Mukunda

Mukunda is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language drama written and directed by Srikanth Addala and produced by Tagore Madhu and Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) under Leo Productions. It marked the debut of Varun Tej and stars Pooja Hegde, with Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, Navdeep, Nadhiya and Nagendra Babu in supporting roles. Released worldwide on 24 December 2014, it was well reviewed and succeeded at the box office.

Story

Mukunda is a college student who will go to any lengths for his friends. When his best friend falls for the niece of a powerful municipal chairman, Mukunda stands up to the chairman and his power. Along the way he inspires others and falls in love with the chairman’s daughter.

Development

C. Aswini Dutt had first approached Puri Jagannadh to launch Varun Tej, son of Naga Babu, but that script became Heart Attack instead. Srikanth Addala was confirmed as director in January 2014. The launch in Hyderabad on 27 February 2014 was broadcast live on MAA TV, a first for a Telugu film. The film was first titled Gollabhama and renamed Mukunda on Krishnashtami. Varun Tej trained in acting with Satyanand, who had also trained his uncle Pawan Kalyan.

Filming

Principal photography began on 24 March 2014 in Cochin and continued in Alleppey, where Varun Tej fractured a bone during an action scene. Shooting then moved to Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram, Samalkota, Pollachi, Kanyakumari, Yanam and Amalapuram, and wrapped in Hyderabad on 16 December 2014. Mickey J. Meyer composed the songs and score, and Marthand K. Venkatesh edited the film.

Reception

Critics praised the performances, especially those of Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde, along with the dialogue, songs and background score. They faulted the screenplay, editing and slow pace.

Release

The film opened worldwide on 24 December 2014, Christmas Eve, and was a box-office success. It was later dubbed into Hindi as Dushman No.1, and into Tamil and Malayalam.

Sources: Wikipedia and Wikidata.