Korean Kanakaraju release date: Varun Tej's horror comedy hits screens August 7
Synopsis
Varun Tej's 'Korean Kanakaraju' is not your average horror comedy — it's a Telugu film with a samurai sword, Korean cops, and a possessed man who announces his return in Korean. With the 7 August 2026 release date confirmed and the 'Kamsahamnida' single already a hit, director Merlapaka Gandhi's cross-cultural horror entertainer is shaping up as one of the more unusual bets in Telugu cinema this year.
Key Takeaways
Varun Tej 's horror comedy 'Korean Kanakaraju' will release worldwide on 7 August 2026 .
The film is directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and features Ritika Nayak and Satya in key roles.
Music is composed by Thaman ; the popular single 'Kamsahamnida' was released on 11 April 2026 .
The final shooting schedule was held in Korea in March 2026 , covering songs and key scenes.
Cinematography is by Manoj Reddy Katasani and editing by Satyaa G .
Actor Varun Tej's much-anticipated horror comedy 'Korean Kanakaraju', directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August 2026. The makers made the announcement on Friday, 10 July, confirming the film's global debut date after months of anticipation surrounding the cross-cultural entertainer.
Varun Tej Confirms the Date on X
Varun Tej shared the official release date poster on his X account, writing: '7th August 2026… Entertainment Guaranteed. #KoreanKanakaraju #KOKA.' The post quickly drew attention from fans who have been following the film's production closely since its title glimpse dropped on the actor's birthday.
What the Film Is About
Mounted on a lavish budget, 'Korean Kanakaraju' blends horror and comedy with a cross-cultural premise set across both Indian and Korean backdrops. The title glimpse — which went viral — opens with an Indian photographer being interrogated by Korean police searching for a man named Kanakaraju. On a full moon night, a possessed Kanakaraju, played by Varun Tej, storms the police station and hacks the officers with a samurai sword before declaring 'I'm back' in Korean, prompting the stunned photographer to mutter, 'This Kanakaraju isn't our Kanakaraju.' Sources close to the production say Varun Tej appears in a completely new avatar — unlike any character he has portrayed before.
The Korea Schedule and Music
The film's final shooting schedule was held in Korea in March 2026, with the team reportedly planning a carefully structured one-week stint at vibrant Korean locations. The schedule featured Varun Tej alongside co-stars Ritika Nayak and Satya, covering key scenes as well as song sequences. Music for the film is composed by Thaman, and the popular single 'Kamsahamnida' — whose behind-the-scenes video was released in April 2026 — had already generated strong buzz. The song itself was released on 11 April 2026.
Technical Team and Buzz
The film's cinematography is handled by Manoj Reddy Katasani, while editing is by Satyaa G. The project has been building momentum since the title glimpse released on Varun Tej's birthday, and the distinctive Korean-Indian horror-comedy concept has set it apart from conventional Telugu entertainers. With the 7 August 2026 release date now locked, the makers are expected to ramp up promotional activity in the weeks ahead.
Point of View
Typically a competitive corridor, will test whether the film's distinctive concept translates into opening-weekend numbers.
NationPress
10 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When is 'Korean Kanakaraju' releasing?
'Korean Kanakaraju' is set for a worldwide theatrical release on 7 August 2026. The makers confirmed the date on 10 July 2026.
Who is directing 'Korean Kanakaraju'?
The film is directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, known for his work in Telugu cinema. It stars Varun Tej in the lead role alongside Ritika Nayak and Satya.
What is 'Korean Kanakaraju' about?
It is a horror comedy set across Indian and Korean locations, following a character named Kanakaraju who becomes possessed and terrorises Korean police. The film blends cross-cultural elements with genre horror and comedy.
Who composed the music for 'Korean Kanakaraju'?
Music for the film is composed by Thaman. The single 'Kamsahamnida' was released on 11 April 2026 and generated significant buzz ahead of the film's release.
Where was 'Korean Kanakaraju' shot?
The film was shot across Indian and Korean locations. The final schedule, held in Korea in March 2026, covered song sequences and key scenes featuring Varun Tej, Ritika Nayak, and Satya.
