Hyderabad is bustling with excitement as the 2024 Dasara weekend promises to be a cinematic feast for movie enthusiasts. Known for its vibrant festivities, Dasara is one of the most awaited holiday periods for Telugu cinema, second only to Sankranti. Over the years, big-ticket films have strategically aimed for release during this festive season to capture the cinephiles’ attention, and this year is no different. As Hyderabad gears up for a movie-packed weekend, audiences are set to witness a slew of significant releases across multiple languages.
The Telugu film industry leads the charge with three major films hitting the theatres: “Viswam,” “Maa Nanna Superhero,” and “Janaka Aithe Kanaka.” Adding to this lineup, the Tamil film “Vettaiyan – The Hunter,” dubbed in Telugu, and the Hindi film “Jigra,” will also grace the screens, promising a well-rounded entertainment package.
First in line is “Viswam,” a film that marks the return of director Sreenu Vaitla after a six-year hiatus following his last project, “Amar Akbar Anthony.” Vaitla, who has delivered blockbusters like “Dhee,” “Venky,” and “Dookudu,” collaborated with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu to craft this action-comedy entertainer. Starring Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, “Viswam” aims to blend action with comedy, characteristic of Vaitla’s style. A highlight of this film is reportedly a 30-minute train sequence, sparking curiosity among audiences who fondly remember the train comedy scenes in the Ravi Teja starrer “Venky.” As Vaitla’s first post-pandemic release, “Viswam” carries high expectations from fans and industry insiders alike.
“Maa Nanna Superhero” (My Dad is a Superhero), written and directed by Abhilash Kankara, explores the dynamics of familial relationships. Abhilash Kankara, who gained popularity for the Telugu sports drama web series “Loser,” attempts to weave an emotional tale of a son and his adopted father. The drama intensifies when the biological father reenters the picture.
. Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde headline the film, promising a mix of sentiment and drama that appeals to family audiences.
The third key Telugu release, “Janaka Aithe Kanaka,” comes from the producers of “Balagam,” Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy. This film revolves around an intriguing premise where the protagonist, played by Suhas, decides to sue a condom manufacturing company due to his financial struggles and the subsequent impact on his familial planning. The film’s cast includes Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore, with Sandeep Bandla helming the project as writer and director.
One film poised to provide stiff competition at the box office is “Vettaiyan – The Hunter.” Directed by TJ Gnanavel, known for “Jai Bhim,” this Tamil film, now dubbed in Telugu, stars the iconic Rajinikanth alongside Manju Warrier, Rana Daggubati in an antagonist role, and Amitabh Bachchan and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles. The film’s music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, and the chart-topping “Manasilayo” video featuring Manju Warrier, have already stirred considerable excitement among fans.
Hyderabad’s theatres will also showcase the Hindi film “Jigra,” directed by Vasan Bala. Starring Alia Bhatt and Vedang Raina as siblings, this film tackles the gripping storyline of a sister who goes to great lengths to rescue her brother from custodial torture abroad. With a supporting performance by Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran, “Jigra” promises to deliver high-octane action sequences and a riveting narrative.
These releases follow closely on the heels of the successful “Devara: Part 1” by director Koratala Siva, featuring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. The film has reportedly amassed an impressive ₹400 crore worldwide since its late September release.
As the curtains rise on the Dasara weekend, movie buffs in Hyderabad can look forward to an array of cinematic offerings that cater to diverse tastes, setting the stage for an exhilarating festive season at the movies. Following this weekend, the anticipation for upcoming Deepavali releases continues to build, with films like “Lucky Baskhar” starring Dulquer Salmaan and “Mechanic Rocky” featuring Vishwak Sen expected to further electrify the Telugu cinema landscape.
