
VV Vinayak launches ‘Sakthimathi' motion poster; August release confirmed
Producer Venkatesh Goud shared his excitement at the launch, stating, 'Our director Ramakrishna narrated a powerful story set in 1947. It instantly resonated with me, and I felt it was important for today's generation to witness this narrative. We're bringing it to the big screen this August.'
Director D. Ramakrishna expressed his heartfelt gratitude, especially for the presence of his mentor V.V. Vinayak. 'It's a moment of pride to have our motion poster launched by Vinayak garu. Our producer made this film with no compromises,' he said. Highlighting the technical efforts behind the movie, Ramakrishna noted that the film boasts around 30 minutes of VFX, adding a grand visual scale. 'Bheems has delivered an excellent soundtrack, and Bhanus Master has provided brilliant choreography. We're now in the dubbing phase, and post-production is nearing completion. We are confident audiences will support us wholeheartedly,' he added.
Featuring Hebbah Patel, Suman, Shravan, and Sridhar in key roles, Sakthimathi aims to blend historical drama with emotional storytelling and visual spectacle. With a patriotic timeline and modern execution, this August release is shaping up to be a compelling cinematic experience.

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The Hindu
18-07-2025
- The Hindu
‘Kothapallilo Okappudu' movie review: A bittersweet tale to savour, ponder and debate
A man creates a myth. It spirals into a monstrous illusion, far beyond his control. Can reason untangle such a delusion and help others see the truth? Debut director Praveena Paruchuri's Telugu dramedy Kothapallilo Okappudu (Once Upon a Time in Kothapalli), presented by Rana Daggubati, opens with a quote by French-American writer Anaïs Nin: 'We see things not as they are, but as we are.' It is a line that frames how the characters view the world around them. There are no easy answers here. Written by Guru Kiran Bathula, the story explores complex themes through a light-hearted, engaging lens. As the narrative slowly reveals itself, it becomes hard to look away. New York-based cardiologist Praveena, who previously produced the much-loved indie C/O Kancharapalem, now steps into the director's role to tell a story inspired by real events from rural Andhra Pradesh. Set a few decades ago, Kothapallilo Okappudu roots itself in nostalgia, with references to Chiranjeevi's Gang Leader, Gharana Mogudu, and the stardom of Vijayashanthi and Bhanupriya grounding it in a specific cultural moment. Kothapallilo Okappudu (Telugu) Director: Praveena Paruchuri Cast: Manoj Chandra, Monika, Usha Bonela Run time: 123 minutes Story: To marry the woman of his dreams, a man must destroy a myth that he created. Director of photography Petros Antoniadis brings rural Andhra Pradesh alive in warm, vivid tones — ochre earth meets lush green fields with hills fading into the horizon. His visual framing finds poetry in the everyday. A motorbike, a painted wall, or a shirt in striking turquoise cuts through the muted palette, offering moments of visual relief. At the heart of Kothapallilo Okappudu is a simple premise. Ramakrishna (debutant Manoj Chandra), who runs a local dance recording studio, heads out to meet the woman of his dreams, Savitri (Monika T), near a haystack. What unfolds is chaos, of the kind that upends an entire village's routine and reveals its fault lines. The narrative merits attention. A prologue shows Ramakrishna lamenting beneath a tree. In an early scene, a moneylender, Appanna (played menacingly by Ravindra Vijay), is shown under the tree — a visual echo that later becomes meaningful. His actions in the next few minutes establish his character. An actor who makes a brief appearance here returns later to reveal a new layer. In another scene, a seemingly throwaway line — 'nuvvu devudu anna (you're God, brother)' — deepens as the story unfolds. There is an ongoing tussle between Appanna (a nod to the Telugu word appu, meaning debt) and the zamindar, Reddy (Benerjee), layered with commentary on caste, class and privilege. Gandubabu (Prem Sagar) is fighting for a water tank contract, and in between these village power plays, Ramakrishna is smitten by Reddy's daughter, Savitri. Adhi Lakshmi (Usha Bonela), whom he uses to reach out to Savitri, is a standout character. The film uses the barbs thrown at her dusky skin and her nickname 'Andham' (beauty) to critique society's obsession with fairness. While some of the offensive jibes at her maybe reflective of the society's bias, it would have helped to have a strong counterpoint. Usha Bonela is a quiet revelation, playing the role with affecting realism. While the first few scenes may feel uneven, the narrative eventually settles into a confident rhythm. Unless you've dissected the promotional material, the twist comes as a surprise, shifting the film from a romantic comedy into a layered social drama. The background score by Varun Unni and Mani Sharma's songs — some of which nod to vintage Telugu hits — elevate the drama. Jitendra Mourya and Vishal Gyanchandani keep the production design pared down, highlighting the rustic charm. The script does not spoon-feed its audience. It discusses what people believe in — is belief a lie or simply a need? These ideas are introduced gently. The smaller moments hint at clues hiding in plain sight. For instance, look out for what Ramakrishna says after an incident featuring a bedridden man. There is even a cheeky moment when the film pokes fun at commercial cinema's writers, who are accused of letting their imagination run wild. But this is not a cynical film, it is an earnest one. It asks if power, backed by wealth, should only be with those who inherit them. Supporting characters enrich the tapestry. Ramakrishna's friends are not generic sidekicks. Their lives — much like the village constable who moonlights as a priest — feel specific and lived-in. Manoj Chandra brings a freshness to Ramakrishna and convincingly portrays his arc. Monika's performance is restrained yet impactful. Praveena Paruchuri plays a brief role that asks tough questions. But it is Ravindra Vijay who steals the show with his effortlessly convincing sinister act. They say destruction is easy and creation is hard. But what if the reverse were true? Kothapallilo Okappudu explores this inversion with conviction. The final portions allow room for discussion and debate. Despite its rough edges, this film is a welcome addition to the Telugu indie landscape.


Hans India
30-06-2025
- Hans India
VVVinayak unveils ‘Thank You Dear' teaser
The teaser of the upcoming Telugu film Thank You Dear was officially unveiled by acclaimed filmmaker V.V. Vinayak, creating a wave of excitement among film enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. Backed by Mahalakshmi Productions and produced by Pappu Balaji Reddy, the film is written and directed by Thota Srikanth Kumar. Thank You Dear features Dhanush Raghumudri, Hebah Patel, and Rekha Nirosha in lead roles, with a talented supporting cast including Veera Shankar, Nag Mahesh, Ravi Prakash, Chatrapathi Sekhar, Balagam Sujatha, and Srinivas Naidu of Sankranthi fame. Speaking at the launch, V.V. Vinayak praised the team's efforts and offered special encouragement to Dhanush Raghumudri, the nephew of late actor Srihari. 'It's heartening to see Dhanush continue Srihari Garu's legacy. I hope this film gives him the breakthrough he deserves. Best wishes to director Thota Srikanth and producer Balaji Garu for their dedication to this project,' he said. The film's music is composed by Subhash Anand, while P.L.K. Reddy handles cinematography. Promising an emotionally rich narrative, Thank You Dear blends drama and sentiment, aiming to connect with a broad audience. Lead actor Dhanush Raghumudri expressed gratitude: 'Having our teaser launched by a powerhouse like Vinayak Garu is an honour. I hope audiences embrace our work with love.' Rekha Nirosha echoed the sentiment, calling the teaser launch 'a memorable milestone.'Thank You Dear is slated for release soon.


