Most debutant heroes in Telugu cinema get a launch built around dialogue: punchlines, mass speeches and lines that make audiences whistle. Anish has gone the other way. In 'Itlu Arjuna', he plays a character who cannot speak, and Jr NTR singled out that choice when he released the film's trailer on Wednesday.
Sharing the trailer on social media, Jr NTR wrote, "Here's the trailer of #ItluArjuna. @anieshforyou, your debut speaks without a single word and that takes real guts. Choosing a role like this for your very first film shows how much you believe in the story over everything else. Wishing you a wonderful start brother."
He added, "Best wishes to @MusicThaman #AnaswaraRajan @itsmaheshuppala @rajamahadhevan @VenkyKudumula and the entire team on their release on Nov 13th."
What the trailer reveals
The trailer introduces Arjun, a speech-impaired man who is also a skilled thief. When a robbery takes place, he becomes the police's prime suspect.
There is a softer side to the story as well. Arjun is deeply in love with Keerthy, played by Anaswara Rajan, who is also his good friend. Keerthy is sincere, disciplined and focused on her studies. She likes Arjun because she genuinely believes he is a good person.
The stakes rise when a dangerous gang starts searching for a pen drive linked to a massive Rs 1,000 crore. The gang will stop at nothing to get the money and, for reasons the trailer doesn't explain, it goes after Arjun and Keerthy. With the police chasing them too, the couple is caught between two threats, which sets the film up as a mix of romance and thriller.
A film of firsts, with big names behind it
'Itlu Arjuna' is a debut for both its hero and its director, Mahesh Uppala. Mid-sized films with first-time talent often struggle to get noticed, but this one has strong industry support. Popular director Venky Kudumula has produced it under his What Next Entertainments banner, and Telugu star Nagarjuna is presenting it. Jr NTR releasing the trailer adds even more attention.
Anaswara Rajan, a well-known actress, plays the female lead. Her presence should help the film's reach, and her character, a grounded student drawn to an outsider, appears central to its emotional story.
The technical team is equally strong. S. Thaman, one of the top music directors in the south, has composed the score. Raja Mahadev handles cinematography, and Ram Kumar A is the production designer. Koti K has edited the film, and Dilip Subbarayan has choreographed the action.
The road to November 13
The film was originally scheduled to release worldwide on October 30 but was postponed and now arrives on November 13. The title glimpse and two songs released earlier have already created strong buzz among film fans, and the trailer is likely to add to it.
The film's success will depend on whether Anish can carry a lead role without dialogue. If he does, 'Itlu Arjuna' could be a notable debut for both its hero and its director.
(With inputs from IANS)
