In Mahesh Uppala’s Telugu romantic action drama Itllu Arjuna, a Hyderabad bike-taxi rider is running out of time to tell his neighbour how he feels. Then a stolen pen drive tied to a ₹1,000-crore hawala deal puts them both in the middle of a manhunt. The film, which opened in theatres on November 13, marks Sai Aniesh’s acting debut opposite Anaswara Rajan.
Early reactions on X praised the chemistry between Aniesh and Anaswara Rajan, the lighter first half and S. Thaman’s background score. The action after the interval drew mixed responses. Few reviewers found that the film lost momentum as the crime plot took over.
A Hyderabad love story meets a ₹1,000-crore crime plot
Aniesh plays Arjun, a young man who cannot speak and grew up committing petty thefts alongside his father. He now earns a living as a bike-taxi rider, but his past follows him. When something goes missing in the neighbourhood, he is still among the first people the police suspect.
Arjun has long had feelings for Keerthi (Anaswara Rajan), a medical student who lives in his apartment building. She is preparing to leave for the United States in a fortnight, giving him little time to tell her how he feels. As the two grow closer, Arjun uses gestures and expressions to communicate with her, and their growing friendship gives the film its lighter moments.
Meanwhile, a pen drive holding crucial information about a ₹1,000-crore hawala transaction in Jaisalmer goes missing. Gangster Peddanna (Mukesh Rishi) sends his men to retrieve it. When Arjun and Keerthi get caught up in the search, they find themselves pursued by the gang and under police scrutiny. Arjun has to rely on his street smarts to get them out of trouble and clear his name.
Cast and crew
Mahesh Uppala wrote and directed Itllu Arjuna. Venky Kudumula produced it under What Next Entertainments, with Nagarjuna Akkineni presenting. Vennela Kishore, Mukesh Rishi, Kalaiyarasan Harikrishnan, Elango Kumaravel and Brahmaji feature in the supporting cast. S. Thaman composed the songs and background score, Raja Mahadhevan handled the cinematography, and Koti K edited the film.
