The year 2026 has been a remarkable one for small-budget films. The latest to join the success story is the Kannada film Premada Ooralli, which, made on a budget of nearly Rs 3 crore, has earned over Rs 107 crore. With multiple houseful shows even on Day 29, the film’s journey to success was far from smooth. On its release day, several theatres cancelled shows at the last minute, while producers remained hesitant to invest in its release. In an exclusive conversation with SCREEN, the film’s cinematographer, Rajkanth SK, recalled warning a prominent producer that he would regret turning down the film. Today, he claims, the same producer is desperately seeking an appointment with the filmmaker.

From being a waiter to a celebrated cinematographer

Rajkanth is not a professionally trained cinematographer. In fact, he does not hold a college degree and has barely completed his schooling.…