Korean Kanakaraju is Varun Tej's comeback film after scoring back-to-back flops in recent times. Merlapaka Gandi has directed this film.

Last Updated: 11.33 AM, Jan 19, 2026
Varun Tej has been going through a lull in his career, as a few of his films have flopped big time at the box office. As a result, he took a long break and did not sign any films over the last few months. Now, he is back with his new film, Korean Kanakaraju, which was announced on Varun Tej’s birthday.
A short teaser of the film was also released, and it showcases Varun Tej in a massy avatar taking on Korean cops. The teaser looks interesting and has now gone viral on social media thanks to Satya's Ananthapur slang and comedy in the promo.
The promo kickstarts with popular comedian Satya being introduced as an inmate in a Korean police station. After he gets beaten up, Satya introduces Varun Tej, aka Korean Kanakaraju, who makes a cool entry with a thumping background score.
Varun Tej is seen with long hair and a lungi-clad look, mercilessly taking down the Korean cops in a shocking manner. The brutal action and Varun Tej’s striking new avatar light up the promo and make it engaging.
Korean Kanakaraju has been directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, who is also going through a lull in his career. However, he has come up with a fresh story and a unique backdrop that looks quite promising. Ritika Naik, who is riding high on the success of her last film, Mirai, plays the female lead in this film.

Varun Tej is a top-class actor but is yet to score a major hit that truly matches his talent. The subjects he chooses are quite different, and he never disappoints when it comes to his performances. However, he badly needs a hit, and the teaser of Korean Kanakaraju looks promising.
In-form Thaman S has composed the music for the film, and his background score is impressive, elevating the mood effectively. Varun Tej’s look reminds one of Allu Arjun in Pushpa.

On the other hand, the makers have yet to announce the release date of the film, which is currently busy with its shoot. As per the latest update, Korean Kanakaraju is expected to hit the screens in the second half of 2026.
A source close to the unit has revealed that the film is being made on a very tight budget, as both the director and the hero are going through a lull phase in their careers. Stay tuned for more updates on this project.
Q. What is the title of Varun Tej's upcoming film?
A. The action drama has been titled Korean Kanakaraju.
Q. Who is the heroine in Varun Tej's Korean Kanakaraju?
A. Ritika Naik of Mirai fame plays the female lead in this film
Q. Who is the director of Varun Tej's Korean Kanakaraju?
A. Merlapaka Gandhi is the director of Korean Kanakaraju