Curated by BookMyShow, the three-day event from March 21 to 23 brought together film lovers for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Over 70 films from around the world were screened, ranging from timeless classics and action entertainers to youthful films.
Updated On – 25 March 2025, 09:38 AM
Hyderabad: Hyderabad witnessed a spectacular debut of the Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse at Prasads Multiplex. Curated by BookMyShow, the three-day event from March 21 to 23 brought together film lovers for an unforgettable cinematic experience. Over 70 films from around the world were screened, ranging from timeless classics and action entertainers to youthful films.
The festival opened with the gripping premiere of September 5, a retelling of the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy, and concluded with the Asia premiere of One To One: John & Yoko, a documentary directed by Sean Ono Lennon. Film personalities such as Krishna Vamsi and Vishnu Manchu attended the festival.
Exclusive film screenings, masterclasses and star appearances added to the event’s grand success. Shiva Balaji launched his new music album, Godavarikae Soggani, while the cast of Kannappa presented teasers and songs. A special screening of Prabhas’ Chatrapathi brought loud cheers from fans.
Industry experts like Ramesh Prasad, Sekhar Kammula and Anjum Rajabali led masterclasses on filmmaking, storytelling and cinematography. The competition segment saw “Paul and Paulette Take a Bath” and “Souleymane’s Story” emerge as winners, while “I Am Nevanka” was selected as the Critics’ Pick. With packed theatres and interactive sessions, the festival proved a major success. BookMyShow’s COO, Ashish Saksena, expressed his excitement over the overwhelming response and promised an even bigger celebration in the future. The festival’s impact continues to keep the magic of cinema alive.
The Red Lorry Film Festival not only showcased international films but also celebrated some of the most revered Telugu classics and contemporary films. With exclusive screenings, insightful masterclasses, and enthusiastic audience, the festival proved to be a major success. The event highlighted the rich diversity of film, from gripping political thrillers to timeless family dramas and innovative sci-fi adventures, keeping the magic of cinema alive for all.
Below are detailed reviews of the Telugu films screened during the festival.
DAY 1: 21 March
1. Chandamama (2007) – A Heartwarming Family Drama
Chandamama is a 2007 Telugu film directed by Krishna Vamsi. This film is a blend of romance, comedy and family sentiment. Produced by C. Kalyan and S. Vijayanand, it received highly positive reviews and won five Nandi Awards. The film was later remade in Tamil as A Aa E Ee (2009) and in Kannada as Chellidaru Sampigeya (2009).
Plot Summary:
The story centers on Ranga Rao, a respected landlord and loving father, who arranges the marriage of his daughter, Mahalakshmi, with an innocent young man named Dhorababu. However, Mahalakshmi confesses that she has fallen in love with Kishore, a man from the city who had initially refused her. Learning of Kishore’s genuine love for her, Dhorababu steps in to help reunite the pair. Meanwhile, Rani, Mahalakshmi’s cousin, falls in love with Dhorababu in secret. A misunderstanding leads Ranga Rao to arrange Rani’s marriage with Kishore, and the young lovers even consider eloping. Ultimately, when Mahalakshmi reveals the truth to her father, Ranga Rao understands and gives his blessing for the true lovers to unite.
Cast & Crew:
• Navdeep as Kishore
• Kajal Aggarwal as Mahalakshmi
• Siva Balaji as Dhorababu
• Sindhu Menon as Rani
• Naga Babu as Ranga Rao
• Ahuti Prasad as Ramalingeswara Rao
Music & Direction:
K.M. Radha Krishnan’s music score complements the emotional and humorous moments in the film, while Krishna Vamsi’s direction successfully blends romance, drama, sentiments and comedy. The film is noted for its fresh narrative that highlights family values and relationships.
2. Kshana Kshanam (1991) – A Gripping Road Thriller
Kshana Kshanam is a 1991 Telugu road thriller directed by Ram Gopal Varma. The film is celebrated for its seamless blend of comedy, action and suspense, making it a landmark in the thriller genre.
