Popular Kannada director Anup Bhandari has taken the film industry and fans by surprise with a bold confession that has been long awaited. The talented filmmaker, known for his unique storytelling and visual brilliance, has finally admitted that hiding the connection between his two films, Vikrant Rona and Rangitaranga, was a mistake. The statement has reignited fan discussions and debates on social media platforms and brought new attention to both the movies and Anup’s future projects.
Speaking publicly during the promotional campaign for his upcoming movie Billa Ranga Baashaa, Anup opened up about the deliberate decision to keep the connection under wraps. His straightforward admission marked a rare moment of transparency in an industry where such acknowledgments are often avoided.
The Secret Connection Between Rangitaranga and Vikrant Rona
When Vikrant Rona, starring Kiccha Sudeep, was released in 2022, many fans couldn’t help but notice striking similarities to Anup Bhandari’s earlier movie Rangitaranga, which had released in 2015. There were visual cues, thematic echoes, and atmospheric storytelling patterns that made people suspect a shared universe. However, the makers neither confirmed nor denied these observations, leading to confusion and speculation.
Over time, fans developed theories, some even creating YouTube videos and Reddit threads trying to piece together the puzzle. But the silence from Anup and the film’s team only added to the curiosity. Now, years later, the mystery has been resolved with Anup Bhandari openly saying that both films do, in fact, belong to the same universe, and the connection was intentionally left ambiguous.
Anup Bhandari’s Honest Reflection
In his interview, Anup Bhandari said, “Yes, Vikrant Rona and Rangitaranga are connected. I wanted to create intrigue, to drop subtle clues that fans could notice. But in hindsight, I think I made a mistake by not clearly stating the connection. It caused more confusion than curiosity.”
This heartfelt admission was met with appreciation from fans who had been waiting for clarity. Anup’s humility and willingness to accept that the decision may have been misguided added to his credibility as a filmmaker. In an era where most creators double down on their choices, his honesty and self-awareness have won him praise from both audiences and industry peers.
The Creative Reason for Hiding the Connection
According to Anup, the reason for not revealing the Vikrant Rona–Rangitaranga link was rooted in marketing strategy. At the time, Vikrant Rona was being promoted as a pan-India project aimed at attracting viewers from across the country. Since Rangitaranga was primarily known among Kannada-speaking audiences and international film festival circuits, the makers felt that highlighting a connection might limit the reach or reduce the excitement for those unfamiliar with the earlier film.
Instead of a direct announcement, Anup chose to place subtle Easter eggs and narrative hints throughout Vikrant Rona — a technique often used in Western franchises like Marvel. But unlike Marvel, where connections are well publicized, Anup’s approach led to mixed reactions, especially from fans who were eager to understand the story’s deeper layers.
The Fans React
As soon as the interview went viral, social media lit up with reactions. Fans expressed both relief and excitement at finally receiving the confirmation they had long suspected. Many applauded Anup for being brave enough to accept his mistake publicly. A large number of comments online said that this honesty only made them admire the director more.
One fan wrote on Instagram, “This changes everything. I want to rewatch both movies now. Anup Bhandari is building something big, and I want to be part of it from the start!” Another commented, “I wish he told us earlier. I would have viewed Vikrant Rona with a whole new perspective. But it’s never too late.”
Many also shared hope that Anup’s upcoming film Billa Ranga Baashaa would bring more clarity to the shared universe and perhaps even feature direct references to Rangitaranga or Vikrant Rona.
Kiccha Sudeep Weighs In
Kiccha Sudeep, the star of Vikrant Rona and the face of the film’s nationwide marketing, also spoke in support of Anup Bhandari. He said, “Sometimes, we take creative risks. Not all of them work the way we hope. But Anup is a visionary. I fully support his ideas and his storytelling methods.”
This backing from a top actor like Sudeep further added credibility to Anup’s intentions and made it clear that the creative team was united, even if the decision didn’t pan out as planned.
Rangitaranga: A Game-Changer in Kannada Cinema
Released in 2015, Rangitaranga was a breakout hit that placed Kannada cinema on the international map. It was the first Kannada movie to be released on such a large scale in the U.S. and received acclaim for its gripping mystery, compelling screenplay, and haunting visuals. The film developed a cult following and turned Anup Bhandari into one of the most promising directors in the industry.
For fans of Rangitaranga, Vikrant Rona had raised expectations, and the lack of open connections between the two movies felt like a missed opportunity. Now that Anup has cleared the air, there is a renewed interest in both films.
Will Billa Ranga Baashaa Complete the Trilogy?
Anup Bhandari’s next directorial venture Billa Ranga Baashaa is already creating buzz. The film stars Kiccha Sudeep in a larger-than-life role and promises to be a high-budget action drama with fantasy elements. With the confession about the earlier films now public, fans are speculating whether Billa Ranga Baashaa will finally tie the entire universe together.
In response to these questions, Anup hinted with a smile, “Let’s just say you will not be disappointed. But this time, I won’t hide anything.”
That subtle assurance has fueled even more curiosity. Will fans finally see a cinematic universe that connects Rangitaranga, Vikrant Rona, and Billa Ranga Baashaa? Will there be recurring characters, hidden backstories, or major twists that unite all three films? The excitement is real.
Industry Perspective and Lessons Learned
The Indian film industry is currently embracing the concept of connected cinematic universes, especially in the South. From Lokesh Kanagaraj’s LCU to the Kantara and KGF franchises, audiences are enjoying larger-than-life storytelling that extends across multiple films. In this context, Anup Bhandari’s original vision was well ahead of its time.
However, his key takeaway is a vital one for filmmakers — audiences are smart, and they love being in on the secret. Today’s moviegoers enjoy theories, connections, and layered storytelling, but they also appreciate clarity. Anup’s decision to own up to his misstep and rebuild that trust has set a new benchmark in creative integrity.
Anup Bhandari’s journey from Rangitaranga to Vikrant Rona, and now Billa Ranga Baashaa, is one filled with ambition, experimentation, and learning. His recent admission not only clears a long-standing fan theory but also marks the beginning of a new chapter of transparency in his storytelling.
By choosing to open up, Anup has not only regained fan trust but has also set higher expectations for his next film. With Billa Ranga Baashaa on the horizon, viewers are eagerly waiting to see how the visionary director brings his cinematic world full circle — this time, with nothing hidden.
