As the vibrant city of Hyderabad gears up for the festive season, this Dasara weekend promises an exhilarating lineup of theatrical releases for cinema enthusiasts. The Dasara holiday period is traditionally a key time for Telugu cinema, second only to Sankranti, as film aficionados flock to theaters in droves. This tradition has encouraged the release of big-budget films, making the cinematic celebrations even more delightful. For 2024, moviegoers can look forward to an exciting slate of major films gracing the theaters: the Telugu productions Viswam, Maa Nanna Superhero, and Janaka Aithe Kanaka, alongside the much-anticipated Vettaiyan – The Hunter, which is dubbed from Tamil, and the Hindi film Jigra.
Delving into the specifics of these releases, Viswam stands out as a significant offering. It marks the much-awaited return of director Sreenu Vaitla, known for classics such as Dhee, Venky, and Dookudu, after a six-year hiatus following Amar Akbar Anthony. Vaitla has joined hands with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu to craft Viswam. Featuring actors Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, the film promises to be an action-packed entertainer infused with comedy, characteristically following Sreenu Vaitla’s signature style. A remarkable 30-minute train sequence is rumored to be a standout moment, evoking memories of the iconic train scenes from the Ravi Teja starrer, Venky. As Vaitla’s first post-pandemic theatrical release, Viswam’s launch holds an eager expectancy among fans of action comedies.
Meanwhile, Maa Nanna Superhero, written and directed by Abhilash Kankara—who earned acclaim for the web series Loser—presents a heartwarming narrative. It stars Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde in a tale depicting the intricate relationship between a son and his adoptive father, woven together with the unexpected resurfacing of his biological father. This drama seeks to resonate with audiences through its emotional storyline.
Adding diversity to this festive lineup is Janaka Aithe Kanaka, presented by the producers of Balagam, Harshith Reddy and Hanshitha Reddy. This film stars Suhas, who portrays a character reluctant to start a family due to financial strains.
. The plot takes an unconventional turn when he embarks on a legal battle against a condom manufacturing company, creating a unique narrative trajectory. Sandeep Bandla, the writer and director, ensures the film also stars talent like Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore, promising an engaging experience.
Not just local cinema, but also a potentially blockbuster dubbed release, Vettaiyan – The Hunter, might pose stiff competition at the box office this weekend. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, celebrated for Jai Bhim, the film boasts of an extraordinary cast featuring superstar Rajinikanth and Rana Daggubati as the antagonist. The star-studded lineup is further bolstered by Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles, with the movie’s music composed by the celebrated Anirudh Ravichander. The buzz-creating ‘Manasilayo’ video featuring Manju Warrier has already sparked significant curiosity and eagerness among the audience.
On a national level, Hyderabad and states beyond will see the release of Vasan Bala’s Jigra. This Hindi film brings Alia Bhatt back to the screen alongside Vedang Raina as siblings, with the movie additionally featuring Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran in a noteworthy role. Written by Vasan Bala and Debashish Irengbam, Jigra promises an intense narrative, showcasing the resilience of a sister determined to rescue her brother from overseas custodial torture. The movie, packed with action and a daring prison escape, emerges from the creative vision seen in previous works like Peddlers, Mard ko Dard Nahi Hota, and Monica, O My Darling.
Following these festival releases, the film industry is set to swiftly pivot its focus to an exciting lineup for the upcoming Deepavali holidays. Among these are Dulquer Salmaan’s Lucky Baskhar, Vishwak Sen’s Mechanic Rocky, and Appudo Ippudo Eppudo starring Nikhil Siddhartha and Rukmini Vasanth, known for her performance in Saptha Sagaradaache Ello. Additionally, Lakshmi Manchu’s Adiparvam adds to the anticipation for the movie-watching experience post-Dasara.
As the curtain rises on these cinematic extravaganzas, Hyderabad eagerly embraces a festive season not just of traditional celebrations, but of a rich tapestry of storytelling brought alive on the big screen.