Plot Summary:
The film follows Satya (played by Sridevi), an ordinary working woman who finds herself unwittingly caught in a dangerous chase involving a gang of robbers and the police. With the help of a small-time thief named Chandu (played by Venkatesh), Satya escapes into the forests. The journey is filled with unexpected twists and turns, as the duo faces danger at every step. The story is further intensified by Paresh Rawal’s portrayal of the ruthless villain Nayar and Rami Reddy’s depiction of the determined Inspector Yadav.
Direction & Impact:
Ram Gopal Varma’s direction brings a fresh and realistic style to the film by incorporating elements of road cinema and film noir. The natural performances and realistic storytelling add depth to the narrative, which has helped the film gain a cult following over the years. It won five Nandi Awards, including Best Direction and Best Screenplay and even received a Filmfare Award for Best Actress for Sridevi’s role.
3. Missamma (1955) – A Classic Blend of Romance and Comedy
Missamma is a 1955 Telugu romantic comedy directed by L V Prasad. This film has remained a timeless entertainer and is cherished by fans of Telugu cinema.
Plot Summary:
The film tells the story of two unemployed graduates, M T Rao and Mary, who decide to pretend to be a married couple in order to secure jobs at a school. As they settle into their roles, unexpected twists and turns lead to love, drama and the eventual revelation of Mary’s true identity. The film uses humor and heartwarming moments to explore themes of love and societal norms.
Cast & Crew:
• N. T. Rama Rao as M T Rao and Savitri as Mary/Mahalakshmi
• Akkineni Nageswara Rao as A K Raju and Jamuna as Sita
Music & Direction:
L. V. Prasad’s direction strikes a perfect balance between comedy and emotion. S. Rajeswara Rao’s melodious soundtrack enhances the film’s appeal and many of the songs remain audience favourite even today.
With its witty dialogues, strong performances and engaging narrative, Missamma is a must-watch classic. Its themes of love, identity and societal expectations continue to resonate with audience, making it one of Telugu cinema’s enduring masterpieces.
DAY 2: 22 March
1. Nene Raju Nene Mantri – A Gripping Political Thriller
Nene Raju Nene Mantri is a Telugu political thriller directed by Teja. This film features a powerful storyline that explores the rise and fall of a man driven by love, ambition and revenge.
Plot Summary:
The film follows the journey of Jogendra, a simple moneylender who is transformed into a ruthless politician after a personal tragedy. His path is filled with power struggles, betrayals and moral dilemmas. The narrative is fast-paced, with well-executed twists that keep the audience engaged. In the climax, the intense emotions and hard-hitting revelations deliver a strong message about leadership and power.
Cast & Crew:
• Rana Daggubati as Jogendra
• Kajal Aggarwal as Radha
• Supporting roles are portrayed by Catherine Tresa, Navdeep and Ashutosh Rana
Direction & Impact:
Teja’s direction and the film’s sharp dialogues add to the overall impact of the narrative. The background score enhances the dramatic moments and the cinematography captures both the political and emotional intensity of the story.
2. Pushpaka Vimana (1987) – A Silent Masterpiece
Pushpaka Vimana is a unique Indian film with no dialogues, directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao. This film uses visuals and expressions to tell a powerful story, making it a true cinematic gem.
Plot Summary:
The film follows an unemployed man, played by Kamal Haasan, who stumbles upon a rich, unconscious drunkard. He then takes over the luxurious life of the drunkard, only to face unexpected dangers. The narrative cleverly mixes elements of black comedy, romance and suspense, all without a single spoken word.
Cast & Crew:
• Kamal Haasan
• The supporting cast includes Amala, Samir Khakhar, Tinu Anand
Direction & Technical Aspects:
Singeetam Srinivasa Rao’s direction is both innovative and engaging. The film is visually captivating with stunning cinematography by B. C. Gowrishankar and a haunting background score by L. Vaidyanathan. The absence of dialogue places greater emphasis on the actors’ expressions and visual storytelling.
