Telugu films this weekend: Rangabali, Bhaag Saale, Rudrangi start as favourites

With the absence of big releases until July 28, there’s no better time than now for small/medium budget films to test their fate at the box office and make merry. As many as six films are releasing in Telugu states this weekend. Another small-budget film Rudramambapuram, directed by Mahesh Bantu, has opted for a direct-to-OTT release on Disney+ Hotstar.

A hit-starved Naga Shaurya will be hoping to return to form again with Rangabali, directed by newcomer Pawan Basamsetti. The trailer, promos and the music have garnered considerable attention and the pompous speeches at the pre-release event have it given some momentum ahead of its release. Dasara makers SLV Movies are bankrolling the commercial entertainer.

Two other small budget films that may spring a surprise at the box office are Bhaag Saale and Rudrangi. Bhaag Saale is a crime comedy, directed by Pranith Bramandapally, starring Sri Simha Koduri, Neha Solanki, John Vijay and the quirky premise, wacky characterisation of the leads, backed by a good trailer, have helped it stay in the news for the right reasons.

Rudrangi is a historical fiction film, directed by Ajay Samrat, bringing together three familiar faces - Jagapathi Babu, Mamta Mohandas, Vimala Raman. The Telangana centric tale, focusing on the atrocities of a despotic ruler in a village, promises to be a unique mix of romance, redemption, action and history. Critically acclaimed filmmaker Neelakanta’s thriller, Circle, starring Sai Ronak, Baba Bhaskar, Richa Panai, also comes with an off-beat theme.

Lily, another unique film, centred on the travails of a bunch of school-going children, stars Neha, Praneetha Reddy, Vedanth Varma, Rajveer, Michele Shah, Rajeev Govinda Pillai, Siva Krishna. Those with a liking for sci-fi thrillers are certain to appreciate 7: 11 PM, to be distributed by Pushpa 2 makers Mythri Movie Makers. The film directed by Chaitu Madala stars Saahas Pagadala, Deepika Reddy, Tess Walsh and Raghu Karumanchi.