(Dheeraj Appaji)

As an average “Godari” man myself, the moment the title “Godari Gattupaina” was announced, I decided that I had to watch this film. After attending the pre-release event held at Ramanaidu Studios in Hyderabad, I strongly felt that this movie had every chance of becoming a successful entertainer. More importantly, it gave me the feeling that after a long time, we were about to get a clean, feel-good family entertainer.

That’s exactly why I, who rarely attends media shows “along with my better half,” took my wife to the Allu Arjun Theatre in Ameerpet to watch this film.

First of all, I must talk about debut heroine Nidhi Pradeep, who turned out to be one of the biggest positives of the film. This girl definitely has a bright future ahead. She portrayed the various shades of her character beautifully. Even though she is not a Telugu girl, she carried herself with remarkable Telugu grace and charm.

Similarly, Reenu, who played the hero’s sister-in-law, portrayed the innocence and talkative nature associated with Godavari girls in a very natural way. No doubt, she too has a promising future.

Though this may not be the ideal comeback role for Laila, every time she appeared on screen, she brought a pleasant feeling with her presence. However, I felt the director missed an opportunity to create stronger emotional scenes involving the husband-wife track of Jagapathi Babu and Laila, as well as the mother-daughter relationship between Laila and Nidhi Pradeep.

For audiences who have become used to watching Jagapathi Babu in villainous roles over the past few years, seeing him as a simple lower-middle-class father feels refreshing. Despite being unable to attend the film’s pre-release event due to busy schedules, Rajeev Kanakala and Devi Prasad did complete justice to their respective roles.

Coming to director Subhash Chandra, who made his directorial debut after making over a hundred short films — there is absolutely no doubt that he will get a second opportunity in cinema. But somewhere, it felt like this youngster converted a “golden chance” into just a “silver chance.”

On the other hand, producer Abhinav Rao, who made his debut with this film, deserves genuine appreciation. Knowing that he studied filmmaking before stepping into production gave me even more confidence in this young producer. Through this film made under the Red Puppets banner, it feels like he has successfully completed his internship in filmmaking. With the kind of taste and passion he seems to possess, we can definitely expect more good films from him in the future. In fact, Tollywood may very well roll out the “red carpet” for this talented young producer who entered the industry with a banner called Red Puppet.

Sumanth Prabhas, who became popular with Mem Famous, sincerely tried his best to do justice to the role of auto driver Raju. Particularly, one can clearly see the effort he put into getting the Godavari dialect right.

However, the director failed to sustain the massive elevation given to Jagapathi Babu’s character. Watching that heavily built-up character get beaten up by a mere youngster, only for the hero to come and save him, completely kills the impact created until then.
Likewise, the character played by Nellore Sudarshan, who instantly falls in love with every girl he comes across, was not designed convincingly. His character falling for the heroine loved by the hero, then repeatedly claiming he sacrificed his love for friendship, and eventually developing feelings for the hero’s sister too — all this comes across as awkward rather than funny.

The director could also have handled the heroine’s confusion in love with greater maturity. More importantly, despite carrying a beautiful title like “Godavari Gattupaina,” the film does not fully capture the soul and emotional essence of the Godavari region.

That said, if we keep aside people like me who tend to analyze films deeply and search for flaws, “Godari Gattupaina” is definitely a clean family entertainer that regular movie lovers can happily watch and enjoy once.

The best example for that is this: while I liked the film only in parts, my wife absolutely loved it!

My Rating: 70/100 ⭐

Rising Telugu actor Vikranth has been honored with the Certificate of Excellence – Jury Special Award at the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Film Festival 2026 for his performance in Santhana Prapthirasthu. It is encouraging to see a young actor like Vikranth receive such a prestigious recognition at an early stage of his career, further establishing him as a promising talent in Telugu cinema. The actor is all set to impress audiences with many more exciting projects.

Santhana Prapthirasthu, directed by Sanjeev Reddy and produced by Madhura Sreedhar Reddy and Nirvi Hari Prasad Reddy, released in November 2025 to positive reviews from both critics and audiences. The film also performed exceptionally well across digital and satellite platforms, emerging as the number one Telugu movie on Jio Hotstar for over six weeks and garnering strong TRP ratings on STAR MAA, reinforcing its widespread popularity and impact.

Encouraging new talent, hero Kiran Abbavaram produced the film “Thimmarajupalli TV” under his KA Productions banner in association with Sumaira Studios. Teja Velpucharla served as the co-producer. The film marks the debut of Sai Tej and Veda Jalandharr as the lead pair, while V. Muniraju makes his directorial debut with this project. Set against a village backdrop, “Thimmarajupalli TV” is a period drama that recently released in theatres and emerged as a successful entertainer.

The film is now gearing up for its digital premiere. “Thimmarajupalli TV” will begin streaming on aha OTT from the 15th of this month. Aha Gold users will get early access to watch the film 24 hours in advance. After entertaining audiences in theatres, the movie is now set to reach a wider audience through its OTT release on aha.

