KJQ trailer out: Telugu period crime drama releases August 7 as tribute to late director KK
Synopsis
The trailer for KJQ — the final film of late director KK — is out, and it is not a gentle farewell. A 1990s-set crime drama with symbolic character arcs drawn from Dawood Ibrahim to Mother Teresa, the film pits two friends against each other in a battle of ego and vengeance. Its worldwide release on 7 August will test whether it can become the tribute its makers intend it to be.
Key Takeaways
The trailer for Telugu period crime drama KJQ (King, Jackie, Queen) was released on 28 July .
The film is set for a worldwide release on 7 August .
KJQ is the final directorial work of late director KK , who passed away last year.
The film stars Deekshith Shetty (known for Dasara and The Girlfriend ), debutante Shashi Odela , and Yukti Thareja .
The story is set against a 1990s backdrop and explores themes of power, ego, and vengeance between two close friends.
The film is produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the banner of SLV Cinemas .
The trailer for the upcoming Telugu period crime drama KJQ (King, Jackie, Queen) dropped on 28 July, offering fans a hard-hitting glimpse into a story of friendship, power, and revenge — while also serving as a heartfelt tribute to the film's late director KK, who passed away last year. The film is set for a grand worldwide release on 7 August.
What the Trailer Reveals
The trailer opens on a striking voiceover that frames the three central characters through symbolic comparisons to Dawood Ibrahim, Ajmal Kasab, and Mother Teresa — illustrating how circumstances can shape a person into a villain, a sage, or an ordinary human. The imagery sets the tone for a layered, morally complex narrative. As the trailer unfolds, two close friends descend into an intense, ego-driven conflict that anchors the story's emotional core.
The three leads — Deekshith Shetty, debutante Shashi Odela, and actress Yukti Thareja — are introduced through these archetypes, hinting at sharply contrasting character arcs across the film's runtime.
The Cast and Their Credentials
Deekshith Shetty, known for his acclaimed work in Dasara and The Girlfriend, leads the ensemble. He is joined by Shashi Odela in his screen debut and Yukti Thareja in a key role. The period setting — rooted in the 1990s — lends the film a gritty, atmospheric texture that is visible throughout the trailer.
A Tribute to Late Director KK
KJQ marks the final directorial work of late director KK, who passed away last year. The makers have dedicated the film to his memory, describing the project as a tribute to his creative vision and enduring passion for filmmaking. Producer Sudhakar Cherukuri of SLV Cinemas is backing the film, and the production house shared the trailer across its social media channels with the caption: 'Bayata Villain eh… HERO! Their world. Their story. Their journey.'
Technical Team Behind the Film
On the technical front, KJQ features cinematography by Nagesh Banell and a background score by Poornachandra Tejaswi. The editing is handled by Shravan Katikaneni, with production design by Srikanth Ramishetty. The combination of its 1990s backdrop and a pulsating score positions the film as a potential standout in the Telugu crime drama space.
With its worldwide release confirmed for 7 August, all eyes will be on whether KJQ can honour its late director's legacy at the box office.
Point of View
And that framing will define how audiences and critics receive it regardless of its cinematic merit. The trailer's bold choice to invoke Dawood Ibrahim and Ajmal Kasab as character reference points is a high-risk creative gamble: it signals ambition, but it also raises the stakes for delivery. Deekshith Shetty has demonstrated range in Dasara, and his casting as the lead is the film's most credible asset. The real question is whether SLV Cinemas can convert genuine audience sympathy for late director KK into sustained box-office momentum — or whether the tribute framing becomes a ceiling rather than a launchpad.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is KJQ (King, Jackie, Queen) about?
KJQ is a Telugu period crime drama set in the 1990s, following three central characters whose lives are shaped by power, ego, and vengeance. The trailer suggests two close friends fall into an intense conflict that drives the narrative forward.
When does KJQ release in theatres?
KJQ is set for a grand worldwide release on 7 August. The film was produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under SLV Cinemas.
Who is the late director KK and why is KJQ dedicated to him?
KK was the director of KJQ who passed away last year before the film's release. The makers have dedicated the film to his memory as a tribute to his creative vision and love for filmmaking, making KJQ his final directorial work.
Who are the lead actors in KJQ?
The film stars Deekshith Shetty — known for his roles in Dasara and The Girlfriend — alongside debutante Shashi Odela and actress Yukti Thareja in key roles.
Who is producing KJQ and who are the key technicians?
KJQ is produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under SLV Cinemas. The technical team includes cinematographer Nagesh Banell, music composer Poornachandra Tejaswi, editor Shravan Katikaneni, and production designer Srikanth Ramishetty.
