‘Kshetrapati’ OTT debut confirmed: When and where to watch Naveen Shankar starrer Kannada drama online?

The Kannada drama ‘Kshetrapati’, starring Naveen Shankar, is finally heading to digital platforms more than two years after its theatrical release. Helmed by writer-director Shrikanth Katagi, the film first arrived in cinemas on August 18, 2023. After prolonged speculation about its streaming fate, an official confirmation has now put all rumours to rest. Audiences who missed it on the big screen will soon get a chance to revisit the rural socio-political saga from home.‘Kshetrapati’ follows the journey of Basavaraj, an ambitious engineering student who dreams of building a future overseas. His aspirations shatter when his father, burdened by mounting agricultural debts, dies by suicide. Compelled to return to his village, Basavaraj takes charge of the family farmland and confronts the harsh realities of agrarian life. As he learns more about the systemic challenges farmers face, he becomes increasingly aware of the imbalance between cultivators and profit-driven corporations. The narrative gradually transforms into a story of resistance and grassroots mobilisation.Set against the socio-economic climate of rural Karnataka, the film depicts political forces aligning with corporate powers, leaving farmers struggling for fair returns. With little institutional support, Basavaraj rallies fellow farmers to bypass middlemen and directly market their produce. The plot also features a journalist, portrayed by Archana Jois, who brings visibility to the movement through media platforms.Alongside Naveen Shankar and Archana Jois, ‘Kshetrapati’ stars Achyut Kumar, Rahul Ainapur, Krishna Hebbale, Shailashree Urs, Natya Ranga and Harsha Arjun in key roles. The film was presented by Ravi Basrur Music & Movies in collaboration with Ashraga Creations and EFG The Emotions Factory Group. Cinematography was handled by YVB Shiva Sagar, while Manu Shedgar oversaw editing. Ravi Basrur composed the music, background score, and sound design, with the album released under the AANANDA Audio Video banner. Narasimha choreographed the action sequences, and Lakshveda Studio executed the VFX. Buzz about the film’s digital arrival began circulating in early 2024, hinting at a potential streaming deal. However, those reports did not materialise at the time. It has now been officially confirmed that ‘Kshetrapati’ will stream on JioHotstar starting February 26, 2026. Viewers can watch the socially charged drama online starting Thursday.