Harshad Nalawade’s Follower to Release on March 21, 2025, Explores Belagavi Border Dispute

New Delhi [India], January 11: Harshad Nalawade’s much-anticipated debut film, Follower, which had its world premiere at the prestigious International Film Festival of Rotterdam, will be released in theaters on March 21, 2025. The film takes a deep dive into the long-standing and complex Belagavi border dispute between Karnataka and Maharashtra, a region that has been at the center of territorial and linguistic tensions for decades. The city of Belagavi, with its significant Marathi-speaking population, has remained a contentious point of contention between the two states.

Follower offers a gripping narrative that explores the political and social dynamics of the dispute. The film follows a social media journalist who passionately advocates for Belagavi’s inclusion in Maharashtra, rallying for pro-Marathi sentiments. Amidst this, a local leader reignites the decades-old controversy, triggering a chain of events that unravel the intricacies of identity, politics, and belonging. With its powerful storyline, the film offers a fresh perspective on the complex motivations behind regional disputes.

The inspiration for the film comes from Nalawade’s personal experiences growing up in Belagavi, where he witnessed the ongoing conflict firsthand. Having interacted with both Marathi and Kannada communities, Nalawade brings a unique and authentic perspective to the narrative. Through Follower, he seeks to explore the deeper reasons that fuel such intense disagreements over identity and territoriality.