As the festive whiff of Dasara fills the air, movie enthusiasts in Hyderabad have a feast laid out for them at the cinemas. This period, next only to the grand celebration of Sankranti, stands as one of the most anticipated times in the Telugu film calendar. For decades, the promise of cinematic magic during Dasara has resulted in the release of major theatrical blockbusters, eagerly awaited by audiences hungry for entertainment. This year is no different, with an exciting lineup of films poised to grace the silver screens.
Leading the charge is the Telugu film Viswam, marking a significant return for renowned director Sreenu Vaitla after a six-year hiatus since his last venture, Amar Akbar Anthony. Vaitla, celebrated for his previous hits Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu, has teamed up with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu for this project. Viswam features a stellar cast including Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil and promises to deliver an action-packed narrative interlaced with the signature comedic elements Vaitla is known for. A much-anticipated 30-minute train sequence is rumored to be one of the film’s highlights, evoking curiosity among fans who hope it recalls the popular comedic train scenes from the Ravi Teja starrer Venky. The film’s release marks an important moment as it is Vaitla’s first venture post-pandemic, making its success all the more crucial.
Another significant release is Maa Nanna Superhero, a heartfelt story written and directed by Abhilash Kankara. Known for his work on the Telugu sports web series Loser, Kankara brings to the screen a touching tale of familial bonds and rediscovery. Starring Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde, this drama focuses on the relationship between a son and his adoptive father, and the complexities that arise with the return of his biological father. The film explores deep emotional terrains, offering audiences a narrative steeped in relationships and interwoven with intense emotional moments.
Janaka Aithe Kanaka offers a different flavor of intrigue and humor. Produced by Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy, the film stars Suhas in the lead role as a man wary of starting a family due to financial reasons.
. Faced with unexpected challenges, he takes a legal route, suing a condom manufacturing company—a plot that promises both comedic relief and a thought-provoking storyline. Sandeep Bandla takes the helm as director and writer, with the film featuring performances by Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore in supporting roles.
Vying for the audience’s attention is the Tamil film Vettaiyan – The Hunter, directed by TJ Gnanavel, famed for the critically acclaimed Jai Bhim. This Rajinikanth starrer, dubbed into Telugu, presents a star-studded lineup with Rana Daggubati playing the antagonist alongside industry stalwarts like Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles. The film’s score, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, has already garnered interest, especially the viral video ‘Manasilayo’, which showcases a vibrant dance by Manju Warrier. The film’s potent blend of action and compelling narrative is anticipated to draw substantial audiences.
Adding to the exhilarating mix is the Hindi film Jigra, directed by Vasan Bala. Known for his unique storytelling, Bala weaves a gripping tale of sibling devotion. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina as siblings, the film tells the story of a sister’s relentless fight to free her brother from the clutches of overseas custodial torture. The film features intense action scenes and a high-stakes prison break, marking another milestone in Bala’s cinematic journey. Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran also plays a crucial role, further bridging the cultural narrative between Telugu and Hindi cinemas.
Upon their arrival, these films will meet a competitive landscape, coming right after the successful release of Devara: Part 1—a film featuring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan—which has taken the box office by storm, grossing approximately ₹400 crore globally since its debut in late September.
Following the Dasara festive wave, an exciting line-up awaits audiences ahead of Deepavali, with films like Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, Mechanic Rocky starring Vishwak Sen, and the promising Appudo Ippudo Eppudo featuring Nikhil Siddhartha and Rukmini Vasanth, alongside Lakshmi Manchu’s anticipated Adiparvam. Each of these releases will continue the cinematic fervor ignited during Dasara, ensuring that moviegoers remain engaged and entertained through the festive season.
