Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu
72ms
Get ready for an action-comedy spectacle that's more than just a film – it's a family reunion with a dose of danger! "Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu," a 2026 Indian Telugu-language blockbuster, brings together the legendary Chiranjeevi in the titular role, alongside Venkatesh, Nayanthara, and Catherine Tresa. Directed by Anil Ravipudi and produced by Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela, this movie promises thrills and laughs when it hits theaters on January 12th, 2026, just in time for the vibrant Sankranti festival.
Our story centers on Shankara Vara Prasad, a man of unwavering integrity, a National Security officer whose world is shattered when an ideological chasm between him and his powerful father-in-law, G.V.R., forces him apart from his wife and children. Six long years he waits, yearning for a chance to reconnect. That chance arrives when he discovers his children are attending a prestigious academy. Donning a new identity as a PT mentor, Prasad infiltrates the school, forging bonds with his kids and guiding them through life's challenges. But when Shasirekha, his wife, uncovers his secret, she chooses to observe his redemption, allowing him to win back their children's hearts.
The stakes are raised dramatically when a deadly assassination plot targeting G.V.R. emerges. With a hidden background in high-level security, Prasad is secretly tasked with protecting his father-in-law. And just when you think the family drama can't get more complicated, Venky arrives, a suitor eager to marry Shasirekha! Amidst wedding preparations and hilarious family chaos, Prasad unmasks the assassin within their own circle. Using Venky's presence as a clever diversion, Prasad unleashes a high-octane confrontation, neutralizing the threat and saving both G.V.R. and Shasirekha. In the end, valor and devotion earn him forgiveness, and the film concludes with a heartwarming reconciliation, a complete family reunited.
The journey to bring this epic to life began with director Anil Ravipudi narrating a script to Chiranjeevi, marking their first collaboration. Filming kicked off on May 23rd, 2024, spanning locations from Hyderabad to the scenic beauty of Kerala, Mussoorie, and Dehradun, wrapping up on December 14th, 2025. The musical magic is woven by Bheems Ceciroleo.
Upon its release, "Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu" garnered mixed reviews, with critics lauding Chiranjeevi's electrifying performance while pointing to a weaker script. But one thing is clear: Chiranjeevi's screen presence is the undeniable anchor of this film. While some found the humor to fall flat and the plot predictable, others were captivated by the nostalgic family fun and the explosive climax. The film also made a significant splash at the box office, raking in ₹65 crore on its opening day, a testament to Chiranjeevi's enduring star power.
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (transl. Our Mr. Shankara Vara Prasad) is a 2026 Indian Telugu-language action comedy film written and directed by Anil Ravipudi. The film is produced by Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela. It stars Chiranjeevi in the titular role, alongside Venkatesh, Nayanthara and Catherine Tresa.
Principal photography began on 23 May 2024, with filming taking place in Hyderabad, Kerala, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. The film's shoot was wrapped up in December 2025. The film has music composed by Bheems Ceciroleo.
The film was theatrically released on 12 January 2026, coinciding with the festival of Sankranti to mixed reviews, with praise for Chiranjeevi's performance and criticism for its weak writing.
== Plot ==
National Security officer, Shankara Vara Prasad, a man of integrity, falls deeply in love with and marries Shasirekha. However, their domestic bliss is short-lived due to a severe ideological rift between Prasad and his father-in-law, G.V.R., a powerful and influential figure. The conflict escalates to a point where Prasad and Shasirekha are forced to divorce. Separated from his wife and children for six years, longs for a chance to reunite with.
Years later, Prasad learns that his children are attending a prestigious academy. Seizing the chance to reconnect with them, he adopts a new persona and secures a position at the school as a Physical Training (PT) mentor. While he successfully bonds with his children and guides them through various challenges, Shasirekha eventually discovers his true identity. Despite her initial shock, she chooses not to disclose the truth to their children, quietly observing Prasad's efforts to redeem himself in their eyes.
The narrative shifts when a high-stakes assassination plot is uncovered targeting G.V.R. Recognizing the gravity of the threat, a central government figure secretly assigns Prasad—revealed to have a background in high-level security—as G.V.R.'s lead security officer.
As the family navigates these emotional beats, a new complication arises in the form of Venky, a suitor who arrives with the intent of marrying Shasirekha. Amidst the wedding preparations and comedic misunderstandings involving the extended family, Prasad identifies the assassin lurking within their inner circle.
Using Venky’s presence as a tactical distraction, Prasad engages in a high-octane confrontation and successfully neutralizes the assassin, saving both G.V.R. and Shasirekha. Having proven his devotion and valor, Prasad earns the forgiveness of G.V.R. and Shasirekha. The film ends with the formal reconciliation of Prasad and Shasirekha, as they reunite as a complete family.
== Cast ==
== Production ==
=== Development ===
Following the film Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025), director Anil Ravipudi narrated a script to actor Chiranjeevi which would mark their maiden collaboration. The film was formally launched on 30 March 2025 with the working title Mega 157 (intended to be Chiranjeevi's 157th film as lead actor). Actress Nayanthara was cast opposite Chiranjeevi. Venkatesh was signed for a "substantial role" in the film. The film thus marked the first on-screen collaboration between the actors in their decades long career.
In August 2025, the film's title was announced as Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, referencing Chiranjeevi's real name "Shankara Vara Prasad."
=== Principal photography ===
Principal photography began on 23 May 2024 in Hyderabad. Filming also took place in Kerala, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. The film's shoot was wrapped up 14 December 2025.
== Music ==
The soundtrack and background score was composed by Bheems Ceciroleo.
== Release ==
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu was theatrically released on 12 January 2026, coinciding with Sankranti.
== Reception ==
=== Critical Reception ===
Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu received positive reviews from critics. Chiranjeevi has received praised for his performance but the film is criticized for its weak writing. Writing for The New Indian Express, Suresh Kavirayani opined that, "This film belongs entirely to Chiranjeevi. More than Anil Ravipudi’s writing, it is Chiru’s screen presence that holds the film together." NDTV's Latha Srinivasan, who rated the film 2.5/5, stated - "The plot is not new and neither is the treatment - the jokes fall flat and really don't hit the high notes at any point." Swaroop Kodur of The Indian Express, who also rated the film 2.5/5, saying that, "the film makes a low-effort attempt at entertaining us, and only a few parts work well." On the film's writing, Shruthi Ganapati Raman of The Hollywood Reporter India, stated, "The writing remains slaphappy and nostalgic, evocative of films that represented good family fun."
A reviewer from Eenadu, identified Chiranjeevi's performance in the film, humour and climax as it's positives while screenplay of the second-half is a let down. On Chiranjeevi–Venkatesh collaboration, Sangeetha Devi of The Hindu stated that the portions are slightly underwhelming, is "film is weighed down by the expectations that come with pairing two superstars." She has also criticized the film's technical values and cinematography.
=== Box office ===
The film grossed ₹65 crore on its opening day, with ₹44.75 crore from India and $2.3 million in international territories. It is Chiranjeevi's second best opening following Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy.
== References ==
== External links ==
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu at IMDb
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