Kartikeya Gummakonda turns director with 'Comeback'; plays boxer in 2027 film
Synopsis
On his birthday, 'RX 100' star Kartikeya Gummakonda surprised fans with a double reveal: he is not just returning to screens after a two-year gap — he is also directing himself as a boxer in 'Comeback', a gritty sports drama produced by his wife and set for release in 2027. The glimpse video's raw training sequences suggest a sharp tonal shift from his earlier work.
Key Takeaways
Kartikeya Gummakonda announced his directorial debut, 'Comeback' , on his birthday, 21 September 2026 .
He plays a boxer in the film and also directs it, taking on a dual actor-director role for the first time.
The film is produced by his wife, Lohitha Reddy , under Kartikeya Creative Works .
The announcement follows a nearly two-year gap in his filmography after 'Bhaje Vaayu Vegam' .
The film's technical team includes cinematographer Jagadeesh Cheekati , music director Vijay Bulganin , and editor Kalyan Suryaprakash . 'Comeback' is scheduled for theatrical release in 2027 .
Actor Kartikeya Gummakonda, widely recognised for his breakout role in the Telugu blockbuster 'RX 100' and his prominent appearance in the Tamil actioner 'Valimai', has now stepped behind the camera for the first time. His directorial debut, titled 'Comeback', was announced on 21 September 2026 — his birthday — through a special glimpse video released by his production house, Kartikeya Creative Works, in Hyderabad.
A Birthday Announcement With a Double Role
Kartikeya not only directs 'Comeback' but also plays the lead, taking on the dual responsibility of actor-director for the first time in his career. The film is produced by his wife, Lohitha Reddy, making it a wholly family-led production. 'Comeback' is slated for a theatrical release in 2027. The announcement comes after a nearly two-year gap in Kartikeya's filmography following 'Bhaje Vaayu Vegam', making the project a genuine comeback both on screen and off it.
What the Glimpse Video Reveals
The special glimpse video, unveiled on his birthday, frames the narrative through a voiceover. Kartikeya's character is a boxer who has been absent from the sport for over three years and has been written off by many. The premise raises questions about what a returning fighter can achieve after such a prolonged absence — an arc that mirrors, in a meta sense, Kartikeya's own hiatus from the screen. The protagonist, however, is shown shutting out the noise, singularly focused on his preparation and nothing else.
Tone and Treatment
The glimpse video signals a film that favours grit and personal stakes over spectacle. Training sequences in the clip feel grounded and authentic, effectively capturing both the physical demands and the psychological toll of a sportsman mounting a comeback. The overall tenor suggests a character-driven sports drama rather than a mainstream action entertainer — a departure from the kind of films Kartikeya has been associated with previously.
The Technical Team
The film carries a well-assembled technical crew. Cinematography is handled by Jagadeesh Cheekati, with music composed by Vijay Bulganin. Editing duties fall to Kalyan Suryaprakash, while costumes have been designed by Shilpa Tanguturu. Surya Akella serves as creative director and Sudheer Telaprolu is the executive producer of the project.
With a personal story that closely echoes his character's arc, Kartikeya's directorial debut will be closely watched when 'Comeback' heads to theatres in 2027.
Point of View
Direct, and star in a film about a boxer returning from a long absence is either a bold creative bet or a risky overreach — possibly both. The meta-parallel between character and actor is clever marketing, but actor-director debuts in Telugu cinema have a mixed track record. The real question is whether the gritty, introspective tone signalled in the glimpse video can hold against the commercial pressures of a theatrical release. If it does, 'Comeback' could redefine Kartikeya's career trajectory; if it doesn't, the two-year wait may extend further.
NationPress
21 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kartikeya Gummakonda's new film 'Comeback' about?
'Comeback' is a boxing drama in which Kartikeya plays an athlete who has been absent from the sport for over three years and is attempting to return despite being written off by many. The film, also directed by Kartikeya, is described as a gritty, character-driven sports story focused on mental and physical resilience.
When will 'Comeback' release in theatres?
'Comeback' is scheduled for a theatrical release in 2027. No specific date has been announced yet beyond the year of release.
Who is producing Kartikeya's directorial debut?
The film is produced by Kartikeya's wife, Lohitha Reddy, under their production banner Kartikeya Creative Works. Sudheer Telaprolu serves as the executive producer.
Who are the key technicians working on 'Comeback'?
The film's technical team includes cinematographer Jagadeesh Cheekati, music director Vijay Bulganin, editor Kalyan Suryaprakash, costume designer Shilpa Tanguturu, and creative director Surya Akella.
What was Kartikeya Gummakonda's last film before 'Comeback'?
Kartikeya's last film before this announcement was 'Bhaje Vaayu Vegam', after which he remained absent from the screen for nearly two years. 'Comeback' marks both his return to acting and his debut as a director.