Pushpaka Vimana remains a timeless classic. It is a rare film that demonstrates how strong visuals and subtle expressions can powerfully convey a story, earning it a special place in Indian cinema.
3. Mayabazar (1957) – A Mythological Classic
Mayabazar is a landmark film in Indian cinema, directed by K. V. Reddy and produced by Vijaya Productions. Based on the folk tale Sasirekha Parinayam from the Mahabharata, this film blends mythology, fantasy and humor with stunning visuals.
Plot Summary:
The film follows the love story of Abhimanyu and Sasirekha. Abhimanyu, portrayed by Akkineni Nageswara Rao and Sasirekha, played by Savitri, face obstacles when Sasirekha’s father, Balarama, is misled by the Kauravas. Her marriage is arranged with Lakshmana Kumara, but with the help of Lord Krishna (N. T. Rama Rao) and the mighty Ghatotkacha (S. V. Ranga Rao), Abhimanyu and Sasirekha’s love story takes a magical turn.
Cast & Crew:
• Savitri as Sasirekha
• N. T. Rama Rao as Shri Krishna
• Akkineni Nageswara Rao as Abhimanyu
• S. V. Ranga Rao as Ghatotkacha
Technical Brilliance & Music:
Mayabazar is celebrated for its groundbreaking special effects, including the famous moonlight effect introduced by cinematographer Marcus Bartley. The music composed by Ghantasala, with lyrics by Pingali Nagendrarao, includes evergreen songs like “Lahiri Lahiri Lahiri Lo,” “Aha Naa Pellianta.”
The film was a huge commercial success and has been recognised as one of India’s greatest films. Its legacy continues with new generations discovering the magic of its storytelling and technical achievements.
Mayabazar remains a masterpiece that every cinema lover must see. Its blend of mythology, technical brilliance and engaging narrative has made it a gold standard in Indian filmmaking.
4. Happy Days (2007) – A Nostalgic Coming-of-Age Film
Happy Days, directed by Sekhar Kammula, is a heartwarming coming-of-age film that captures the essence of college life. The film follows a group of eight engineering students over four years, depicting their experiences of friendship, love, heartbreak and self-discovery.
Plot Summary:
Set in the backdrop of CBIT, the film portrays the everyday challenges and celebrations of college life. It covers moments of ragging, strict professors, tough exams and memorable celebrations, all of which add to the relatability of the story.
Cast & Crew:
• Varun Sandesh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Nikhil Siddharth, Rahul Haridas, Gayatri Rao, Sonia Deepti,Vamsee Chaganti
Music & Direction:
Mickey J. Meyer’s music perfectly complements the youthful energy of the film. Sekhar Kammula’s direction keeps the narrative engaging without unnecessary drama, making the film a nostalgic reminder of college days.
5. Magadheera (2009) – A Visual Spectacle of Reincarnation and Action
Magadheera, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is a visually stunning film that combines romance, fantasy and action. The film tells the story of Harsha, a bike racer who discovers his past life as Kaala Bhairava, a fierce warrior from 1609 and his reunion with his lost love.
Plot Summary:
This film is a mix of love, action, and reincarnation. In 1609, the brave warrior Kaala Bhairava and Princess Mithravindha Devi share a tragic love. Just as Bhairava is about to confess his love, Mithra falls off a cliff, and he jumps after her. A general then declares that Bhairava will be reborn to win her back.
Fast forward to 2009, where a street racer named Harsha sees strange visions after touching a woman named Indu. At first, Indu and her friends trick him, but he wins her trust after protecting her. Meanwhile, a vision leads Raghuveer, Indu’s cousin to learn he was once a prince killed by Indu’s lover.
