Belagavi-born filmmaker Harshad Nalawade’s much-anticipated debut film, Follower, will hit theaters on March 21, 2025. The film, which premiered at the prestigious International Film Festival of Rotterdam, delves into the decades-long Belagavi border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra—a region marked by deep territorial and linguistic tensions.
Set against the backdrop of Belagavi’s contested identity, Follower presents a gripping narrative centered on a social media journalist. The journalist’s campaign ignites a political and social firestorm when a local leader revives the historic controversy, unraveling complex issues of identity, politics, and belonging. The film seeks to provide a nuanced perspective on the motivations behind such entrenched regional disputes.
The inspiration for Follower stems from Nalawade’s personal experiences growing up in Belagavi, where he witnessed firsthand the cultural and linguistic divide between Marathi and Kannada communities. By weaving an authentic narrative, Nalawade aims to shed light on the human and political factors driving the conflict.

Featuring an ensemble cast that includes Raghu Basarimarad, Donna Munshi, and Nalawade in a cameo, the film embraces the region’s linguistic diversity with dialogues in Marathi, Kannada, and Hindi. The multilingual approach adds to its authenticity and immersive storytelling.
Produced by OrangePixel Studios and Visica Films, in collaboration with Humara Media Labs and Causality Films Production, Follower is a product of collaborative passion. The production team includes Maulik Sharma as editor, Saket Gyani as the director of photography, and a host of producers, many of whom are Nalawade’s college friends.