Dheekshith Shetty bags another Telugu biggie; to join Dulquer Salmaan’s DQ41

Is Dheekshith Shetty playing antagonist to Dulquer Salmaan in the as-yet-untitled film? The actor, who will soon be seen in Rashmika Mandanna’s The Girlfriend and Bank of Bhagyalakshmi explains

Dheekshith Shetty has a pivotal role in Dulquer's next in Telugu

Dheekshith Shetty, who won over Kannada audiences with the sleeper hit Dia, has been slowly but steadily making a mark in Telugu cinema as well, his big break coming with the Nani-led Dasara in 2023. Last seen onscreen in 2024’s Blink, Dheekshith has 2 releases lined up in November, one of which, The Girlfriend, a Telugu original produced by Allu Arjun’s home banner, pairs him with Rashmika Mandanna. The film releases on November 7. Later, on November 21, Dheekshith has his next in Kannada, a comedy-heist drama called Bank of Bhagyalakshmi in theatres.

The actor is currently promoting both his upcoming films, during which he confirmed a new biggie in Telugu cinema. Speaking to Guarantee News, Dheekshith was listing his upcoming projects, during which he said that he would shortly be joining the set of Dulquer Salmaan’s next. Tentatively titled DQ41, this contemporary love story is directed by debutant Ravi Nelakuditi and pairs Dulquer with Pooja Hegde. Dheekshith is, reportedly, playing a pivotal role in the film.

Dheekshith Shetty's upcoming slate of films

“I have The Girlfriend and Bank of Bhagyalakshmi up for immediate release, which will be followed by films like KJQ (King Jackie Queen). There’s a film called Shabara that’s been in the works for more than a year. We have another 20% or so to wind it up. I’ve just finished a schedule of my untitled Tamil film debut, in which I join actors Amit Bhargav and Aysha, while my Malayalam launchpad, Angel Number 16 (earlier Oppees) is in post-production. In Kannada, I have begun work on my first collaboration with Shivarajkumar sir, Bail, directed by Pawan Wadeyar. I will soon join the set of Dulquer Salmaan sir’s film, which is already on floors,” Dheekshith listed.

Also read: Dheekshith Shetty on The Girlfriend: Rashmika Mandanna is the reason for the film; I’m only a part of it

Considering that Kannada actors often play antagonists in other language films, like, for instance, Rishi in Daaku Maharaj or Tarak Ponnappa in Pushpa The Rise, or have pivotal cameos, like Shivarajkumar in Jailer and Upendra in Coolie, the question, of course, is if Dheekshith is playing villain to Dulquer. “No, I am one of the leads of the film. It is a love triangle with Dulquer sir, Pooja and me. This is a story that revolves around the three of us. It’s by the same banner that made Dasara,” he says.

Also read: The Girlfriend's Dheekshith Shetty: Rashmika Mandanna is the most hard-working co-star I have come across

FAQs

Q. When will The Girlfriend release?

A. The Girlfriend, starring Rashmika Mandanna and Dheekshith Shetty in the lead, releases in theatres on November 7. 2025

Q. What is Dheekshith Shetty's claim to fame?

A. Dheekshith Shetty was in the popular TV serial Naagini, after which he was noticed in 2020's Dia

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