As the festive spirit of Dasara envelops Hyderabad, movie enthusiasts are in for a cinematic treat with an array of theatrical releases this upcoming weekend. The Dasara holiday is one of the most eagerly awaited periods for Telugu cinema, second only to the festivities of Sankranti. This time of year traditionally sees filmgoers flocking to theaters with excitement, creating a prime opportunity for the release of major films. For decades, producers have capitalized on this season to debut their megahit movies, and 2024 is no exception.
Among the top contenders arriving at the box office this Dasara weekend are notable Telugu films Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, and Janaka Aithe Kanaka. Joining these Telugu productions are Vettaiyan – The Hunter, a Tamil film dubbed in Telugu, and the Hindi cinema offering Jigra. Each film promises to provide its own unique appeal, aiming to capture the audience’s love for diverse storytelling and entertainment.
Viswam marks the highly anticipated return of director Sreenu Vaitla, known for his prior successes with blockbusters such as Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu. Vaitla rejoins forces with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu, bringing to life an action-packed entertainer that promises to be infused with classic comedic elements reminiscent of his earlier work. The film features an impressive cast, starring Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil. One key highlight set to capture the audience’s attention is a 30-minute train sequence, speculated by ardent fans to potentially rival the memorable comedic train scenes from Vaitla’s earlier hit, Venky. As one of the first major films from Vaitla post-pandemic, Viswam will be subjected to keen interest, waiting to see if it can uphold the director’s storied reputation for crafting successful action comedies.
Adding to the cinematic offerings is Maa Nanna Superhero, a film penned and helmed by Abhilash Kankara, who previously gained recognition for the Telugu sports drama web series Loser. Featuring actors Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde, this film unfolds a touching narrative. It revolves around a young man’s profound connection with his adoptive father, which faces complications when his biological father returns into their lives.
. This intricate tale of familial bonds and conflicts is set to strike an emotional chord with the audience.
Janaka Aithe Kanaka brings to the screen a commercial yet socially engaging narrative. From the producers of the much-loved Balagam, Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy present Suhas as the reluctant protagonist who, concerned by financial troubles, finds himself embroiled in a lawsuit against a condom manufacturer. The film, crafted by writer-director Sandeep Bandla, also stars Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore and aims to merge humor with social commentary.
Meanwhile, the Rajinikanth starrer Vettaiyan – The Hunter is expected to deliver formidable competition at the theatres. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for his acclaimed work Jai Bhim, this Tamil film dubbed into Telugu pairs Rajinikanth with Manju Warrier, promising a gripping storyline. Rana Daggubati assumes the antagonist role, alongside legendary actors Amitabh Bachchan and Fahadh Faasil in significant roles. The film’s music, scored by Anirudh Ravichander, and the buzz surrounding Manju Warrier’s dance performance in the ‘Manasilayo’ video have heightened curiosity among moviegoers.
Hindi film Jigra also finds its release this festive weekend across India, including Telugu-speaking regions. Directed by Vasan Bala, the film stars Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina as siblings entangled in a gripping tale of love and resilience. The film is co-written by Debashish Irengbam, portraying a sister’s relentless effort to aid her brother who endures custodial torture overseas, filled with thrilling action sequences and a daring prison escape.
These new releases follow the success of Koratala Siva’s Devara: Part 1, a film featuring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan, which achieved remarkable success, grossing approximately ₹400 crore globally since its release on September 27.
As the Dasara weekend heralds a cinematic fiesta, movie enthusiasts can look forward to an extravagant lineup, with more Telugu films like Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, and Nikhil Siddhartha’s Appudo Ippudo Eppudo anticipated for the upcoming Deepavali season. The festival of lights promises to keep film lovers delighted with a slew of fresh cinematic releases across genres and narratives.
