Nilakanta: The Essence of Karma is a 2026 Indian Telugu-language action drama film written and directed by Rakesh Madhavan. The film stars Master Mahendran in the titular role, with Yashna Muthuluri, Neha Pathan, Sneha Ullal, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Ramki, and Babloo Prithiveeraj in supporting roles. It was produced by Marlapalli Srinivasulu and D. Venugopal under the banners LS Productions and Global Cinemas. The film was theatrically released on 2 January 2026.
Cast
Master Mahendran as Nilakanta Yashna Muthuluri as Seetha Neha Pathan Anil Inamadugu Sneha Ullal Subhalekha Sudhakar Ramki Babloo Prithiveeraj Surabhi Prabhavathi Kancharapalem Raju
Production The film written and directed by Rakesh Madhavan. It was produced by Marlapalli Srinivasulu and D. Venugopal under the banners LS Productions and Global Cinemas, with Anil Inamadugu serving as executive producer. The music is composed by Mark Prashanth, and cinematography is by Sravan G. Kumar.
Soundtrack No.TitleLyricsSinger(s)1Ee PremaAnil InamaduguHaricharan2Jara Saiga ChesiGuduru KrishnaGeetha Madhuri3Kaalam EdhoAnil InamaduguVaikom Vijayalakshmi4Kabaddi ThemeAnil InamaduguVenky, Vinay, Maruthi, Gautham5Vellake Vellake SakhiyaAnil InamaduguKarthik, Jayasri Pallem6Jathara ThemeAnil InamaduguVenky, Vinay, Maruthi, Gautham7Nilakanta Title TrackAnil InamaduguMark Prashanth8DaatiporaAnil InamaduguVaikom Vijayalakshmi
Reception The Hans India critic wrote that "A solid rural drama that strikes the right chord to begin the new year on a winning note." rated three out of five stars.
Times Now critic stated that "Overall, the movie 'Neelakantha' is a rural emotional sports drama with good commercial elements! 'Neelakantha' is a movie that gives a good break to Mahendran as an actor and hero".
Zee News wrote that " 'Neelkantha'.. Commercial elements with sports content movie.. ".
References
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