Chiranjeevi’s Kaaka is 70% shot, locks Sankranti 2027 release

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s upcoming action thriller Kaaka has completed nearly 70 per cent of its shoot, and the makers are moving briskly towards a worldwide theatrical release on 13 January 2027, timed for the Sankranti festive season.

The update positions the film as a departure from the quieter, more measured Chiranjeevi seen in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. This time, the promise is large-scale action, undeniable swagger and a hero built for the big screen.

A family man, a hidden gangster

Chiranjeevi plays K Satyam, a mild-mannered aquaculture factory supervisor and devoted father who keeps his life modest. But the character carries two distinct shades. As the story moves forward, his past surfaces as Kadiri Kalidas, a formidable gangster with a dangerous history.

Dual roles and hidden identities are not new territory for the Megastar. Fans will remember his layered or double characters in Mutha Mestri, Sneham Kosam, Andarivaadu and Indra. Kaaka places that legacy inside the framework of a commercial action thriller.

Bobby Kolli’s mass machinery

Director Bobby Kolli has built his recent work around larger-than-life stars. Waltair Veerayya, led by Chiranjeevi, and Daaku Maharaaj, led by Nandamuri Balakrishna, combined intense action, layered characterisation and nostalgia tailored to the hero. He has also worked with Pawan Kalyan and Jr NTR, sharpening an approach that is unapologetically theatrical.

Adding a grim new layer is Bollywood filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, who has been signed for a significant role. His presence is expected to bring a grittier edge to the film. The teaser is expected to be unveiled in November.

• Nearly 70 per cent of the shoot is complete.
• Chiranjeevi plays both K Satyam and Kadiri Kalidas.
• Teaser expected in November 2026.
• Worldwide release on 13 January 2027 for Sankranti.

Why the Sankranti window helps

Releasing during Sankranti gives a big-star Telugu film a long, family-led theatrical run. For Kaaka, that timing aligns with its dual-shaded but mass-leaning presentation: enough spectacle for the festive crowd, enough character work for Chiranjeevi’s core fans.

What comes after Kaaka

Anaswara Rajan is confirmed as part of the cast, with Nivetha Pethuraj rumoured to join. There is also unconfirmed buzz that Chiranjeevi has heard a story from Tamil filmmaker Karthik Subbaraj, known for Jigarthanda. No official announcement has been made on that front.

After Kaaka, Chiranjeevi is expected to return with Vishwambhara. Actor Nani said in an interview that the announced project with The Paradise director Srikanth Odela will begin only after the Megastar completes his current commitments.

Source: Filmfare

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#Anurag Kashyap#Bobby Kolli#Chiranjeevi#Kaaka#Sankranti 2027#South films#Telugu cinema