Ashish's 'DeThadi' rolls into second schedule with key cast in Hyderabad
Synopsis
Actor Ashish is back with 'DeThadi', a street-percussion drama that marks director Aditya Rao Gangasani's debut. The film's second schedule is now rolling in Hyderabad, with producers Dil Raju and Shirish backing the project. Ashish's rugged transformation into Ghannu Bhai, a celebrated drum artiste, signals a shift toward character-driven mass cinema rooted in the city's cultural landscape.
Key Takeaways
Actor Ashish begins second shooting schedule for 'DeThadi' in Hyderabad .
The film marks director Aditya Rao Gangasani's directorial debut.
Story centres on Ghannu Bhai , a celebrated street-drum artiste and his troupe.
Producers Dil Raju and Shirish back the film under Sri Venkateswara Creations .
Ashish sports a rugged makeover with Hyderabad slang and naturalistic body language for authenticity.
Music director Junaid Kumar and cinematography emphasise the film's celebratory, cultural aesthetic.
The production unit of director Aditya Rao Gangasani's debut film 'DeThadi', headlined by actor Ashish, has commenced its second shooting schedule in Hyderabad, according to industry sources. The schedule will feature Ashish alongside key supporting cast members in what is shaping up as a character-driven entertainer centred on street percussion culture.
The story and protagonist
The film tracks the life of Ghannu Bhai, a celebrated street-drum artiste whose troupe is known for performing at festivities across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The performers are admired for their stamina, carrying nearly seven kilos of drums while performing for extended periods. Beneath the celebratory beats lies a narrative grounded in dignity and self-respect, as evidenced in the glimpse video released by the makers earlier.
Ashish's transformation
Ashish sports a rugged makeover for the role, complete with an unkempt beard and raw body language that captures the character's authenticity. His portrayal incorporates Hyderabad slang and naturalistic mannerisms, lending a mass appeal to the protagonist. The actor, known for 'Rowdy Boys' and 'Love Me', brings immersive depth to a character that demands both physicality and cultural specificity.
Production credentials
The film is being produced by Dil Raju and Shirish under the banner Sri Venkateswara Creations, mounted on a grand scale. Prasanna Kumar Bezawada serves as screenplay writer, dialogue writer, and creative head, while music director Junaid Kumar has crafted pulsating drum-driven compositions that amplify the celebratory mood. Cinematography in the released glimpse showcased vivid and energetic visuals rooted in the city's street-performance landscape.
Aditya Rao Gangasani's directorial vision
For a debutant, Aditya Rao Gangasani demonstrates command over storytelling, weaving Hyderabad's everyday pulse and cultural flavours into the narrative. His handling of Ashish's character reveals cinematic finesse, balancing mass elements with authentic character work. The project marks a fresh entry into Telugu cinema with a distinctly regional lens.
What's ahead
With the second schedule now underway, production is progressing toward completion. The film's release timeline remains unannounced, though industry insiders suggest a mid-year or later-year theatrical window.
Point of View
And Aditya Rao Gangasani's debut direction — anchored in Hyderabad's percussion culture — could carve a niche if execution matches ambition. The backing of Dil Raju and the craftsmanship visible in the glimpse suggest serious intent, but debutant directors often struggle with pacing and emotional depth. The second schedule will reveal whether the film sustains its cultural authenticity or slides into cliché.
NationPress
7 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'DeThadi' about?
'DeThadi' is a character-driven entertainer centred on Ghannu Bhai, a celebrated street-drum artiste whose troupe performs at festivities across Hyderabad and Secunderabad. The narrative explores the dignity and self-respect beneath the celebratory beats of street percussion culture.
Who is directing 'DeThadi'?
Director Aditya Rao Gangasani is making his directorial debut with 'DeThadi'. He has crafted a narrative steeped in Hyderabad's everyday pulse and cultural flavours, with screenplay and dialogue by Prasanna Kumar Bezawada.
Which actor plays the lead in 'DeThadi'?
Actor Ashish, known for 'Rowdy Boys' and 'Love Me', plays the protagonist Ghannu Bhai. He has undergone a rugged physical transformation for the role, including an unkempt beard and naturalistic Hyderabad slang.
Who are the producers of 'DeThadi'?
The film is produced by Dil Raju and Shirish under the banner Sri Venkateswara Creations. The project has been mounted on a grand scale with significant backing and production values.
When will 'DeThadi' release?
No official release date has been announced. The second shooting schedule is currently underway in Hyderabad, with the film expected to release sometime in the mid-to-later part of the year, pending completion of remaining schedules.
