Agadha's team hosted a grand pre-release event today. Directed and written by MS Raju, the movie is produced by Kashi Visalakshi Balusu under the Sri Adi Varaha Productions banner and presented by Ajay KR. Scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on August 14, the film boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Kamakshi Bhaskarla, Shravan Reddy, Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijay Kumar, Bhanu Chander, Siju, Vanitha Vijay Kumar, Roshan Basheer, Shreya Rani Reddy, Viva Raghava, Robert Master, Arna Muller, and Kanakavva.
Unmatched Passion and Trendsetting Cinema
The guests at the event took a nostalgic journey through Raju’s decades-long career. His impact on Telugu cinema as a producer and writer was praised. Senior producer Shyam Prasad Reddy of Arundhati fame reflected on his 45-year friendship with the filmmaker. He recalled their shared beginnings under director Kodi Ramakrishna. He noted that Raju has been a relentless innovator since the mid-1980s. Observing his friend's evolution, Reddy stated that “Raju is a passionate producer who has mastered every craft and become a trendsetter in his own right.” He recalled how Raju consistently dominated the box office year after year, earning iconic monikers like "Sankranti Raju," "Unbeatable Raju," and "Invincible Raju" through his romantic blockbusters and diverse genre films.
Producer SKN observed, “When Raju garu makes a film, it rains money.” He praised Raju’s transition to directing, declaring that “a king is a king wherever he is, whether he comes as a producer or as a director.” Narasimha Naidu and Indra fame B Gopal praised Raju’s sharp storytelling instinct, recalling how Raju correctly predicted the gigantic success of Samarasimha Reddy. Gopal described him as a producer with “tremendous courage” who possesses a deep innate writing talent. Similarly, producer Lagadapati Sridhar expressed confidence that Agadha would mark a major comeback for the legendary creator, adding that he hopes it becomes a “cult classic.”
Screenwriting, Courage, and Mentorship
MS Raju’s exceptional skill as a screenwriter and mentor were lauded by the guests. Director Sai Rajesh recalled his two-year stint as an assistant director at Sumanth Art Productions, sharing how much he learned about the art of scriptwriting under Raju’s guidance. Calling Raju a true "kingmaker," Sai Rajesh remarked that the filmmaker remains “beyond success and failure” because of his unyielding passion for cinema.
Collaborators who worked on Agadha gave attendees a glimpse into Raju’s sincere storytelling process. Polimera director Anil Viswanath revealed that he was involved in story discussions early on. He noted that Raju kept the climax guarded until the end, praising his screenwriting as being on “another level.” Viswanath described the film's narrative as “futuristic,” promising that the audience will be both “surprised and shocked” by the final reveal. Additional screenplay writer Chaitanya Vegi added that working alongside a legendary personality like Raju was an honor, expressing full confidence that the team’s craft will resonate strongly with viewers.
High Stakes and Technical Excellence
Raju thanked the producers of Agadha while sharing his immense confidence in the final cut. Drawing an analogy to a high-tension sports match, Raju remarked, “A cricket match becomes interesting when a team needs 24 runs in the last over. But I have made Agadha like a super over.” He stated that the technical crew and performers fiercely competed with one another to deliver their absolute best. He added humorously that he hopes the producers make substantial profits and remember to give him his fair share.
Editor Junaid Siddiqui boldly proclaimed that “a film like Agadha comes only once in ten years.” Cinematographer Nani Chamidisetty and music director Rakesh Venkatapuram thanked Raju for the opportunity, with Rakesh describing the project as a dream come true. Production designer Rajeev Nair, who previously worked with Raju on classics like Okkadu and Vaana, expressed strong belief in the film’s visual appeal. Executive producer NVN Subbaraju and additional writer Chaitanya Vegi confirmed that the film had been completed seamlessly and was ready to captivate audiences on the big screen.
Powerful Performances, Character Depth
The pre-release event put a strong spotlight on the cast, particularly lead actress Kamakshi Bhaskarla. Shyam Prasad Reddy paid her a major compliment, stating that watching her performance gave him “the same feeling” he had when he first saw Anushka Shetty in Arundhati. Producer SKN praised her commitment to performance over screen time, noting that “Kamakshi is someone who looks beyond the length of a character and focuses on its depth.” Anil Viswanath added that while audiences have seen her in award-winning short-form roles, Agadha allows her to excel from start to finish.
Kamakshi recalled her nine-year journey in the film industry after returning to India. She noted how rare it is for native Telugu girls to land central lead roles in mainstream cinema. “I will always be grateful to Raju garu for trusting me,” she said. She further added, “Raju garu laid the foundation for my career.”
Shravan Reddy, who plays a grey character, also expressed his appreciation for the filmmaker, who previously cast him in Dirty Hari. Shravan shared that his multi-layered role in Agadha offered him a phenomenal platform to showcase his range. The artists called the film a visual treat tailored for the upcoming long weekend.
A Spellbinding Tale of Good Versus Evil
Agadha promises to deliver a cinematic experience that transcends traditional horror tropes. Veteran actor Bhanu Chander described the core narrative as a dramatic “battle between good and evil,” also mentioning that the intensity of such a story can only be fully appreciated in a theater. Actress Vanitha Vijay Kumar recalled her experience shooting iconic devotional sequences in Devi, noting that Agadha contains similarly powerful, high-stakes moments.
Actor Siju shared a heartwarming memory of how Raju changed his career by casting him in Devi back in 1996 and later in Manasantha Nuvve. He referred to the director as his “godfather” in Telugu cinema. Meanwhile, actor Gagan and producer Kashi Visalakshi Balusu expressed total confidence in the team's hard work. Kashi Visalakshi noted that after witnessing Raju’s tireless dedication on set, she is convinced he will now be celebrated as the “Raju of Agadha.”
Supporting cast members Ulka Gupta, Jovika Vijay Kumar, Arna, and Roshan Basheer echoed these sentiments, inviting fans to experience the film in theaters. Producer Kashi Visalakshi Balusu thanked the entire cast and crew for their steadfast support throughout production.
With strong early reactions to its teaser and trailer, Agadha arrives in theaters on August 14.