As Raghuveer frames Harsha and takes Indu away, Harsha begins to remember his past life as Kaala Bhairava. In that old story, Bhairava lost his chance to confess his love to Mithra when she was fatally wounded by his rival, Ranadev Billa, currently Raghuveer. Now, in the present, with the help of Solomon, Harsha takes Indu to Bhairavakona. When Indu sees a blood-painted image of Bhairava, her lost memories return and she reunites with Harsha.
In a final fight, Harsha defeats Raghuveer, who falls to his death and their love is finally fulfilled.
Cast & Crew:
• Ram Charan as Harsha and Kaala Bhairava
• Kajal Aggarwal as Mithravindha Devi and Indu
• Dev Gill as Ranadev Billa and Raghuveer
• Shrihari as Sher Khan and Solomon
Direction, Music & Technical Aspects:
Rajamouli’s direction played a crucial role in making Magadheera a groundbreaking film, especially in terms of visual effects, action sequences and storytelling. He blended grand historical settings with modern filmmaking techniques, making it one of the most visually stunning and technically advanced Telugu films of its time.
M. M. Keeravani’s music score adds an emotional layer to the film, while K. K. Senthil Kumar’s cinematography captures the grandeur of both eras. The film’s special effects and action choreography set a new benchmark in Telugu cinema.
6. Aditya 369 (1991) – A Pioneering Science Fiction Classic
Aditya 369, directed by Singeetam Srinivasa Rao, is a groundbreaking science fiction film in Telugu cinema. Released in 1991, it is known as India’s first movie to explore the theme of time travel.
Plot Summary:
The film follows Krishna Kumar (played by Nandamuri Balakrishna), who accidentally travels through time with Hema, a police constable (played by Mohini) and a young boy named Kishore (Tarun). Using a time machine invented by Professor Ramdas (portrayed by Tinnu Anand), the trio visits the Vijayanagara Empire in 1526 CE and a futuristic world set in 2504 CE. During their journey, they witness historical events and face chaos in a post-apocalyptic future, while also battling an art thief named Raja Varma (played by Amrish Puri) who is after a powerful diamond.
Cast & Crew:
• Nandamuri Balakrishna as Krishna Kumar and the warrior emperor Sri Krishnadevaraya
• Mohini as Hema
• Tarun, Tinnu Anand and Amrish Puri play key roles
Technical Aspects:
The film is noted for its excellent cinematography, with three different cinematographers handling the present, past and future scenes. The time-travel effects, although simple by today’s standards, were innovative for the early 1990s. Jandhyala’s witty dialogues and Ilayaraja’s timeless music further enhance the film’s appeal.
Aditya 369 remains a cult classic for science fiction lovers. Its unique storyline, memorable characters and blend of history and futuristic imagination make it a visionary work in Telugu cinema.
DAY 3: 23 March
Chatrapathi (2005) – A Powerful Action Drama
Chatrapathi, directed by S. S. Rajamouli, is an intense action drama that solidified Prabhas as a mass hero. The film is known for its high-octane fights, strong emotional core and gripping narrative.
Plot Summary:
The story centers on Sivaji, a refugee who is separated from his family. As he grows up, he rises to become a leader who fights for the oppressed. The film captures his journey filled with intense action, emotional struggles and personal growth. Sivaji’s transformation from a victim of circumstances to a fearless leader is portrayed through raw and powerful storytelling.
Cast & Crew:
• Prabhas as Sivaji
• Bhanupriya as Parvati, Prabhas’ step-mother
• Shafi as Ashok Prabhas’ stepbrother
• Pradeep Rawat as Ras Bihari
• Shriya Saran as Neelu
Music & Technical Aspects:
M. M. Keeravani’s background score, especially the title track, elevates the film’s impact. The action sequences are choreographed with raw intensity and the cinematography effectively captures the coastal backdrop, lending authenticity to the refugee struggle.
Chatrapathi is a powerful action drama that combines high-energy sequences with deep emotional storytelling.
