Korean Kanakaraju: Varun Tej’s horror-comedy entertainer is generating significant buzz ahead of its theatrical release. The film, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, is set to hit theaters on August 7, 2026. Produced jointly by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Baba Jagarlamudi under UV Creations and First Frame Entertainments, the movie features Ritika Nayak as the female lead with music composed by Thaman. The project marks an ambitious blend of Anantapur’s local flavor with Korean culture, and the team has already completed shooting in a Korean island.
Speaking at a press conference, director Merlapaka Gandhi revealed the origin of the story. He recounted a visit to a marriage in Anantapur where he stopped at the Kia factory. Visually impressed by the restaurants, community, and markets made for Korean workers, he found the cultural collision fascinating. This sparked an idea to unite Anantapur and Korea, leading to the concept that became Korean Kanakaraju.
The director clarified that this film was not initially written for Varun Tej. He pitched the Korean Kanakaraju concept to the actor, who loved the idea and encouraged development. After the final narration, Varun suggested minor changes and performed brilliantly in dual shades. Ritika Nayak plays a factory worker who adores Korean culture, and notably, she speaks the Korean language in real life. To ensure authenticity, the production hired Korean tutors to train the lead pair and local tutors for the Anantapur dialect.
Shooting in Korea was challenging due to strict permits and high costs. The team filmed for 20 days on a Korean island with a minimal crew and later captured additional scenes in Kazakhstan. Expressing confidence, Gandhi promised audiences a big entertainer with their hard work. Regarding future projects, he confirmed he is developing another comedy thriller, stating that comedy remains his comfort zone. With its unique setting and horror-comedy elements, Korean Kanakaraju appears poised for a promising theatrical run.