Puneeth Rajkumar's last film, James, released in cinemas; fans celebrate in a big way

The late Puneeth Rajkumar’s last film James (2022) was released in cinemas on Thursday on the occasion of the actor's birth anniversary. The popular actor died of a heart attack at the age of 46 in Bengaluru on 29 October 2021.

Fans turned up in hordes to celebrate the film’s release and to see Puneeth on the big screen one last time. From life-size cutouts and banners to impromptu dance performances, it was a sight to behold. Members of Puneeth’s family attended the first show in a theatre in Bengaluru. 

James has been directed by Chethan Kumar and also stars Priya Anand. 

Several clips of fans chanting ‘Appu, Appu’ outside theatres where the film was being screened have gone viral on social media. In one clip, an elderly woman is seen holding a picture of Puneeth and sobbing inconsolably. 

In another clip, fans can be seen dancing outside theatres as they wait for the show to begin. 

Several figures from various film industries took to Twitter on Thursday to remember Puneeth and wish his film success. 

Puneeth was last seen in last year’s Kannada film Yuvarathnaa, which was a box office success. 

The artiste made his debut as a lead actor in the 2002 Kannada film Appu.