Forty years after he first stepped into Telugu cinema, Victory Venkatesh is entering another chapter of his career and this time, he is wearing an army uniform.
To mark the veteran actor’s completion of 40 glorious years in the Telugu film industry, director Anil Ravipudi unveiled a striking new poster from their upcoming collaboration, introducing Venkatesh as Lieutenant Colonel Venkat Reddy.
The reveal instantly adds a new dimension to a film that has already generated considerable curiosity because of its unusual combination of the Daggubati and Nandamuri families.
The project is still officially referred to by its working titles #VenkyAnil5 and #NKRAR2, with the final title yet to be announced.
Meet Lieutenant Colonel Venkat Reddy
The newly revealed poster presents Venkatesh in the role of Lieutenant Colonel Venkat Reddy, giving audiences their first clear indication of the character’s military background.
While the makers have not revealed the complete storyline, the poster marks a noticeable shift from the lighter, family-oriented image associated with much of Anil Ravipudi’s recent work.
The military avatar immediately raises questions about what role the character will play in the story and whether the film will combine Ravipudi’s trademark humour and family emotions with an action-driven backdrop.
For now, the makers are keeping the plot firmly under wraps. And perhaps that is intentional. The poster is less about explaining the character and more about introducing an entirely new side of Venkatesh.
A Milestone Worth Celebrating
The timing of the reveal makes it particularly significant. Venkatesh made his acting debut with K. Raghavendra Rao’s Kaliyuga Pandavulu in 1986. Released on August 14 that year, the film marked the beginning of a career that would eventually span four decades and include some of Telugu cinema’s most enduring commercial and critically acclaimed films.
From romantic dramas and family entertainers to action films, comedies and intense character-driven performances, Venkatesh has repeatedly reinvented himself without losing the connection he has built with Telugu audiences.
That makes the Lieutenant Colonel Venkat Reddy look particularly interesting. At a time when many veteran actors are revisiting established screen personas, Venkatesh appears to be embracing yet another variation.
The Fifth Venkatesh-Anil Ravipudi Collaboration
The film also represents a significant reunion between Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi. Their partnership has already produced F2: Fun and Frustration, F3: Fun and Frustration, Sankranthiki Vasthunam and Venkatesh’s extended cameo in Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu. This upcoming project therefore becomes their fifth collaboration.
Their association has proved particularly successful because Ravipudi’s high-energy commercial style tends to complement Venkatesh’s natural comic timing and emotional ease.
That combination is once again expected to be central to the new film.
Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram Share the Screen
Adding another layer of excitement is Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, who joins Venkatesh as the other lead. The film therefore brings together two major Telugu film families the Daggubati and Nandamuri dynasties under the direction of Ravipudi.
It is also Ravipudi’s second film with Kalyan Ram, following his directorial debut Pataas. Keerthy Suresh and Krithi Shetty are also part of the principal cast, with Keerthy paired opposite Venkatesh and Krithi opposite Kalyan Ram.
The film’s music is being composed by G. V. Prakash Kumar, adding another major name to an already star-heavy project.
A Family Entertainer With a Military Edge?
Despite the striking military look, the film has consistently been described by the makers and reports as a clean, family-friendly entertainer built around humour, emotions and a relatable storyline.
That contrast could become one of the film’s biggest attractions. Anil Ravipudi has built his reputation around films that combine comedy with family dynamics and commercial spectacle. His collaboration with Venkatesh has followed the same formula, particularly in F2, F3 and Sankranthiki Vasthunam.
The Lieutenant Colonel poster, however, suggests that this time the filmmaker may be adding a stronger action component to the mix. Whether the army setting is central to the story or simply one dimension of Venkatesh’s character remains to be seen.
The Film Is Already Underway
The project was formally launched with a traditional pooja ceremony in Hyderabad in June, with producer Sahu Garapati backing it under the Shine Screens banner in association with Suresh Productions and Zee Studios.
Principal photography began soon afterwards, and the team has already completed its first shooting schedule. A large specially designed set was also constructed for portions of the film.
The makers are targeting a Sankranthi 2027 theatrical release, positioning the project as one of the major Telugu releases of the festival season.
40 Years Later, Venkatesh Is Still Reinventing Himself
There is something fitting about celebrating four decades of Venkatesh’s career by revealing him in a completely new avatar. From the young actor who arrived with Kaliyuga Pandavulu in 1986 to one of Telugu cinema’s most dependable family entertainers, Venkatesh has spent 40 years moving between genres without becoming confined to one image.
Now comes Lieutenant Colonel Venkat Reddy. Whether the character turns out to be a full-fledged action hero, a comic military man or something entirely unexpected, the poster has already done what a first look is supposed to do.
It has made audiences curious. And with Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram and Anil Ravipudi joining forces once again, #VenkyAnil5 is shaping up to be one of the more intriguing Telugu cinema bets for Sankranthi 2027.
Four decades into his career, Venkatesh clearly isn’t done surprising his audience.
