on the film.
with Karawali The film, scheduled to release on July 24, has temporarily shifted focus from the film to disagreements between its lead actor and producers. Whether the issue is resolved before release or not remains to be seen, but currently this controversy is as widely discussed as the trailer.
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