This Dasara, the vibrant city of Hyderabad is set to become a cinematic feast for film enthusiasts with a slew of new theatrical releases. The Dasara holiday season, much like Sankranti, holds a special place in the hearts of Telugu cinema lovers. It’s a time when the community’s love for big-screen entertainment blossoms, leading to a cascade of major films vying for audience attention. This year, the noteworthy releases that are expected to draw significant crowds in the theaters are the Telugu films Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, Janaka Aithe Kanaka, along with Vettaiyan – The Hunter (dubbed from Tamil) and the Hindi offering, Jigra.
A breakdown of these films reveals intriguing narratives and star-studded casts aiming to captivate audiences. First in line is Viswam, marking the return of acclaimed director Sreenu Vaitla after a six-year hiatus since his last film, Amar Akbar Anthony. Known for his ability to blend humor with action, Vaitla teams up with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu to deliver what promises to be a thrilling action comedy. Featuring actors Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, Viswam seeks to relive the charm of Vaitla’s previous successes such as Dhee and Dookudu. Notably, the film includes a much-anticipated 30-minute comedic train sequence reminiscent of similar beloved scenes from past blockbusters.
Next comes Maa Nanna Superhero, a relationship drama penned and directed by Abhilash Kankara. Known for his work on the sports drama web series Loser, Kankara crafts a story of familial bonds that stars Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde. The film explores the emotional journey of a young man who forms a profound connection with his adoptive father, only to face turmoil when his biological father reappears in his life.
Adding a unique narrative flair is Janaka Aithe Kanaka, brought to audiences by the creative minds behind the successful film Balagam.
. Produced by Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy, this film presents an unusual legal comic drama starring Suhas. His character grapples with financial insecurity and decides to take an unexpected step by suing a condom manufacturing company when his family planning doesn’t go as intended. Supported by cast members like Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore, and steered by director Sandeep Bandla, the film promises humor intertwined with social commentary.
An added element of excitement comes with Vettaiyan – The Hunter, dubbed from Tamil, showcasing the ever-charismatic Rajinikanth alongside a powerful ensemble cast including Manju Warrier, Rana Daggubati, Amitabh Bachchan, and Fahadh Faasil. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his impactful film Jai Bhim, Vettaiyan is poised to potentially outshine its rivals with its gripping narrative and Anirudh Ravichander’s evocative soundtrack. The buzz is further amplified by the popular ‘Manasilayo’ song featuring Manju Warrier, raising anticipation to fever pitch.
Simultaneously, Hindi cinema brings Jigra to the festive weekend roster, crafted by director Vasan Bala. Alia Bhatt leads the film alongside Vedang Raina, portraying siblings navigating dire circumstances. With Rahul Ravindran joining the cast, Jigra blends action and emotional drama as it tells the tale of a sister’s relentless fight against her brother’s unjust imprisonment overseas. The film taps into Vasan Bala’s unique storytelling flair, recognized from his earlier works like Peddlers and Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota.
These releases come on the heels of the successful Devara: Part 1 by Koratala Siva, starring Jr NTR and Janhvi Kapoor, which has amassed considerable box office success. Following Dasara, a spectrum of Telugu films including Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Bhaskar, Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, and Nikhil Siddhartha’s Appudo Ippudo Eppudo are set to animate the Deepavali celebrations. With this thriving cinematic landscape, Indian cinema continues to illuminate festive seasons, offering diverse narratives to satisfy the infinite cravings of movie aficionados.
