A bustling weekend of film releases awaits movie lovers in Hyderabad as the city gears up for the Dasara festival. Celebrated as a major holiday period next only to Sankranti, Dasara has historically been a key time for Telugu cinema, offering a rush of new films to entertain avid audiences. This year, the Dasara weekend will see no shortage of excitement, with a robust roster of films hitting the screens. Among the foremost releases are the Telugu projects Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, and Janaka Aithe Kanaka, alongside the Tamil dubbed Vettaiyan – The Hunter, and the much-anticipated Hindi film Jigra.
The spotlight shines brightly on Viswam, which heralds the return of celebrated director Sreenu Vaitla after a six-year hiatus since his last film, Amar Akbar Anthony. Known for a string of blockbusters like Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu, Vaitla collaborates again with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu to craft Viswam. This film stars Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, promising an action-packed entertainer filled with comedic moments characteristic of Vaitla’s oeuvre. A 30-minute train sequence is touted as one of the movie’s standout features, with enthusiasts eagerly speculating if it might exceed the humor etched in the train scenes of Ravi Teja’s Venky. Observers in the industry are keen on assessing Viswam’s reception, particularly as this marks Vaitla’s first big-screen outing post-pandemic.
In the meanwhile, director Abhilash Kankara brings forth Maa Nanna Superhero, a tale steeped in emotional depth and familial bonds. Known for his previous work on the Telugu sports drama web series Loser, Kankara pens this narrative about a son linking closely with his adopted father, only to face quandaries when his biological father resurfaces. Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde headline a cast that aims to draw audiences into its heartwarming storyline.
Adding to the line-up is Janaka Aithe Kanaka, a film produced by Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy, the creative minds previously behind Balagam.
. The movie stars Suhas, portraying a character that hesitates in starting a family due to financial bruises. As the narrative unfolds, Suhas’s character chooses to sue a condom manufacturer, a decision that spirals into unexpected events. Under the direction and writing of Sandeep Bandla, Janaka Aithe Kanaka embraces a unique comedic premise complemented by performances from Sangeerthana and comic relief provided by Vennela Kishore.
Inserting an intense element of competition into the weekend’s cinematic offerings, the much-hyped Rajinikanth starrer Vettaiyan – The Hunter makes its Telugu debut. Directed by TJ Gnanavel of Jai Bhim renown, this film pairs the legendary Rajinikanth with Rana Daggubati as the antagonist, accompanied by stellar performances from Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil. Music by Anirudh Ravichander has fueled curiosity, most notably the ‘Manasilayo’ video, which spotlights Manju Warrier’s dance prowess.
Rounding off this weekend’s blockbusters is Jigra, Vasan Bala’s latest Hindi film entry, which extends its reach to Telugu-speaking regions. Starring Alia Bhatt as a determined sister ready to challenge the odds to save her brother, portrayed by Vedang Raina, Jigra intertwines themes of familial duty and intense action. With a notable performance promised by Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran, the film promises edge-of-the-seat excitement with its depiction of freedom struggles and heist sequences.
This avalanche of releases follows closely on the heels of director Koratala Siva’s Devara: Part 1, a massive hit starring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, which has reportedly amassed an impressive global box office tally of nearly ₹400 crore since it premiered on September 27.
As the curtain closes on the Dasara weekend, cinegoers have more in store to look forward to with a slew of Telugu films poised for release around Deepavali. Films like Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Bhaskar, Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, and Nikhil Siddhartha’s Appudo Ippudo Eppudo aim to keep the cinematic festivities going, promising varied stories and star-studded casts. Jostling for audience attention also includes Lakshmi Manchu’s Adiparvam, setting the stage for an exciting holiday season in Telugu cinema.