Cast:
Sai Tej, Veda Jalandharr, Pradeep Kotte, Swathi Karimireddy, Amma Ramesh, Satyanarayana, Lathish, and others.

Technical Team:
Costume Designer – Vishalya
Art Director – Sudheer Macharla
Business Head & Marketing – Chavan
Creative Producer – Ritikesh Gorak
Executive Producer – KL Madan
DOP – Akshay Ram Podishetty
Music – Vamsikanth Rekhana
CEO – Rahasya Kiran
PRO – GSK Media (Suresh – Sreenivas)
Co-Producer – Teja Velpucharla
Producer – Kiran Abbavaram
Writing, Editing & Direction – V. Muniraju

Key Highlights:
▪️ Vision: Passionate about making cinema with a fresh perspective.
▪️ Genre: “M4M” is a unique suspense thriller.
▪️ Acclaim: Already bagged 15 International Awards (IMDb recognized) before release.
▪️ Release Date: Worldwide theatrical release on May 8.
▪️ Pan-India Presence: Releasing in 5 languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Mohan Vadlapatla, known for producing tasteful Telugu films like Mallepuvvu, Mental Krishna, and Kalavaramaaye Madilo, is making his directorial debut with the suspense thriller M4M (Motive For Murder). Starring American actress Jo Sharma in the lead, the film is set to hit screens worldwide on May 8. Distributed by PVR Inox Pictures in South India, JVEL in North India, and Tekflix overseas, the director sat down with the media to share insights about the project.

Interview Excerpts
Q: What is the story behind the title “M4M”?
Mohan Vadlapatla: The concept of serial killers is quite popular in the US. When we brainstormed the central question—”What is the motive behind this murder?”—the phrase Motive For Murder stuck. We shortened it to M4M for a crisp and catchy title.

Q: Were there challenges in working with a new cast?
Mohan Vadlapatla: I treated every scene like a mini-movie, giving it immense care. The screenplay was meticulously crafted. Although we had a lot of footage, we edited it sharply into a 90-minute Hollywood-style thriller. We didn’t even feel the need for an interval, but we included one because Indian audiences are accustomed to it. One specific climax scene, where a character is tied up like a mummy, took half a day to shoot and was quite challenging.

Q: The film is ready for release. Can you share details about the production journey?
Mohan Vadlapatla: Honestly, the release was slightly delayed because we opted for some reshoots. We also wanted a high-energy promo song choreographed by Bhanu Master. We actually shot two versions and scrapped them before finalizing the third version with him. We shot for three and a half days continuously at Sarathi Studios. Initially, we approached OTT platforms, but they suggested a post-theatrical release strategy. That is how the final shape of the film emerged.

Q: What was the main reason for the reshoots?
Mohan Vadlapatla: I wasn’t fully satisfied with the first version of the “Who is the Killer” song. I wanted a top-tier choreographer, so we brought Bhanu Master on board. We also had singer Noel perform a rap portion, which turned out brilliantly.

Q: Did reshoots escalate the budget?
Mohan Vadlapatla: Definitely. We worked through night shifts and used 10 different sets over three and a half days. Bhanu Master never compromised on quality, and I gave him a free hand. The final result is fantastic.

Q: The film has been making rounds at international festivals, hasn’t it?
Mohan Vadlapatla: Yes, we sent it to various festivals and received about 25–30 awards in total, 15 of which are IMDb-recognized. These include Best Film, Best Director, Best Actress, and Best Music.

Q: Have you held any premieres yet?
Mohan Vadlapatla: Following the Cannes Film Festival screening, we also held a premiere at IFFI Goa.

Q: You announced a ₹1 Lakh reward for anyone who identifies the killer. Are you serious?
Mohan Vadlapatla: Absolutely. The film releases on May 7 in the US and May 8 in India. I challenge the audience: if you can identify the serial killer, we will put ₹1 Lakh on the table for you. People warned me that since it releases a day early in the US, the secret might leak. But I am confident—even if someone hears a name, they won’t be able to guess the logic or the story’s twists.

Q: Why a 90-minute runtime? Isn’t that risky for Telugu cinema?
Mohan Vadlapatla: I don’t think so. Audience trends are shifting. I wanted to follow a Hollywood narrative style without unnecessary filler. We trimmed three hours of footage down to a gripping 90-minute experience.

Q: Tell us about the music. How did you find your composer?
Mohan Vadlapatla: I always look for fresh talent. I found a young composer from Chennai through social media. Despite the language barrier, his understanding of the story was incredible. The background score has already won 5-6 awards.

Q: What is your take on the ongoing theater percentage disputes in the industry?
Mohan Vadlapatla: I have always supported the percentage system; about 98% of producers agree with this. Given the high cost of movie-going and the rise of OTT, a percentage-based sharing model between producers and theater owners is the most sustainable way forward.

