Konaseema Thugs: The first single, Amman song by Naatu Naatu singer Kaala Bhairava leaves you in a trance

Noted choreographer Brinda Gopal made her directorial debut with Hey Sinamika in 2022, the rom-com starring Dulquer Salmaan, Kajal Aggarwal and Aditi Rao Hydari in key roles (now streaming on Netflix). She has chosen a dark action thriller for her second outing as a filmmaker, Thugs, starring Hridhu Haroon, Bobby Simha, RK Suresh, Munishkanth, Anaswara Rajan in key roles.

The Telugu version of Thugs is titled Konaseema Thugs, set against the backdrop of the Konaseema region. Hridhu Haroon, son of popular producer Shibu Thameens, forays as an actor with the thriller presented by his sister Riya Shibu under HR Pictures in collaboration with Jio Studios. After unveiling the trailer recently, the makers launched the film’s first single, Amman song, on Friday.

The first song from Konaseema Thugs is a raw, rustic number lyricised by Vanamaali where the protagonist Hridhu Haroon dances wildly in a procession of Goddess Durga in a rural setting. The song also features Bobby Simha and Munishkanth. The vibe of the song with mythical parallels uses Durga as a metaphor to suggest the victory of good over evil.

The choreography of the Amman song is innovative and the intense opening lines, Veera Soora Mahankali Vastondayyaa...Vetaadanu Aa Thalle Vastondayya, sets up the mood quite well. Kaala Bhairava, with his rich, deep voice, is an ideal choice for the number. Sam CS scores the music for the film who’s also provided backing vocals alongside CD Anbumani, Abishek and Bhuvana Ananth.

Joseph Nellikal’s impactful production design and cinematographer Priyesh Gurusamy’s lively staging ensure the right ambience for the number. Written by Shibu Thameens himself, the film is edited by Praveen Antony. Pheonix Prabhu and Rajasekar have choreographed the action sequences and Malini Karthikeyan is the costume designer. The film’s release date will be out shortly.