D for Dopidi

D for Dopidi is a 2013 Telugu-language heist comedy directed by Siraj Kalla. It stars Varun Sandesh, Sundeep Kishan, Naveen Polishetty, Rakesh Rachakonda and Melanie Kannokada. It was inspired by Malladi Venkata Krishnamurthy’s novel Thommidi Gantalu. It was co-produced by Raj & DK and Nani, who also narrated the film. It was released on 25 December 2013.

Story

Four young men, Vicky, Raju, Harish and Bannu, each badly need money to get out of their own troubles. Having run out of other options, they decide to rob a bank. All goes to plan until they get inside and run into another gang of robbers already at work, and the heist quickly spirals out of control.

Cast

• Varun Sandesh as Vicky
• Sundeep Kishan as Raju
• Naveen Polishetty as Harish
• Rakesh Rachakonda as Bannu
• Tanikella Bharani as Lokamuddhu, leader of the rival gang
• Melanie Kannokada

Music

Mahesh Shankar and the duo Sachin–Jigar, making their Telugu debut, composed the songs, released by Aditya Music. Sachin–Jigar later reused “Meher Meher” and “Rowdy Fellows” in the Hindi films Happy Ending and Entertainment. The first became “Jaise Mera Tu”, a chartbuster.

Budget and business

According to reports cited in the source, the film cost ₹20 million to make, plus ₹5 million for publicity. Its satellite rights were reportedly sold to Gemini TV for ₹17.5 million, which the source says put it in profit from the day of release.

Reception

The film divided critics and audiences. Many viewers and a few critics enjoyed its different style and humour. Idlebrain.com gave it 3.25 out of 5 and recommended it to fans of crime comedies such as Money and Kshana Kshanam. Many other reviewers were unimpressed.

Sources: Wikipedia and Wikidata.