Major – On the night of November 26, 2008, one of India’s premier hotels, the Taj Mahal Palace, was attacked by Pakistani terrorists. In the battle that ensued, 166 people lost their lives. Major Sandeep Unnikrishnan and his men, members of the elite National Security Guards, were called to the Taj to rescue hostages. These brave soldiers fought valiantly and in the end, the terrorists were overcome, but sadly Major Sandeep sacrificed his own life. Director Sashi Kiran Thikka takes us back to Sandeep’s formative years. We gain insight into his personality by following him in his school days, meeting the love of his life, and training as an Indian soldier. The second half of the film is dedicated to the attack on the Taj, where Major Sandeep leads his commandos to the thrilling and tension-filled conclusion. ‘Major’ is a passion project of actor Adivi Sesh who wrote the script and portrayed Major Sandeep. The kindness, self-sacrifice, and patriotism of Major Sandeep are honored by this film. Released June 3.
Ante Sundaraniki – A romantic comedy with depth. It stars Nani as Sundar, a young man who develops some hang-ups while growing up in a strict Hindu family. He is in love with batch mate Leela (Nazriya Fahadh in her Telugu debut), who has grown up in a traditional Christian family. They want to get married. Both love their parents but don’t think they will approve of the match. This is when Sundar’s gift for manipulation takes over and Leela is drawn into the deceit. Along the way, there is situational humor of the best kind and some very funny dialogues. The movie presents two families, both good and decent people, their differences, and their heartaches and joys. Released June 10.
Sita Ramam – A old-fashioned romantic drama set in 1960s Kashmir. Lieutenant Ram (Dulquer Salman) is a well-liked soldier guarding the Kashmir border in 1964. Ram and his unit become aware of a plot by a terrorist leader to create strife between peace-loving Muslims and Hindu Pandits residing in a nearby village. When trouble breaks out, his regiment comes to the rescue, making news. Letters from home pour into the soldiers bringing messages of pride from loved ones back home. But, not for Lieutenant Ram who is an orphan. When information about his status appears in the press, Ram is inundated with letters from well-wishers wanting to adopt him, but Ram’s attention is drawn to one that is signed ‘your wife, Sita’. Intrigued and he sets out to find the mysterious Sita. Many years pass and one of Ram’s letters fall into the hands of an angry Pakistani student, Afreen (Rashmika Mandanna), who sets out to find the romantic couple. ‘Sita Ramam’ is written and directed by Hanu Raghavapudi, and Sita is played sweetly by Mrunal Thakur. Released August 5.
RRR (Rise Roar Revolt) – Director S. S. Rajamouli’s epic tale of two freedom fighters in 1920s Colonial India. Ram is an Indian working for the British as a police officer. He is introduced as he leaps into action when his superior officer demands the capture of a protester. Landing in the middle of the protesting mob, Ram proceeds to punch and thrash his way to the offender, finally delivering him to the officer in charge. We are introduced to Bheem as he fearlessly rans through the forest, setting a trap for a very angry tiger. As protector of his village, it will fall to Bheem to rescue Milli, a child taken by the British. Eventually, Ram (Ram Charen) and Bheem (Jr. NTR) will meet, and their friendship will form the core of our story. Rajamouli’s imagination is full of spectacle, patriotism, and emotion. Released March 25.
