This Dasara season promises a smorgasbord of cinematic offerings for film enthusiasts in Hyderabad, featuring a slew of theatrical releases from different film industries. Considered the second most important period for Telugu cinema after Sankranti, the Dasara holiday season traditionally sees the theatres abuzz with moviegoers eager to watch the latest films on the big screen. The lineup for the 2024 Dasara weekend boasts an exciting array of films that are expected to draw large audiences to theatres.
Among the highly anticipated Telugu releases are “Viswam,” “Maa Nanna Superhero,” and “Janaka Aithe Kanaka.” Additionally, the Tamil film “Vettaiyan – The Hunter” will make its presence felt in a dubbed version, alongside the Hindi movie “Jigra.” These movies promise an exciting blend of action, drama, and comedy, providing something for everyone to enjoy.
Kicking off the list is “Viswam,” which marks the triumphant return of celebrated director Sreenu Vaitla, six years after his last outing, “Amar Akbar Anthony.” The director, famous for delivering blockbuster hits like “Dhee,” “Venky,” and “Dookudu,” has teamed up with screenwriters Gopi Mohan and Bhanu-Nandu to craft this action entertainer. Starring Gopichand, Kavya Thapar, Vennela Kishore, and Sunil, “Viswam” is sprinkled with comedic moments characteristic of Sreenu Vaitla’s style. A 30-minute train sequence is rumored to be one of the film’s highlights, drawing comparisons to the iconic train comedy scenes in the Ravi Teja-starrer “Venky.” With this film, Sreenu Vaitla aims to make his mark again in the post-pandemic era, reclaiming his status as a master of action comedies.
Another Telugu offering is “Maa Nanna Superhero,” helmed by Abhilash Kankara, known for earlier projects like the sports drama web series “Loser.” Starring Sudheer Babu, Saichand, and Shayaji Shinde, this film examines the intricate dynamics of a son’s emotional bond with his adopted father, and the ensuing drama when his biological father makes an unexpected reappearance.
The third Telugu film receiving attention this season is “Janaka Aithe Kanaka,” from the producers of “Balagam,” Harshith Reddy, and Hanshitha Reddy.
. The film, directed by Sandeep Bandla, introduces Suhas in a lead role as a man hesitant to start a family due to financial constraints. When his circumstances take an unexpected turn, he takes legal action against a condom manufacturer. Featuring performances from Sangeerthana and Vennela Kishore, along with an engaging narrative, this film promises to be both humorous and thought-provoking.
With its action-packed narrative and star power, “Vettaiyan – The Hunter” is set to give Telugu cinema a run for its money at the box office. Helmed by TJ Gnanavel of “Jai Bhim” fame, this Tamil film, dubbed in Telugu, stars the legendary Rajinikanth alongside Rana Daggubati, who plays the antagonist. The film also features cinema icons Amitabh Bachchan, Manju Warrier, and Fahadh Faasil in pivotal roles. The music, composed by Anirudh Ravichander, is already catching on with audiences, particularly for the “Manasilayo” video where Manju Warrier showcases her impressive dance skills.
Completing the exciting lineup is the Hindi film “Jigra,” directed by Vasan Bala. The film centers on the intense relationship between a sister, played by Alia Bhatt, and her brother, portrayed by Vedang Raina, as she embarks on a relentless quest to save him from brutal custodial torture abroad. Featuring Telugu actor-writer-director Rahul Ravindran in a significant role, “Jigra” promises thrilling action sequences and a gripping narrative.
These exciting new releases follow closely on the heels of director Koratala Siva’s “Devara: Part 1,” starring Jr NTR, Janhvi Kapoor, and Saif Ali Khan. This film has shown strong performance in theatres, amassing nearly ₹400 crore in worldwide box office collections since its release on September 27. With such a dynamic range of films, cinema halls are set to resonate with the energy of fans flocking to witness the cinematic marvels that this Dasara holiday season has to offer. As the festive weekend approaches, the anticipation builds for what’s shaping up to be a thrilling period for cinema enthusiasts in Hyderabad and beyond.