"Athadu Will Return Only With Mahesh Babu & Trivikram": Murali Mohan Confirms at Grand Re-Release Press Meet
As Superstar Mahesh Babu’s birthday approaches, fans have another reason to celebrate his iconic film Athadu is making a grand comeback to the big screen! The cult classic, directed by the wizard of words Trivikram Srinivas and produced by veteran actor Murali Mohan under the Jayabheri Arts banner, is set for a re-release on August 9, 2025.
To ensure the film connects with today’s audience, Athadu has been painstakingly restored by Prasads Corporation in Super 4K resolution with Dolby Atmos sound. The result is a cinematic upgrade that enhances the nostalgia while preserving the film’s essence.
Grand Press Meet Celebrates the Re-Release
In anticipation of the re-release, a special press meet was held, attended by key figures including Murali Mohan, Priyanka of Jayabheri Arts, Sai Prasad (Chairman of Prasads Group), Anvesh from the Mahesh Babu Foundation, and Jithender from Excell Arts.
Speaking at the event, Murali Mohan reflected on the film’s journey:
Athadu was first released on August 10, 2005. Now, it returns on August 9, 2025, just in time for Mahesh Babu garu’s birthday. We’ve upgraded it with the latest tech to bring back that magic. Trivikram garu narrated the story to us for over three hours. Though the protagonist had grey shades, we trusted his vision and gave him full creative freedom. The film may have had a modest theatrical run, but it found a second life on television and brought immense goodwill to Jayabheri Arts.”
He also added:
Audiences have been requesting a re-release for the last two years. While we were initially unsure, Priyanka took the lead and brought this idea to life. Many missed watching Athadu in theatres back then—this is their chance to experience it the way it was meant to be seen.”
Technical Revival & Future Plans
Priyanka revealed the efforts behind the restoration:
Back in 2005, the film was shot on celluloid. We scanned the raw negatives in 8K and mastered them into Super 4K with Dolby Atmos sound. Though 8K projectors aren’t available in India yet, we’ve done everything possible to ensure the audience gets a world-class experience. The first 15 minutes and the climax will leave you spellbound on the big screen.”
She also confirmed that Jayabheri Arts will soon return to active film production.
Jithender from Excell Arts stated:
It’s a proud moment to re-release Athadu on Mahesh Babu garu’s birthday. We’re confident fans will embrace it with the same love once again.”
Anvesh, representing the Mahesh Babu Foundation, encouraged fans to revisit the film:
“As seen in the re-release trailer, Athadu has been technically upgraded. Everyone deserves to witness this film in theatres again—it’s a different experience altogether.”
Media Interaction: Unfiltered Insights
During the Q&A session, Murali Mohan shared many lesser-known stories:
On Athadu's profitability:
“The theatrical run was average, but there were no losses. Satellite rights and other revenues helped us recover the investment. The film gave us a strong identity.”
On Athadu’s place in Jayabheri’s filmography:
“Among our 25 films, Athadu is the standout. No other film matched its technical brilliance. Trivikram’s direction and dialogues were exceptional.”
On not acting in the film:
“(Laughs) I wasn’t offered a role!”
On a possible sequel:
“If ever made, Athadu 2 will only be with Trivikram garu and Mahesh Babu garu.”
On Sobhan Babu being approached for Nasser’s role:
“Yes, we wanted Sobhan Babu garu for that role. He politely declined, saying he wanted to be remembered only as a hero.”
On remake choices:
“I’d love to remake O Thandri Theerpu. It was my first Nandi Award-winning film and still holds relevance.”
On rumours that Pawan Kalyan was first considered:
“As far as I know, those are just rumours. We didn’t approach him.”
On Trivikram’s pitch:
“He narrated the story first. Once we heard it, we knew Mahesh Babu garu was the right fit. He supported us wholeheartedly.”
Final Word
The press meet was filled with heartfelt stories, technical marvels, and behind-the-scenes gemsunderscoring why Athadu remains a timeless gem in Telugu cinema.
Mark your calendars for August 9, 2025. Whether you’re reliving the nostalgia or experiencing it for the first time, Athadu on the big screen is not to be missed.
Post a Comment