Diwali clash: Mithra Mandali, Telusu Kada, K-Ramp, and Dude
Diwali 2025 is set to be a festival of films, with three straight Telugu releases, a dubbed movie drawing equal attention, and a Bollywood biggie featuring a Tollywood star hitting theaters. Here’s a look at the five films lined up for the festive battle…
Mithra Mandali
Release Date: October 16, 2025
“Mithra Mandali” is the first film to kickstart the Diwali season. Its trailer caught everyone’s attention with its comedic tone. Touted to be a full-length hilarious entertainer, the film stars Priyadarshi in the lead, with social media sensation Niharika NM making her debut as the female lead. Bunny Vasu is co-producing the project.
The paid premiere shows have already sold like hotcakes, proving the audience’s interest. With comedies performing well at the box office these days, “Mithra Mandali” is hoping to create magic despite heavy competition.
Telusu Kada
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Siddhu Jonnalagadda plays an alpha male in this film, which also marks the directorial debut of Neeraja Kona, well-known as a celebrity stylist. The trailer has managed to sustain interest. Despite Siddhu’s previous film “Jack” flopping, “Telusu Kada” has gained strong traction thanks to its trailer and overall vibe.
Touted as a romantic drama involving three individuals (a husband, his wife, and his ex), the film carries a unique and complex premise, exploring love in a modern context. Siddhu said he was drawn to the director’s concept and the characterizations of all three lead roles, including his own and those of the heroines, Raashi Khanna and Srinidhi Shetty. The film features music by Thaman and is bankrolled by leading production house People Media Factory.
Dude
Release Date: October 17, 2025
Pradeep Ranganathan has built a strong market for himself in the Telugu states with the success of his previous dubbed films “Love Today” and “Return of the Dragon.” He consistently picks stories that resonate with the youth, and his relatable boy-next-door appearance adds to his appeal. Having struck a chord with young audiences across South India, he is now aiming for a hat-trick with “Dude.”
Produced by Mythri Movie Makers, “Dude” also revolves around a triangular love story featuring Pradeep alongside Neha Shetty and Mamitha Baiju. The film marks the debut of music director Sai Abhayankar, who has already landed Allu Arjun’s next project.
K-Ramp
Release Date: October 18, 2025
Kiran Abbavaram, who recently bounced back with Ka, is all set to entertain audiences again with “K-Ramp.” Despite its double-meaning title and a trailer that hints at similar content, debut director Jains Nani has assured that the film contains no sleazy dialogues. The story revolves around Kiran’s character, a man frustrated by his girlfriend’s eccentric behavior. This is a premise that has already grabbed attention through the trailer.
Kiran has been actively promoting the film and is confident of scoring a success, even with three other releases crowding the same weekend. Interestingly, “K-Ramp” will be the last among the four films to hit theaters.
Thamma
Release Date: October 21, 2025
Rashmika Mandanna stars as the female lead in “Thamma,” her latest Bollywood outing, which is set for release on Diwali day. The makers are also planning to bring the Telugu-dubbed version to theaters in the Telugu states.
In “Thamma,” Rashmika plays a vampire, while Ayushmann Khurrana takes on the male lead role. The film reportedly features three item songs, including one in which Rashmika shares the screen with Malaika Arora.