KJQ release date: Dheekshith Shetty's period crime drama hits screens August 7
Synopsis
Posthumous films carry a particular emotional weight — and 'KJQ' is no exception. Late director KK's 1990s-set crime drama, with Dheekshith Shetty leading a strong ensemble, finally has a release date: 7 August, worldwide. For fans who watched Nani launch the teaser, the wait is nearly over.
Key Takeaways
KJQ (King Jackie Queen) will release worldwide on 7 August , confirmed by SLV Cinemas on 18 July .
The film is a posthumous work by late director KK , who passed away last year.
Lead cast includes Dheekshith Shetty (as Raju), Shashi Odela (as Jockey), and Yukti Thareja (as Rani).
The film is a 1990s -set period crime drama produced by SLV Cinemas .
Cinematography by Nagesh Banell ; music by Poornachandra Tejaswi ; editing by Shravan Katikaneni .
Late director KK's period crime drama 'KJQ' (King Jackie Queen), starring Dheekshith Shetty, Shashi Odela, and Yukti Thareja, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August, production house SLV Cinemas confirmed on 18 July. The announcement marks a long-awaited milestone for a project that carries the weight of its late director's final creative vision.
The Announcement
SLV Cinemas shared the release date on its official X timeline, writing: 'You are not ready for this game. #KJQ grand release worldwide on August 7. #KJQonAug7 #KingJackieQueen.' The post was accompanied by a release date poster presenting the film's three principal characters in a split-frame composition — Dheekshith aiming a gun on the left, Shashi Odela at the centre with a piercing gaze, and Yukti Thareja on the right with a cigarette and an air of mystery.
What the Film Is About
'KJQ' is a period crime drama set against the gritty backdrop of the 1990s, promising an intense narrative laced with nostalgia. Dheekshith Shetty plays a character named Raju; a teaser launched earlier by Telugu star Nani opened with his dialogue: 'A city and a gun are the same — they obey the one in whose hands they are.' Shashi Odela portrays Jockey, a character who believes in taking big risks to achieve greatness, while Yukti Thareja appears as Rani. The teaser closed on a biblical note — 'He who lives by the sword shall die by the sword — Matthew 26:52.'
The Cast and Their Credentials
Dheekshith Shetty earned wide recognition for his performances in 'Dasara' and 'The Girlfriend'. Shashi Odela marks his screen debut with this film, while Yukti Thareja brings established screen presence to the ensemble. Sources close to the production describe the film as a celebration of late director KK's craft and his passion for cinema.
The Technical Team
The film is supported by a strong technical crew. Cinematographer Nagesh Banell has handled the visuals, while composer Poornachandra Tejaswi has crafted the musical score. Shravan Katikaneni has edited the film and Srikanth Ramishetty has overseen production design.
The Significance of This Release
'KJQ' arrives as a posthumous tribute to its director, whose passing last year cast a shadow over the project. Notably, Telugu star Nani had launched the film's teaser to considerable fanfare, signalling the industry's collective investment in ensuring the film reaches audiences. With a 7 August worldwide release, 'KJQ' is positioned as one of the more anticipated Telugu releases of the season.
Point of View
Unfinished goodbye. Posthumous releases in Telugu cinema have historically carried strong emotional pull at the box office, but they also face scrutiny over whether the vision was fully realised. Dheekshith Shetty is at a pivotal career juncture after 'Dasara' and 'The Girlfriend', and a strong performance here could cement his leading-man status. The real question is whether 'KJQ' can transcend the tribute narrative and stand on its own cinematic merit.
NationPress
18 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is KJQ releasing?
'KJQ (King Jackie Queen)' is releasing worldwide on 7 August, as announced by production house SLV Cinemas on 18 July.
Who is the director of KJQ?
'KJQ' was written and directed by late director KK, who passed away last year. The film is being released as a posthumous tribute to his craft and passion for cinema.
Who are the lead actors in KJQ?
The film stars Dheekshith Shetty as Raju, Shashi Odela as Jockey, and Yukti Thareja as Rani. Dheekshith Shetty is known for his performances in 'Dasara' and 'The Girlfriend'.
