The teaser for Korean Kanakaraju, the upcoming Telugu horror-comedy starring Varun Tej, was released on July 13, offering audiences their first look at the film’s unusual blend of supernatural horror, comedy, and cross-cultural storytelling. Directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, the film is scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 7.
Adding momentum to the promotional campaign, actor Prabhas unveiled the teaser through his social media platforms. Soon after its release, the teaser attracted attention for its unique premise that moves between India and South Korea while combining horror, comedy, action, and fantasy.
The teaser introduces Varun Tej as Kanakaraju, a young man from Penukonda in Andhra Pradesh’s Rayalaseema region. Through his own narration, audiences are introduced to his ordinary village life before the story takes an unexpected turn when he falls in love with a Korean woman. The narrative then shifts to a Korean police station, where officers interrogate an Indian photographer while searching for a man named Kanakaraju.
As the mystery unfolds, a possessed version of Kanakaraju suddenly appears, attacks the officers, and shocks everyone by speaking fluent Korean. The teaser eventually reveals that a supernatural entity arrived in India through a vessel from Korea, possessing Kanakaraju and transforming him into the titular “Korean Kanakaraju.” The film subsequently moves between Rayalaseema and South Korea, promising a mix of horror, comedy, action, and supernatural drama.
‘Korean Kanakaraju’ Teaser
Varun Tej appears in two contrasting versions of the same character—an easygoing village youth speaking the Rayalaseema dialect and his possessed alter ego communicating fluently in Korean. The dual portrayal marks one of the film’s major highlights and represents a departure from the actor’s previous action and drama-oriented roles.
Ritika Naik plays a Korean interpreter who helps bridge the language barrier between Kanakaraju and the Korean police, while comedian Satya features prominently alongside Varun Tej, with their interactions providing many of the teaser’s comic moments.
Known for blending comedy with unconventional genres, director Merlapaka Gandhi returns to filmmaking with Korean Kanakaraju after Like, Share & Subscribe (2022). The film features music by Thaman S, cinematography by Manojh Reddy, and editing by Satyaa G. Shot across locations in Rayalaseema and South Korea, the teaser showcases both the rural landscapes of Andhra Pradesh and the urban backdrop of Korea, reinforcing the film’s cross-cultural setting.
Produced by Rajeev Reddy and Sai Babu Jagarlamudi under the banners of UV Creations and First Frame Entertainment, the film is currently in the final stages of post-production. Ahead of the teaser launch, the makers had already introduced the project through its title glimpse and the first single, “Kamsahamnida,” gradually building curiosity around the film.
Varun Tej, who made his acting debut in 2014, is known for films such as Fidaa, Tholi Prema, and F3. He was last seen in Matka (2024) and Operation Valentine (2024). Korean Kanakaraju marks his first full-fledged venture into the horror-comedy genre.
Korean Kanakaraju is scheduled to release in theatres worldwide on August 7.
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