Mahendran, widely remembered by Telugu audiences as the child artist whose iconic dialogue “Nenu choosanu thatayya” became a defining moment in Peddarayudu, is now set to embark on a new chapter in his acting career. The actor is making his debut as a lead hero in Tollywood with the upcoming Telugu film Nilakanta.
Over the years, Mahendran has steadily evolved as a performer, earning recognition for his portrayal of a young Vijay Sethupathi in Vijay’s blockbuster Master. His transition from child artist to character roles and now to a full-fledged lead marks a significant milestone in his journey within Indian cinema.
Film Details and Cast
Nilakanta is directed by Rakesh Madhavan and stars Yashna Choudary and Neha Pathan as the female leads. Actress Sneha Ullal appears in a special role, adding further interest to the project. The film is produced by Srinivasulu and Venugopal under the LS Productions banner.
Positioned as a New Year release, the makers have locked January 2 for the film’s theatrical debut, aiming to begin the year with a fresh narrative and a new on-screen persona for Mahendran.
Teaser Generates Positive Buzz
As part of the film’s promotional campaign, the makers recently unveiled the teaser of Nilakanta, which has generated encouraging response among audiences and industry observers. The teaser showcases the film’s technical finesse and suggests a confident, well-crafted presentation.
Cinematographer Shravan’s visuals stand out for their richness and clarity, lending the teaser a polished cinematic appeal. The background score and music composed by Prashanth BJ emerge as another strong element, enhancing the mood and intensity of the visuals.
Technical Strengths and Production Values
Early reactions indicate that Nilakanta places strong emphasis on technical quality. From cinematography to sound design, the teaser reflects careful attention to detail and production standards. The overall presentation suggests that the makers have focused on delivering a visually and musically engaging theatrical experience.
Industry observers note that such technical backing is particularly important for a film introducing an actor in a new lead role, helping establish credibility and audience connect.
A New Phase for Mahendran
With Nilakanta, Mahendran steps into the spotlight as a hero, carrying expectations shaped by his memorable performances in earlier phases of his career. The film represents both a professional transition and an opportunity to redefine his on-screen identity in Telugu cinema.
As the release date approaches, anticipation around Nilakanta is expected to grow, especially among audiences curious to see Mahendran’s evolution as a lead actor.