The grand teaser launch of Rākāsā was held amidst thunderous cheers and an electrifying atmosphere as the cast and crew unveiled a powerful glimpse of what promises to be a visually dynamic fantasy adventure comedy. The event saw the presence of producer Niharika Konidela, director Manasa Sharma, hero Santosh Sobhan, actress Rohini, Getup Srinu, music director Anudeep Dev, Zee Studios Telugu Head Divya Vijay, and key members of the technical team, along with members of the print and electronic media.
Actress Rohini began the evening by expressing her gratitude. “Thank you to the director and producer for this opportunity. This film is helmed by a female director and produced by a female producer, and as a female artist, I feel especially proud to be part of it. The cast has been very supportive. Thank you.”
Producer Niharika Konidela thanked the media for their continued encouragement. “Regardless of the size of the project, you have always supported every film from Pink Elephant Pictures. Whether a film succeeds or not, I’m always happy to see audiences coming to theatres and watching our films wholeheartedly,” she said. Comparing her previous production Committee Kurrollu with Rākāsā, she added, “That was nostalgic and content-driven, but this is completely different. It is next-level entertainment. We didn’t take much time to approve the script. After Manasa’s narration, we immediately decided to move forward. We are planning aggressive promotions, and I can confidently say that you will not be disappointed in theatres. You will really, really enjoy the film. See you all on April 3.”
Hero Santosh Sobhan, addressing the cheering crowd, said, “It feels really good to hear your cheers. It’s been a year since I’ve heard that kind of response, and it truly feels special. This film was possible only because of these two ladies. They are leading the way. They never take the audience for granted and worked extremely hard to give viewers a proper theatrical experience. Working with them has definitely made me a better actor. I don’t want to dilute the teaser high. Thank you so much.”
Director Manasa Sharma spoke emotionally about her journey. “Thank you all for attending this event. I hope the teaser has created the right impact. I come from Srikakulam, and today I’m standing here as a feature film director. I owe this opportunity to Pink Elephant Pictures and Niharika Konidela garu. Santosh Sobhan is a director’s dream and a strong pillar for this film. We have worked hard for a long time, and I truly hope the film will be to your liking.”
Music director Anudeep Dev shared his excitement. “Hope you all liked the teaser. The film will be even more than what you’ve seen. When good writing finds a good team and strong performances, that becomes Rākāsā. Thank you, Niharika garu, for trusting me again after Committee Kurrollu. There are four beautiful songs in the film, and they will be released in the coming weeks. One of them will be released after the film’s release as well. This is going to be the month of Rākāsā.”
Zee Studios Telugu Head Divya Vijay expressed confidence in the film’s theatrical reach. “We are very happy to associate with Pink Elephant Pictures for Rākāsā. Niharika has already proved herself with Committee Kurrollu, and it was an easy and confident decision to come on board. This film will be a great theatrical experience, and we are looking forward to April 3.”
Actor Getup Srinu thanked the team and shared, “After a long time, I got an opportunity to work with Pink Elephant Pictures. Thank you, Amma Niharika. I hope to continue doing many more films under your banner. Manasa Sharma has written a beautiful character for me and gave me great freedom. The combination scenes are going to be hilarious. Anudeep Dev is a very sensible and talented music director. Mahesh Uppala has written strong dialogues, and JD has done excellent choreography. Thank you to everyone for this opportunity.”
Q & A Session
Q: What was your level of trust in director Manasa Sharma?
Niharika Konidela: “Manasa and I go a long way back. We worked together during COVID on a series called Madhouse, so I was already familiar with her sensibilities and work ethic. This film is a collaborative effort. The trust was not just in one person — it was in the entire team.”
Q: Lady directors have already proved themselves, yet people still emphasize ‘lady director.’ How was your experience working with her?
Santosh Sobhan: “I worked with Director Manasa Sharma — not ‘lady director.’ A director has nothing to do with gender. Just like you are a journalist, not a male or female journalist. She narrated the story, I loved it, and with Niharika garu producing it, I had full faith. That’s what mattered.”
Q: Usually small films are wrapped quickly. Why did this film take nearly a year?
Niharika Konidela: “There was a strike in between. We planned everything very meticulously. The film also involves visual effects, which was a first for me as a producer. We didn’t want to rush it. We worked carefully and completed the project properly.”
