The two biggest upcoming films — Rajanikanth’s Kabali and Jr NTR’s Janata Garage — are all set to ring in one of the busiest two months for the movie industry here. Alongside these two big projects, several other movies have confirmed their release dates — with estimates pointing at Rs 300 crore in box office earnings.
Sai Korrapati, producer of Manamantha, was waiting for an official announcement from the makers of Janata Garage. Korrapati has decided to release the Mohanlal-starrer on August 5.
“We don’t want to clash with other films as Mohanlal remains key for both the films (the Malayalam superstar is starring in Janata Garage as well). We completed the film sometime back and it’s now ready to release,” says Korrapati.
It has been a waiting game for the producer. As soon as Janata Garage was pushed to September 2, Korrapati immediately announced Manamantha’s release date. Both films will be releasing in Malayalam and there are hopes that both projects will be successful with Mohanlal’s starpower. Manamantha is going to be Mohanlal’s first Telugu film as a lead actor. He played a role in a Telugu film earlier, but that was over two decades ago.
Now with Kabali kickstarting the hectic season of films, Telugu film industry folks are excited. “Even though it’s a dubbed film, a lot depends on Rajanikanth’s Kabali. If the film scores big, it could collect the same amount as any film starring a big Telugu star,” says filmmaker B. Jaya. She added that the coming two months “were crucial” in terms of movie economics.
The next project in line is comedian-turned-actor Sunil’s Jakkanna, releasing on July 29. Besides adding to the coffers, the film is being seen as Sunil’s latest shot at a career breakthrough. Mannara Chopra is the female lead and Akella Vamsi Krishna has come in as the director.
Allu Sirish, younger son of producer Allu Aravind, has also announced his film Srirastu Subhamastu’s release date as August 5.The film is being directed by Parasuruam (Bujji) and Lavanya Tripathi stars opposite Aravind. Rao Ramesh plays a key character in the film and after his hit performance in A.. Aa.., there is much hope riding on the actor’s shoulders.
Sai Dharam Tej, another young actor, will arrive in theatres on August 13 with Thikka. Sunil Reddy is the director while Larissa Bonsi and Mannara Chopra play female leads. The makers wrapped up its shoot with the final song being shot in Ladakh recently.
Sai Dharam Tej has turned into a very bankable star — after Supreme — and expectations from him are high. They are planning to release the audio on July 20 and the film itself releases on August 13. Top music director S.S. Thaman has worked on the soundtrack of this film.
Finally, joining the rush to the box office is Venkatesh — with Babu Bangaram, releasing on August 12. “It’s going to be a good season for the Telugu Film Industry — especially if all these films do very well. ,” adds director Teja.
