Keerthy Suresh plays Latha Reddy in Venkatesh's 'January 12 Vidudala'
Synopsis
On Keerthy Suresh's birthday, director Anil Ravipudi dropped a key reveal: she plays 'Latha Reddy' in the Venkatesh-Kalyan Ram entertainer 'January 12 Vidudala'. With the Ooty schedule now under way, a striking military first look for Venkatesh already out, and Sankranti 2027 in the crosshairs, this Telugu biggie is shaping up as one of the season's most-anticipated releases.
Key Takeaways
Director Anil Ravipudi confirmed that Keerthy Suresh plays Latha Reddy in 'January 12 Vidudala' , revealing the character on her birthday on 17 October 2026 .
Venkatesh and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram lead the film, with Keerthy opposite Venkatesh and Krithi Shetty paired with Kalyan Ram.
The team is currently filming in Ooty, Tamil Nadu , following an earlier schedule in Mysuru .
Venkatesh's first look as Lt.
Colonel Venkat Reddy , an Army counter-terrorism specialist, was unveiled to mark his 40 years in the film industry.
The film is produced by Sahu Garapati under Shine Screens , with music by GV Prakash Kumar , and is targeting a Sankranti 2027 release.
Director Anil Ravipudi revealed on Saturday, 17 October 2026 that actress Keerthy Suresh plays the character Latha Reddy in his upcoming family entertainer 'January 12 Vidudala', disclosing the news as a birthday greeting to the actress on his X (formerly Twitter) timeline. The film, targeting a Sankranti 2027 release, stars Venkatesh and Nandamuri Kalyan Ram in the lead.
The Birthday Revelation
Taking to X to wish the actress, Ravipudi wrote, 'Happy Birthday @KeerthyOfficial. It's been a delight watching you bring your signature spark, warmth and effortless charm to LATHA REDDY in #January12Vidudala. Wishing you a beautiful year ahead.' The post confirmed Keerthy's character name for the first time, drawing immediate attention from fans of the film.
Shooting Update: Ooty Schedule Under Way
The unit recently commenced a schedule in Ooty, Tamil Nadu, following an earlier stint in Mysuru last month. All four lead actors — Venkatesh, Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty — were reportedly spotted at the Mysuru shooting location, where the team also filmed a song. Ravipudi announced the Ooty schedule with a playful post: 'The beauOOTYful schedule begins with my wonderful team. #January12Vidudala #Sankranti2027.'
Actor Sriman, also part of the film, expressed his enthusiasm on X after featuring in a song choreographed by veteran dance master Brinda — his first collaboration with her in nearly eight years. He wrote, 'Rocking choreography by the legendary dance master BRINDA. It's been almost eight years since I got a chance to be a part in her choreography. Thank you DIRECTOR Anil ravipudigaru @AnilRavipudi.'
Venkatesh's First Look as Lt. Colonel Venkat Reddy
A few days prior, the makers unveiled the first look of Venkatesh as Lt. Colonel Venkat Reddy of the Indian Army, specialising in counter-terrorism and hostage negotiation. The reveal was timed to mark the actor's 40 years in the film industry. The poster depicted Venkatesh in an Army camouflage uniform, sunglasses, and a scarf, standing beside a rugged SUV, with Army insignia and crossed-swords emblems reinforcing the military backdrop.
Cast, Crew, and Production Details
Keerthy Suresh is paired opposite Venkatesh, while Krithi Shetty stars alongside Kalyan Ram. The film was previously referred to as #VenkyAnil5 and #NKRAR2 before the title 'January 12 Vidudala' was officially announced. Produced by Sahu Garapati under the Shine Screens banner, the project is presented by Suresh Productions Archana and Zee Studios. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music, Sameer Reddy handles cinematography, Tammiraju is the editor, AS Prakash is the production designer, and S Krishna serves as executive producer.
With production reportedly progressing at a brisk pace and the combination of Venkatesh and Kalyan Ram expected to be a major draw, all eyes are on 'January 12 Vidudala' as one of the big Telugu entertainers of Sankranti 2027.
Point of View
Low-cost, and algorithmically designed to trend. The choice of Sankranti 2027 as the target slot is telling: the festival window is the most contested in Telugu cinema, and placing a Venkatesh-Kalyan Ram family entertainer there signals real box-office ambition. Yet the film's crowded four-lead structure is both its biggest draw and its biggest risk — balancing screen time for two established male stars alongside two leading actresses is where Ravipudi's execution will be tested most.
NationPress
17 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who does Keerthy Suresh play in 'January 12 Vidudala'?
Keerthy Suresh plays the character Latha Reddy in 'January 12 Vidudala'. Director Anil Ravipudi confirmed this on 17 October 2026, via a birthday post on X addressed to the actress.
What is 'January 12 Vidudala' about?
'January 12 Vidudala' is a Telugu family entertainer directed by Anil Ravipudi, starring Venkatesh as Lt. Colonel Venkat Reddy, an Indian Army counter-terrorism and hostage-negotiation specialist. The film also stars Nandamuri Kalyan Ram, Keerthy Suresh, and Krithi Shetty, and is targeting a Sankranti 2027 release.
When is 'January 12 Vidudala' releasing?
'January 12 Vidudala' is targeting a Sankranti 2027 release, as indicated by the film's official social media posts. No specific date has been confirmed yet.
Who is producing 'January 12 Vidudala'?
The film is produced by Sahu Garapati under the Shine Screens banner and presented by Suresh Productions Archana and Zee Studios. GV Prakash Kumar is composing the music, with Sameer Reddy on cinematography.
What was the film previously called before 'January 12 Vidudala'?
Before its official title was announced, the film was tentatively referred to as #VenkyAnil5 and #NKRAR2. The title 'January 12 Vidudala' was revealed by the makers only recently.
