What Is Kichcha Sudeep's Hebbuli Hairstyle And Which Kannada Film Was Based On It?

In 2017,Kichcha Sudeep’s stylish haircut in the Kannada blockbuster Hebbuli became a sensation, especially among teens sparking trends across Karnataka. The asymmetrical undercut, short on one side and

long on the other, symbolized a new style. However, not everyone is a fan of it. A school headmaster in Bagalkot district, Karnataka, reportedly asked a local salon to stop giving students the popular Hebbuli hairstyle, citing concerns that it was distracting them from academics. A similar incident even inspired filmmaker Bheemrao to make a movie about it. Read on to know more.

Hebbuli Cut: A Film Inspired By Real-Life Events

The incident, confirmed by news agencies, highlights the unusual lengths taken to curb a fashion trend among schoolchildren. Inspired by one such true event, director Bheemrao’s film Hebbuli Cut (2025) explores the story of Vinay, a young boy from a marginalized community, who dreams of having the same iconic style. The film goes beyond hairstyles, examining caste-based discrimination and social inequality, revealing details of how a seemingly simple desire to replicate a superstar's style can carry societal significance.

Vinay’s admiration for his idol Sudeep’s haircut is innocent, he wants to impress a girl in his class, played by Ananya MK. However, social hierarchies quickly change his plans. The girl belongs to an upper-caste family, while Vinay is the son of a cobbler, a profession stigmatized in his village of Chandrabanda, Raichur district. Her brother, Gowda, wields power, from riding his bike through the streets to showing caste superiority. Vinay’s desire for a haircut turns into an act of rebellion against inequality, showing how self expression can challenge societal norms. Bheemrao once revealed that many children from oppressed communities in North Karnataka were denied access to salons capable of recreating the style.

What Is Kichcha Sudeep’s Iconic Hebbuli Hairstyle

The Hebbuli Cut is an asymmetrical undercut, featuring short or shaved hair on one side and longer hair on top or the other side, often styled with a deep side part. The cut highlights a new look making it ideal for fans wanting to emulate their cinematic idol.

About Hebbuli

Hebbuli, meaning Ferocious Tiger, is a 2017 Kannada action thriller directed by S Krishna. Produced by Raghunath and Umapathy Srinivas, the film starred Kichcha Sudeep alongside V Ravichandran, reuniting after their film Maanikya (2014). Amala Paul made her Kannada debut, while antagonists were played by P Ravi Shankar, Kabir Duhan Singh, and Ravi Kishan. The film’s cultural influence extended beyond cinema, with the Hebbuli Cut becoming a trend among fans.