As Hyderabad prepares to welcome the vibrant and festive Dasara weekend, movie enthusiasts are in for a cinematic treat with a range of anticipated theatrical releases. The Dasara holiday season has long been significant for Telugu cinema, coming second only to Sankranti. It’s a time when audiences flock to theaters in droves, creating a prime opportunity for filmmakers to unveil their cinematic offerings. The 2024 Dasara weekend will see an exciting lineup of new releases including the Telugu films Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, and Janaka Aithe Kanaka. Joining them at the box office will be the Tamil-dubbed film Vettaiyan – The Hunter and the Hindi film Jigra.
Let’s delve deeper into what each of these films promises to offer during this festive period:
Viswam is set to mark the comeback of acclaimed director Sreenu Vaitla, making his return six years after his last film Amar Akbar Anthony. Known for delivering blockbuster hits like Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu, Vaitla has written this latest film in collaboration with well-known screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu. Starring Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, Viswam is an action entertainer laced with comedic elements, staying true to Vaitla’s signature style. Notably, the film includes a 30-minute train sequence that has sparked curiosity, particularly among fans who recall the popular train comedy scenes in the Ravi Teja starrer Venky. As Vaitla’s first post-pandemic release, Viswam is eagerly awaited by audiences.
Next, Maa Nanna Superhero is a heartfelt relationship drama from writer-director Abhilash Kankara, known for the Telugu sports drama web series Loser. The film features Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde, and explores the emotional journey of a son who develops a close bond with his adoptive father. The plot thickens when his biological father unexpectedly returns, creating conflicts and challenges that the characters must navigate.
Another significant Telugu release for Dasara is Janaka Aithe Kanaka, produced by Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy, the duo behind the hit film Balagam. Starring Suhas in the lead role, the film tells the story of a man hesitant to start a family due to financial constraints.
. When life takes a turn, he decides to take legal action against a condom manufacturing company. Directed by Sandeep Bandla, the movie also features Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore in pivotal roles, promising a blend of humor and social commentary.
The Tamil-dubbed film Vettaiyan – The Hunter is set to challenge these Telugu releases at the box office. Starring the iconic Rajinikanth, this film is directed by TJ Gnanavel, who previously helmed the acclaimed Jai Bhim. Featuring a star-studded cast including Rana Daggubati as the antagonist, Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil, the movie is further enhanced by Anirudh Ravichander’s music. The much-talked-about ‘Manasilayo’ video showcasing Manju Warrier’s dance moves has already created a buzz among cinema-goers.
Rounding out the lineup is the nationwide release of Jigra, a Hindi film directed by Vasan Bala. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina as siblings, the film involves a gripping narrative where a sister stops at nothing to aid her brother caught in a web of custodial torture abroad. With Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran in a significant role, Jigra, penned by Vasan Bala and Debashish Irengbam, promises a thrilling blend of action and drama, featuring a daring prison break sequence.
All these films debut just after the success of Devara: Part 1, directed by Koratala Siva and starring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, which has reportedly amassed nearly ₹400 crores globally since its late September release.
As soon as the Dasara festivities conclude, Telugu cinema enthusiasts can look forward to a slew of new releases timed for the Deepavali holidays. Anticipated upcoming films include Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, Mechanic Rocky starring Vishwak Sen, and Appudo Ippudo Eppudo featuring Nikhil Siddhartha alongside Rukmini Vasanth. Additionally, Lakshmi Manchu’s Adiparvam is also poised to be a part of this festive cinematic spree.
This vibrant lineup ensures that the year’s festive season remains steeped in the magic of cinema, continuing Hyderabad’s love affair with film during the auspicious Dasara period.