Q: It looks like you’ve gained a strong fan following. Your brother has already scored a hit. Does this feel like your turn?
Santosh Sobhan: “I’m discovering that myself now. Thank you — that’s very sweet of you to say. I’m happy he scored a hit, and hopefully, I’ll score one with this film too.”
Q: Your sister Sushmitha Konidela scored a Sankranthi hit. When will you collaborate with a family member on a big film?
Niharika Konidela: “I’ll plan something after Rākāsā. With whom, I don’t want to reveal now. It’s too early.”
Q: You mentioned a hug earlier. Was it from Prabhas or the heroine?
Santosh Sobhan: “I was waiting for that question! Now I feel all the dishti for this project is gone. I’ll hug anyone who gives me one. I have no reservations.”
Q: The teaser looks promising. You appear like a next-door boy, but there’s a shift in tone. If you want to try something different in the future, what would it be?
Santosh Sobhan: “Rom-coms are like staple food for me. A six-pack is not for me — I’m more of a family pack. I don’t have a specific list. I’m open to good films and good stories.”
Q: Anudeep, your music gave goosebumps. Which was the toughest song to compose?
Anudeep Dev: “The song that will be released after the film’s release was the toughest to compose.”
Q: Why do you choose new directors for your productions?
Niharika Konidela: “There is no particular reason. I’m approached with scripts, and I listen to the content. If I connect with it, I move forward.”
Q: A debut film is not just a dream but also a challenge. Can you explain your journey?
Manasa Sharma: “Because of my previous association with Niharika, I was aware of her taste and sensibilities. Once Santosh said okay, I started working confidently. The project was approved after the first narration itself. The real hard work began after that confirmation.”
Q: What motivated you to tell this story?
Manasa Sharma: “I have done web series before, but making a feature film has always been my dream. I’m a big fan of Vittalacharya garu, and you can see glimpses of that influence in the teaser. Just like Western superheroes, we have our own powerful characters in folklore. We can present them on a similar scale.”
Q: Can you tell us about your role?
Getup Srinu: “I can say this much — the combination scenes are going to be hilarious.”
Q: Is Rākāsā just a horror comedy?
Niharika Konidela: “Rākāsā is not a horror comedy. It is a fantasy adventure comedy. There is a horror element, but it is not a horror film.”
Q: How has your journey been in introducing new talent and faces to the industry?
Niharika Konidela: “I come from a big film family, and I’m aware of that privilege. I want to become a bridge for people who may not have that privilege but have talent and hard work. Pink Elephant Pictures will continue to be a platform for such talent.”
Q: From the teaser, it looks like Santosh Sobhan’s one-man show. What is the scope of the heroine’s character?
Manasa Sharma: “It’s a balanced story. Everyone has good scope. The teaser might give that impression, but you’ll get a clearer idea once the trailer is released.”
Q: What kind of stories do you like to tell?
Manasa Sharma: “Emotion drives my storytelling. At the same time, I want to make big-scale films. Comedy and emotion are my approach.”
Q: What was the reason for you to accept this film?
Santosh Sobhan: “After listening to the narration, I felt it would be a different experience for the audience. It is primarily entertaining and worth the ticket price. That’s what convinced me.”
Q: Did you face opposition from your family when you decided to enter films as a producer?
Niharika Konidela: “When I was a child, I wanted to become a doctor, but my family advised me otherwise because it was very demanding. It was similar when I said I wanted to enter films. But I wasn’t as scared about films as I was about becoming a doctor. I felt I could manage it. I produced a show in 2015, and since then, I haven’t taken money from anyone. Everything has been on my own.”
The teaser of Rākāsā has already generated tremendous buzz across digital platforms, receiving an overwhelmingly positive response. Audiences have appreciated the film’s visual scale, fantasy elements, comedy timing, and tonal variation. The film is also gearing up for a wide international release across 350+ theatres, strengthening its theatrical footprint.
Produced by Niharika Konidela under Pink Elephant Pictures and directed by Manasa Sharma, Rākāsā stars Santosh Sobhan in the lead role alongside Rohini and Getup Srinu. The film features music by Anudeep Dev, dialogues by Mahesh Uppala, choreography by JD, and is presented by Zee Studios. Promising a high-energy fantasy adventure comedy experience on the big screen, Rākāsā is all set to release in theatres worldwide on April 3.
