DJ Tillu is coming to OTT: Here's everything you need to know about Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Neha Shetty's crime comedy

The small-budget film directed by Vimal Krishna and produced by S Naga Vamsi turned out to be a surprise hit in 2022

DJ Tillu

DJ Tillu is among the rare small-budget films to have made a mark at the box office in 2022. The film directed by debutant Vimal Krishna, starring Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Neha Shetty, Prince Cecil in key roles was backed by one of the more popular banners in Telugu cinema, Sithara Entertainment, produced by S Naga Vamsi. The film followed the age-old model when it came to promotions, hitting the bull's eye with its songs, coming up with a terrific trailer cut and the audience did the rest in giving the content its due at the theatres. DJ Tillu, which is more or less done with its theatrical run, is arriving on aha on March 4.

What is the story about?

Bala Gangadhar Tilak a.k.a Tillu, hailing from a lower-middle class family in Hyderabad, has a largely non-happening career as a DJ. His parents have been trying to make him switch his career but have given up on lecturing him. Tillu's world turns topsy turvy when he gets to meet a club singer Radhika, whom he's instantly smitten by. It doesn't take long for the two to realise their interest in one another. Tillu and Radhika look like any other happy couple but the former doesn't the secret his girlfriend is hiding from him. In what's probably a birthday changes his life forever, Tillu comes across a dead body in Radhika's house. What's in store for Tillu?

Why should you watch the film?

Siddhu Jonnalagadda's dialogues: Yes, you heard it right! The lead actor has penned the dialogues in the film himself and he's done a fabulous job in capturing the trials and tribulations of a local Hyderabadi DJ through his lingo. The film is loaded with many a funny one-liner and the writer in Siddhu retains the fizz in the dialogues for most of the two-hour odd outing.

The entertaining screenplay: While DJ Tillu tickles your funny bones regularly in the first hour, it takes the thriller route in the second-half and is significantly successful in keeping a viewer guessing. Although the momentum of the second hour goes for a toss at places, the wait for the key climactic twist is quite worth it and the makers set an impressive foundation for a sequel.

Wacky characterisation: DJ Tillu's lifeline is its wacky, unconventional characters who change their stance at the drop of the hat. While the film mostly revolves around the well-written lead character, the world of DJ Tillu feels complete only when you mention of the messy female lead Radhika, her rich-spoilt ex-boyfriend Shannon, a creepy detective (played by Narra Srinivas) and a womansier cop (by Brahmaji)

The terrific lead cast, music: Half of the battle is won when directors cast the right people for his characters and DJ Tillu scores big time with the casting of Siddhu Jonnalagadda, Neha Shetty, Prince Cecil, Brahmaji. Do watch out for a fantastic special appearance by Pragathi Suresh at the courtroom. DJ Tillu has some fantastic songs, be it the title track, Pataas Pilla or Nuvvala, composed by Ram Miriyala and Sri Charan Pakala.

How much did DJ Tillu collect at the box office?

In two and half weeks of its theatrical run, DJ Tillu has approximately grossed Rs 17 across the globe. The film entered the profit zone in most places within the initial weekend of its theatrical release on February 12.

When and where do I watch it?

DJ Tillu will be streaming on aha starting at 12 am on March 4 across the globe.

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