Q: Will you continue to make such experimental films in the future?
Mohan Vadlapatla: My career as a producer (with films like Mallepuvu) shows that I don’t like to repeat patterns. I am inspired by the work of actors like Tom Hanks and filmmakers who push boundaries. As a maker, I love novelty. M4M is a unique attempt, and I will continue to pick unconventional stories.

There are two kinds of stars in Indian cinema.The first kind arrives with a bang, a debut that shatters records, a face that is everywhere overnight, a name that trends before the first review is even published. The industry celebrates them loudly, and then watches, often anxiously, to see if the substance matches the noise.The second kind builds quietly. Film by film, language by language, director by director. They do not announce themselves.

They let the work do it. And by the time the wider world fully recognises them, the foundation they have laid is so solid that nothing can shake it.Bhagyashri Borse, who turns 26 today, belongs entirely to the second kind.

And on her birthday, the announcement of Seyon, the highly anticipated Tamil thriller starring Sivakarthikeyan, directed by Sivakumar Murugesan, and produced by the legendary Kamal Haasan under Raaj Kamal Films International, makes one thing impossible to ignore any longer.This is not a rising star. This is a star who has already risen. The rest of us are only just looking up.

Following the phenomenal response to Shambhala, producer duo Mahidhar Reddy and Rajashekhar Annabhimoju are gearing up for another larger-than-life cinematic outing under the Shining Pictures banner. Reuniting with director Ugandhar Muni, the team is now crafting an expensive socio-fantasy entertainer that promises to push boundaries on every front. The promising star Sundeep Kishan plays the lead role in the movie, #SK33. The concept poster unveiled earlier instantly sparked curiosity. Featuring a dramatic confrontation between a lion and a wolf with a glowing ancient sword placed between them, the image hinted at a world driven by rivalry, legacy, and untamed power. The haunting tagline, “Some wars never end. Some kings never die,” further amplified the mythic tone.

Extending birthday wishes to Sundeep Kishan, the makers unveiled a striking new poster that pulls viewers into a fantasy world filled with mystery and destiny. Set deep inside a fog-covered forest, the artwork features a majestic lion standing protectively behind a newborn baby resting in a woven cradle placed on a moss-covered rock. The lion, with glowing eyes and a royal crown-like emblem on its forehead, symbolizes strength, guardianship, and the rise of a future ruler. The powerful line, “From The Heart Of The Wild, A Legend Is Born,” perfectly establishes the film’s epic tone. The visual composition suggests the birth of a warrior or king destined for greatness. The sword, decorated with royal detailing and gemstones, further enhances the grandeur and medieval fantasy vibe of the project.

Known for constantly experimenting with diverse subjects, Sundeep Kishan is set to step into an entirely unfamiliar genre space with this film. The actor will undergo a striking transformation for the role, with the character demanding a commanding screen presence unlike anything he has attempted before.

After witnessing the massive impact of Shambhala, the makers are now mounting this new venture on an even grander scale. From elaborate world-building and high-end VFX to detailed production design and immersive storytelling, every aspect is being planned with pan-India audiences in mind.

While details regarding the supporting cast and technicians are still being kept confidential, pre-production activities are currently progressing at a brisk pace. The regular shoot is expected to commence in August 2026, with more major announcements likely to follow soon.

The Telugu film industry’s appetite for supernatural thrillers shows no signs of fading, and Agadha arrives as a promising new addition to the genre. The teaser for the film was released recently and made an immediate impression with its rich visual identity and atmosphere dense with mystery.

Iconic legendary filmmaker MS Raju directs the project, a name synonymous with celebrated Telugu films such as Varsham, Okkadu, Devi, Manasantha Nuvve and Nuvvosthanante Nenoddantana.

His presence behind the camera naturally elevates expectations around the film’s narrative ambition.
The teaser establishes its intentions from the very first frame.

The visual craftsmanship is polished and commanding, with each shot radiating a cinematic quality that positions Agadha as a supernatural thriller of considerable scale. The production design and lighting palette together construct a world that feels ethereal yet deeply foreboding.

At the core of the story lies the enigmatic presence referred to as Agadha, a divine and mysterious force that appears to govern the boundary between life and death. The human characters drawn into its orbit face consequences far beyond their capacity to resist or comprehend.

The teaser derives much of its impact from the seamless coordination between visuals and background score. The music actively amplifies every moment of dread and grandeur rather than merely accompanying the images. Glimpses of Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Jovika who is the granddaughter of veteran actress Manjula, and Ulka Gupta each bring credibility to the mysterious world on screen.

The teaser closes on the striking question “Who Is Agadha,” neatly crystallising the dramatic mystery the film intends to unravel. Agadha is produced by Kasi Visalakshi Balusu under Sri Adi Varaha Productions, with cinematography by Nani Chamidishetty, editing by Junaid Siddiqui and NVN Subbaraju serving as executive producer.