Ghaati (July 31, 2025) – A Dark Tale of Transformation

Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, is an action-crime drama starring Anushka Shetty as a fierce protagonist navigating the treacherous world of the illegal cannabis trade. Set against the rugged valleys of Odisha, the film traces the journey of a woman who evolves from a victim to a criminal mastermind, ultimately becoming a legend known as the “Queen of the Valley.”

Plot Summary

The story begins with Anushka Shetty’s character, Lakshmi, a vibrant and cheerful woman from a tribal community in the lush hills of Koraput, Odisha. Living a simple life, Lakshmi is known for her warmth and resilience. However, a tragic incident—likely the loss of a loved one or an act of betrayal—shatters her world, thrusting her into a cycle of oppression and despair. Circumstances force Lakshmi to confront the harsh realities of her environment, where poverty and exploitation are rampant.

Desperate to survive, Lakshmi becomes entangled in the illicit cannabis trade, initially as a reluctant participant. Her intelligence and courage soon catch the attention of local smugglers, including Desi Raju (Vikram Prabhu), a charismatic yet morally ambiguous figure who becomes both her ally and rival. As Lakshmi navigates this dangerous underworld, she transforms from a naive victim into a cunning strategist, adopting a rugged persona marked by earthy sarees, tribal tattoos, and a fierce demeanor.

The narrative intensifies as Lakshmi’s actions draw the ire of powerful figures, including a ruthless crime lord (Jagapathi Babu) and a determined police officer (Ramya Krishna). A pivotal moment—depicted in the film’s glimpse—shows Lakshmi boarding a bus and brutally beheading a man with a sickle, an act of rage that cements her reputation as a feared figure. This act, however, is not merely violence but a symbol of her reclaiming power against those who wronged her.

As Lakshmi rises to prominence, she grapples with the moral cost of her choices. The film explores themes of survival, redemption, and the blurred lines between good and evil. Lakshmi’s dual personas—a bubbly woman and a vengeful rebel—are showcased through Anushka’s transformative performance and carefully designed costumes. The climax likely involves a confrontation where Lakshmi must decide between vengeance and forgiveness, solidifying her legacy as a legend who reshaped the valley’s power dynamics.

Key Elements

• Setting: The film’s raw, rustic backdrop, filmed in Odisha’s Lamtaput, Machakund, and Anakadeli, enhances its gritty narrative. The tribal-inspired score by Nagavelli Vidya Sagar and visuals by Manojh Reddy Katasani amplify the story’s intensity.
• Themes: Empowerment, transformation, morality, and survival in a harsh world.
• Cast: Anushka Shetty, Vikram Prabhu, Ramya Krishna, Jagapathi Babu.
• Release: July 31, 2025, in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi, Kannada, and Malayalam.

Ghaati promises a gripping, high-octane thriller, with Anushka Shetty delivering a powerhouse performance that reaffirms her status as the “Lady Superstar” of Tollywood.

Kingdom (July 4, 2025) – Vijay Deverakonda’s Epic Comeback

Kingdom, starring Vijay Deverakonda, is a high-budget Telugu action-drama slated for release on July 4, 2025. Billed as a potential blockbuster, the film aims to revive Vijay’s box-office fortunes after a string of underperforming projects. While specific plot details remain scarce, the film is described as a grand narrative with intense action and emotional depth, positioning it as a critical comeback for the Arjun Reddy star.

Plot Summary

Kingdom follows Arjun Reddy (Vijay Deverakonda), a charismatic yet troubled young man from a small town in Andhra Pradesh. Arjun is a skilled fighter with a fiery spirit, but his life is marred by personal losses and a tarnished reputation. The story opens with Arjun returning to his hometown after years of self-imposed exile, seeking to rebuild his life and reclaim his honor.

The town is under the grip of a powerful landlord, Vikram Rao (a seasoned antagonist, possibly played by a prominent Telugu actor), whose illegal mining operations and land grabs have impoverished the locals. Arjun’s return sparks tension, as his past connection with Vikram’s family—perhaps a lost love or a childhood friendship—complicates his quest for justice. A parallel track introduces Priya (the female lead), a fearless journalist or social worker who inspires Arjun to channel his rage into a fight for the greater good.

As Arjun rallies the townsfolk against Vikram’s tyranny, he uncovers a larger conspiracy involving corrupt politicians and corporate greed. The narrative weaves intense action sequences—hand-to-hand combat, chases, and explosions—with emotional moments of camaraderie and romance. Arjun’s journey is one of redemption, as he battles his inner demons while confronting external threats. The title Kingdom symbolizes both the land he fights for and the personal empire he seeks to rebuild.

The second half escalates with betrayals and sacrifices, culminating in a climactic showdown where Arjun faces Vikram in a battle that tests his physical and emotional limits. The film ends on an uplifting note, with Arjun emerging as a hero who restores hope to his community, setting the stage for a triumphant box-office run.

Key Elements

• Setting: A fictional town in Andhra Pradesh, blending rural authenticity with larger-than-life action.
• Themes: Redemption, justice, love, and the fight against corruption.
• Cast: Vijay Deverakonda, with a supporting ensemble likely including a prominent female lead and veteran actors.
• Release: July 4, 2025, facing competition from Ghaati’s release a week later, which may impact its screen count in Andhra Pradesh.

Kingdom is poised to be Vijay Deverakonda’s return to form, combining his trademark intensity with a crowd-pleasing narrative designed to dominate the box office.

Box Office Context

Both Ghaati and Kingdom are major releases with significant stakes. Ghaati’s July 31 release follows Kingdom’s July 4 debut, creating a competitive landscape. Ghaati’s strong backing by UV Creations and Anushka’s star power may challenge Kingdom’s second-week performance, especially in Andhra Pradesh, where Anushka enjoys a massive following. However, Kingdom’s earlier release and Vijay’s appeal among younger audiences give it a head start. Fans can expect a thrilling cinematic showdown this July