Hyderabad is set to experience a thrilling and eventful weekend at the movies this Dasara, with a bouquet of theatrical releases that promises to cater to diverse tastes of cinema enthusiasts. The Dasara holiday period, known for its fervor and festive cheer, stands as a crucial window for Telugu cinema, following closely behind the widely celebrated Sankranti season. It’s during these festive times that audiences traditionally flock to theaters, eager to witness the latest offerings on the big screen, thereby encouraging filmmakers to unveil their most promising ventures.
This year, the Dasara weekend lineup boasts an enticing mix of Telugu films like Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, and Janaka Aithe Kanaka. Adding to the excitement are the Tamil-dubbed film Vettaiyan – The Hunter and the Hindi film Jigra, all set to create waves at the box office.
Taking center stage during this festive rush is Viswam, marking the much-anticipated return of director Sreenu Vaitla, six years after his previous film, Amar Akbar Anthony. Sreenu Vaitla, famed for delivering blockbuster hits such as Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu, has joined forces with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu for Viswam. Featuring a robust cast that includes Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, the film is an action-packed entertainer woven with comedic elements, a signature trait of the director. Among its highlights is a 30-minute train sequence, which has created a buzz among film enthusiasts, drawing comparisons to the iconic train comedy scenes from the Ravi Teja starrer Venky. As Sreenu Vaitla’s first post-pandemic theatrical release, Viswam is poised to be closely watched by cinema lovers.
Another standout release is Maa Nanna Superhero (My Dad is a Superhero), helmed by Abhilash Kankara, renowned for the Telugu web series Loser. Featuring performances by Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde, this poignant relationship drama explores the deep bond between a son and his adopted father, unraveling the emotional turmoil when his biological father makes a sudden reappearance. The narrative’s emotional depth is expected to resonate strongly with audiences, carving a unique niche during the festive occasion.
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Adding a different flavor to the slate is Janaka Aithe Kanaka, from the makers of Balagam, Harshith Reddy, and Hanshitha Reddy. Starring Suhas in the lead role, the film presents a contemporary take on familial and financial dilemmas. As the protagonist grapples with financial instability and contemplates legal action against a condom manufacturing company, the movie embarks on a comedic yet insightful journey. The inclusion of Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore further enriches the narrative tapestry helmed by writer-director Sandeep Bandla.
Also catching the attention of the cinephiles is Vettaiyan – The Hunter, starring the indomitable Rajinikanth. Directed by TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim fame, the film showcases Rana Daggubati as the antagonist, with support from illustrious actors such as Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil. The film’s music, crafted by Anirudh Ravichander, and the vibrant ‘Manasilayo’ video featuring Manju Warrier have stirred curiosity and excitement, setting the stage for a box office showdown.
On a wider scale, the Hindi film Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala, is ready to entertain audiences nationally, including in the Telugu-speaking regions. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina as siblings, with an important role played by Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran, Jigra explores the intense saga of a sister’s relentless battle to save her brother from unlawful detention abroad. This gripping narrative, infused with adrenaline-pumping action and a prison break attempt, is a testament to Vasan Bala’s dynamic storytelling prowess, following his directorial credits like Peddlers, Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, and Monica, O My Darling.
These Dasara releases arrive on the heels of a phenomenally successful run by director Koratala Siva’s Devara: Part 1, featuring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, which has reportedly amassed an impressive ₹400 crore globally since its September 27 release.
Looking beyond Dasara, the festival fervor is set to continue as more Telugu films line up for Deepavali, with anticipated releases such as Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, Mechanic Rocky starring Vishwak Sen, Appudo Ippudo Eppudo featuring Nikhil Siddhartha and Rukmini Vasanth, and Lakshmi Manchu’s Adiparvam making their way to theaters soon.
