After the blockbuster success of Waltair Veerayya (2023), Megastar Chiranjeevi and director Bobby Kolli are reuniting for another action entertainer, currently referred to as Mega158. Mounted on a lavish scale, the much-awaited collaboration is progressing at a brisk pace, with the makers already making significant headway on both the shoot and edit.

Interval sequence emerges as a major attraction

According to reports from the production team, Mega158 has completed 40 days of shooting since production began in June. The makers have credited Chiranjeevi’s complete cooperation and his willingness to extend his working hours for the rapid progress.

The first half of the film has already been locked, and the footage shot so far has reportedly given the team confidence about the film’s overall narrative. Sources close to the production describe the story as a blend of intensity, emotion and high-octane action. The interval fight sequence, which was recently filmed, is said to be one of the film’s major highlights.

Chiranjeevi-Bobby film targets 2027 Sankranti

With filming moving ahead smoothly and the first-half edit in place, the makers are reportedly eyeing a 2027 Sankranti release for Mega158. The festive season has traditionally been significant for Chiranjeevi releases, and the team is said to be keen to recreate that box-office magic with their latest collaboration.

Birthday surprise in store for Chiranjeevi

Meanwhile, all eyes are on August 22, when Chiranjeevi celebrates his birthday. The makers are reportedly planning a major update to mark the occasion, with speculation suggesting that the film’s title and Chiranjeevi’s first look could be unveiled.

Curiosity around the project has already intensified after Chiranjeevi inadvertently dropped what fans interpreted as a clue to the title, Kadiri or Kadiri Kakaji. The casting has also added to the anticipation, with Anaswara Rajan and Nivetha Pethuraj playing pivotal roles.

Also Read: Tamil Star Karthi in Megastar Chiranjeevi, Bobby’s Film?

Ravi Teja’s upcoming film Irumudi has generated considerable buzz with its emotional father-daughter story and Ayyappa pilgrimage backdrop. Following a positive response to its trailer and a grand pre-release event, the Shiva Nirvana directorial is gearing up for its theatrical release on August 21, 2026. However, one much-discussed casting rumour surrounding the film has now been put to rest.

Ram Charan cameo rumours dismissed

Speculation recently suggested that Ram Charan could make a cameo appearance in Irumudi. The rumours perhaps gained traction because the RRR star is known to undertake the Ayyappa Deeksha, while the devotional practice forms an important part of Irumudi’s narrative. Fans subsequently began wondering whether Charan could make a brief appearance in the film.

Shiva Nirvana has now clarified that there is no such cameo. Speaking to the press, the filmmaker acknowledged the connection but categorically dismissed the speculation.

“Ram Charan is an Ayyappa devotee; maybe fans might have desired to see him in this film. But he does not appear in Irumudi,” Shiva said, adding that he hopes the Peddi star will enjoy the film.

The clarification may come as a disappointment to fans who were hoping to see Charan share the screen with Ravi Teja. The two actors’ families have already been connected on screen through Ravi Teja’s collaboration with Chiranjeevi, Ram Charan’s father, in the 2023 blockbuster Waltair Veerayya.

Mallepoola Pallaki becomes an instant chartbuster

Meanwhile, Irumudi has received another boost ahead of its release with the popularity of the recently unveiled song Mallepoola Pallaki. The track has emerged as an instant chartbuster, with GV Prakash Kumar’s energetic composition, Ravi Teja’s screen presence and the song’s vibrant visualisation becoming major talking points.

The song is a cinematic adaptation of a devotional folk track popularised by singer Dappu Srinu and dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. Its familiarity among devotees, combined with the film’s high-energy treatment, has helped it connect strongly with audiences ahead of the release.

Irumudi has also completed its censor formalities and received a U/A certificate. The film has locked a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes.

Also Read: Five Important Details About Irumudi and Ravi Teja

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