Telugu cinema this weekend: Liger is the hot favourite, Kalapuram may spring a surprise

Telugu cinema is having a dream month this August. It’s a month that began with a lot of despair after a hit-less July where every Friday release fell apart like a pack of cards. On paper, Liger is the only major mainstream release in August but the first couple of weeks proved that good storytelling can win the battle over scale and pomp on any given day. This weekend has 3 major releases on OTT and in theatres.

Liger, hitting theatres on August 25, is of course the clear favourite to begin with. Despite the modest trailer and an okayish album, aggressive promotions from the team across the length and breadth of the country have helped the Vijay Deverakonda, Ananya Panday starrer. There’s immense curiosity around the actioner, the pre-release buzz and the terrific advance booking numbers in US and Telugu states are a cler indicator.

However, the bigger test for Vijay Deverakonda, director Puri Jagannadh is to conquer the Hindi-speaking belt. The rustic/raw treatment of Puri and the many problematic films of his past may raise a few eyebrows. That the major part of the story is set in Mumbai is an advantage for the Hindi audiences to buy its premise. Vijay’s Hindi diction will also prove to be another crucial factor for its authenticity.

A day after Liger, a small-budget comedy film Kalapuram gets ready to test its fortunes in Telugu states. The film directed by Karuna Kumar is a rural comedy about a filmmaker’s struggle to make his dream project and find a producer. Satyam Rajesh, Sanchitha Poonacha, Kaashima Rafi play lead roles in the film whose premise is mildly similar to Cinema Bandi.

It would be a mistake to write off Kalapuram, given history has always proved that small films when released alongside biggies can still make a mark. For those who prefer something lighthearted and grass stories, the rural comedy is a good bet. The fact that a brand like Zee Studios has produced it also lends it enough credibility. It remains to be seen if the film will live up to its promise.

On the Telugu OTT platform aha, Odela Railway Station, created by noted filmmaker Sampath Nandi and directed by newcomer Ashok Teja, premieres on August 26. The film, bankrolled by popular producer KK Radhamohan, is a rural crime thriller starring Vasishta Simha, Sai Ronak, Hebah Patel and Pujita Ponnada. Odela also happens to be the home-town of Sampath Nandi.