Hindustan Times
05-06-2025
- Hindustan Times
Miss World Delegates & Fortune Infra Support Hyderabad Orphans via KC Pullaiah Foundation
Hyderabad, June 05, 2025 — In an afternoon marked by warmth, joy, and heartfelt interaction, Hyderabad welcomed contestants of the 72nd Miss World 2025 pageant for a special outreach event held at the Trident Hotel. Far from the glamour of the pageant stage, this gathering focused on community, compassion, and meaningful conversations — especially for over 200 visually impaired children and orphans from various parts of Telangana. Organized by Dr. Rama Krishna of Fortune Hospitality and Sudeeksha Estates in collaboration with the Miss World Organization, this event served as a platform for bridging cultures, sharing stories, and initiating real impact. The initiative was further supported by the Miss World Organization, with Chairperson Julia Morley and reigning Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova in attendance. Unlike conventional formal ceremonies, the ballroom of the hotel was transformed into an open, inclusive space where children sat in small groups with the international contestants. What followed was a spontaneous exchange of experiences — discussions on dreams, questions about life journeys, and lots of laughter that echoed well beyond the ballroom walls. The children came from backgrounds marked by hardship, but their curiosity was boundless. They asked the contestants questions ranging from their decision to enter the Miss World pageant to how they handled challenges and responsibilities on a global platform. Miss World Krystyna Pyszkova shared words of encouragement, while Chairperson Julia Morley emphasized the value of perseverance, kindness, and believing in one's potential. One of the most moving moments of the day came from Miss Nigeria, Joy Mojisola Raimi, who candidly spoke about losing her mother at a young age. 'I know what it feels like to be left out,' she told the young audience. 'But life finds a way. Today, I stand here representing my country. If I can do it, so can you.' Similarly, Miss Philippines, Krishnah Marie Gravidez, who was surrounded by a group of smiling students taking selfies, shared her admiration for the children. 'These kids are among the most adorable I've ever met. There's something special here — a connection you can't explain, only feel.' Miss Estonia, Eliise Randmaa, who has worked on child welfare through her "Beauty with a Purpose" initiative, reflected on how events like these create lifelong impressions. 'Sharing even a small moment with these children reminds me why we do what we do. While the day brought emotional fulfillment to the attendees, it also marked the beginning of a major transformation for the Victoria Memorial School. During the event, Mr. Ramakrishna, Chairman and Managing Director of Fortune Infra Group, handed over a cheque of ₹2 crore (5 Lakhs donated by Vamsiram Builders, 10 Lakhs donated by Cyber City & 1.85cr by Dr. Rama Krishna) to Mr. Anil Kumar, Secretary of the KC Pullaiah Foundation. KC Pullaiah Foundation — established in 2008 and renamed in 2012 in honor of its visionary founder — has been instrumental in advancing education, health, skill development, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The foundation has impacted over 1. 5 lakh beneficiaries through its flagship initiatives such as the Vidvatta Program (scholarships for meritorious students), Aarogyam (free clinics and nutrition support for children living with HIV), and the KC Pullaiah Skill Development Centers. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anil Kumar said, 'The school has been in dire need of renovation for years. This generous contribution will help us provide the children with the infrastructure they deserve. We are committed to completing the project within one year.' A joint committee will be formed, consisting of representatives from Victoria Memorial School, Fortune Infra Group, and the KC Pullaiah Foundation, to monitor and guide the progress of the renovation work. The project is expected to begin shortly and will be carried out with a strong emphasis on safety, accessibility, and educational functionality. This donation is earmarked for the complete renovation of the school's heritage building, which currently houses over 900 children. The structure, though historic, has become unsafe and obsolete. With this timely financial support, it will now be transformed into a safer, more nurturing space for education and growth. As part of the outreach, each student received a carefully curated gift kit containing books, woollen clothing, pearl necklaces, and other meaningful keepsakes. For many of the children, it was the first time they interacted with people from so many different cultures and backgrounds — a rare and joyful experience. What stood out the most, however, was not the material gifts, but the human connection. As the formalities concluded, music played softly in the background and the ballroom quickly turned into a lively dance floor. Children and contestants danced together, their smiles reflecting a sense of freedom and joy that words could hardly capture. In her closing remarks, Julia Morley, Chairperson of the Miss World Organization, praised the initiative and its impact. 'The essence of Miss World lies in using influence for good. Today's event reflects exactly that. It's not just about titles — it's about touching lives.' The event has set a meaningful precedent for how global platforms like Miss World can play a role in community development, especially when supported by local organisations like Fortune Infra Group and the KC Pullaiah Foundation. For the children of Victoria Memorial School, the day brought much more than excitement — it brought hope, representation, and the promise of a better future. Note to readers: This article is part of HT's paid consumer connect initiative and is independently created by the brand. HT assumes no editorial responsibility for the content, including its accuracy, completeness, or any errors or omissions. Readers are advised to verify all information independently. Want to get your story featured as above? click here!