Happy Birthday Yash: Superstar Who Redefined Kannada Cinema and Conquered Hindi Cinema

Popularly known as Yash, Kannada superstar Naveen Kumar Gowda turns 38 today, January 8. Over the years, the actor has captured his fans’ hearts with his gripping performances. Joining the ranks of self-made superstars like Shah Rukh Khan, Yash had also entered showbiz through television serials. Transitioning from television to his big screen debut in Moggina Manasu, Yash hasn’t looked back and gave back to back blockbusters to his viewers.

Even prior to the KGF series release, he pledged to make the Kannada film industry proud, a promise he later fulfilled. Whether in romantic, dark or gangster roles, his charming personality has shattered box office records. As the actor celebrates his birthday today, let’s take a look at his top movies and upcoming films that shouldn’t be missed at any cost.

Yash Must-Watch Movies

1. ToxicYash recently confirmed another project following the success of KGF 2 in December 2023. Initially titled Yash19, the film now has an official title, Toxic: A Fairy Tale For Grown-Ups. Reports indicate that Sai Pallavi will star as the female lead in this upcoming movie slated for a 2025 release.
2. KGF 3The movie was confirmed by director Prashanth Neel at the conclusion of the second instalment in 2022. Although no official announcements have been made by the makers regarding the release, it has been confirmed that Yash will reprise his role in the upcoming film.
3. RamayanAfter creating his niche in the South industry, Yash is reportedly set to make his Bollywood debut in Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayan. Reports indicate that the actor has requested a whopping sum of Rs 150 crore for his role. Speculations suggest Yash might play Ravan while Ranbir Kapoor is slated to portray Lord Rama and Sai Pallavi will play Sita in the film.
4. GooglyDirected by Pawan Wadeyar, the film starred Yash alongside Kriti Kharbanda. In the movie, Yash played a boy next door character. Despite the perception that KGF was Yash’s breakout performance, it was actually Googly that gave a major push to his entertainment career.
5. KGF FranchiseKGF is a period action film series. Chapter 1, released in 2018, garnered a lot of attention from the audience that led makers to come up with Chapter 2 in 2022. Starring Yash in the lead role, the story revolves around Rocky’s hunt for wealth and power. Despite being released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the second instalment shattered numerous box office records.