Anil Ravipudi’s Next "Sankranthi Saruku" Packs a Punch with Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram

Tollywood’s master of comedy reunites with his lucky mascots for a high-octane multi-starrer aiming for a festive release.

The Telugu film industry is buzzing as director Anil Ravipudi moves from the colossal success of his 400-crore grosser Mana Shankara Varaprasad to what promises to be his next big-ticket entertainer. The filmmaker, known for his uncanny ability to turn commercial scripts into box-office gold, has officially locked a project that brings together two of the industry’s most bankable names: Victory Venkatesh and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram.

A Strategic Casting Coup

The casting choice is a masterclass in sentiment and commercial calculation. For Ravipudi, these actors are more than just stars; they are foundational to his career trajectory. Kalyan Ram was the man who gave the director his big break with the blockbuster Pataas, while Venkatesh has been the driving force behind the F2, F3, and Sankranthi ki Vasthunnam series. By uniting them on screen, the production—bankrolled by Sahu Garapati under the Shine Screens banner—is effectively betting on a proven synergy.

The "Sankranthi Saruku" Buzz

While the film is currently in its final pre-production stages, word from the sets suggests a dynamic, fast-paced narrative. The plot reportedly casts Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram as bava-bammardulu (brother-in-law and cousin), a relationship dynamic that thrives on constant, witty banter. With Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty signed on to play the female leads and GV Prakash handling the music, the project is shaping up to be a polished, high-energy production. Insiders indicate that "Sankranthi Saruku" is the working title currently under consideration, perfectly timed for the festival season.

Why It Matters: The Power of the Multi-Starrer

This project highlights a significant shift in Tollywood’s current landscape. After the massive, record-breaking performance of Mana Shankara Varaprasad, the industry is seeing a clear pivot toward "event" films that rely on ensemble chemistry rather than single-star appeal. Ravipudi is essentially doubling down on his own brand of "laugh-out-loud" cinema, but by pairing a veteran comedic powerhouse like Venkatesh with the high-octane energy of Kalyan Ram, he is looking to capture a wider demographic. If the chemistry clicks, this could be the definitive template for mid-budget commercial entertainers in the post-pandemic era.

The Road Ahead

The production team is preparing to hit the floor for regular shooting shortly. Given the director’s track record of turning family-centric comedies into "industry hits," trade analysts are already optimistic about the film’s potential to sustain the momentum created by his previous outing. For now, the focus remains on whether this bava-bammardulu friction can deliver the same repeat-watch value that has defined Ravipudi’s career thus far.