The festive season of Sankranthi 2026 has brought a wave of cinematic energy to the Telugu film industry. Among the heavy hitters, the lighthearted comedy Anaganaga Oka Raju has emerged as a major crowd puller. Directed by Kalyan Shankar, this film brings the energetic Naveen Polishetty back to the screen in a role that fits his unique comic persona like a glove. If you are looking for a breezy entertainer that focuses on fun over heavy drama, this might be the perfect theatrical pick for your family.

The Story of a Royal Rags to Riches Dream

The narrative follows the life of Raju, played by Naveen Polishetty, who is a descendant of a once legendary zamindar family in the Godavari region. While his grandfather lived a life of extreme luxury, Raju is left with nothing but the royal title and a mountain of financial struggles. Driven by the desire to reclaim his lost status, Raju comes up with a plan to marry into a wealthy family.

His target is Charulatha, portrayed by Meenakshi Chaudhary, the daughter of a rich landlord named Bhupathi Raja. The first half of the film is a hilarious journey of “Operation Charulatha,” where Raju pretends to be an affluent suitor to win her heart. However, the plot takes a sharp turn when he realizes that his path to wealth is not as straightforward as he imagined. The story eventually shifts into a quirky political backdrop where Raju must contest local elections to prove his worth.

A One Man Show by Naveen Polishetty

It is no exaggeration to say that Naveen Polishetty carries the entire film on his shoulders. Known for his impeccable timing in Jathi Ratnalu, he brings that same frantic and infectious energy to the character of Raju. His dialogue delivery and expressive reactions turn even mundane situations into laugh out loud moments. The way he navigates the character’s desperation with a humorous touch makes him highly relatable.

Meenakshi Chaudhary provides a graceful presence on screen. While her role primarily supports Raju’s journey, she shares a charming chemistry with Naveen. The supporting cast, featuring seasoned actors like Rao Ramesh and Goparaju Ramana, adds significant flavor to the comedy. Rao Ramesh, in particular, excels as the wealthy father in law whose interactions with Raju are some of the funniest parts of the movie.

Direction and Technical Highlights

Director Kalyan Shankar focuses on keeping the atmosphere light and festive. The screenplay is peppered with sharp one liners and situational gags that land perfectly, especially in the first hour. The film does not try to be a groundbreaking masterpiece; instead, it embraces the tropes of classic Telugu comedies from the nineties while adding a modern social media twist.

Visually, the film is vibrant. The cinematography by J Yuvraj captures the scenic beauty of the Godavari districts with a warm and colorful palette. The music by Mickey J Meyer is functional, though the song “Bhimavaram Balma” stands out as a high energy track that has already become a fan favorite. The production design by Sithara Entertainments ensures that the film looks rich and polished throughout its duration.

Strengths and Minor Shortcomings

The biggest strength of Anaganaga Oka Raju is its relentless pace of comedy in the first half. The film understands its audience and delivers exactly what they expect from a Naveen Polishetty starrer. It is a clean entertainer that avoids unnecessary vulgarity, making it suitable for all age groups.

On the flip side, the second half feels slightly stretched. The transition into the political election track is a bit predictable and loses some of the momentum built during the romantic comedy phase. Some viewers might feel that the plot is a bit thin, as the story relies heavily on Naveen’s performance rather than complex narrative twists. However, the emotional payoff in the climax helps ground the story before the final curtains.

Final Verdict on the Sankranthi Entertainer

Anaganaga Oka Raju is a solid festive entertainer that succeeds in its primary goal of making the audience laugh. While the story follows a familiar path, the execution and Naveen’s star power make it a worthwhile experience. It is a perfect choice for those who want to forget their worries for two and a half hours and enjoy a fun ride at the cinemas.