Naksha Saran plays 'Jessy' in Sudigaali Sudheer's 'Hai Lesso'
Synopsis
On her birthday, the makers of Telugu rural drama 'Hai Lesso' revealed that actress Naksha Saran plays a character named Jessy — a curiosity-building move for a film that already carries several industry firsts: a debut director, debut producers, and comedian Sudigaali Sudheer's fifth lead outing, all wrapped in a story rooted in farming-community folklore.
Key Takeaways
Naksha Saran plays the character Jessy in the upcoming Telugu rural drama 'Hai Lesso' , revealed on her birthday on 5 June .
The film stars Sudigaali Sudheer (Sudheer Anand) in the lead — his fifth lead role in a feature film. 'Hai Lesso' marks the directorial debut of Prasanna Kumar Kota and the production debut of Siva Cherry and Ravikiran under Vajra Varahi Cinemas .
Actor Shivaji plays the antagonist; heroines are Natasha Singh and Naksha Saran .
The film is set for theatrical release in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam .
Actress Naksha Saran's character in the upcoming Telugu rural drama 'Hai Lesso' has been unveiled as Jessy, with the film's production house announcing the reveal on the occasion of her birthday on Friday, 5 June. The film stars popular comedian-turned-actor Sudheer Anand, widely known as Sudigaali Sudheer, in the lead role.
Birthday Reveal and Character Announcement
Production banner Vajra Varahi Cinemas took to its social media timelines to share the news, writing: 'Team #HaiLesso wishes the talented actress @naksha_saran a very Happy Birthday. Her adorable presence as JESSY will surprise audiences and win their hearts.' A new poster of Naksha Saran from the film was also released alongside the announcement.
Key Milestones for Cast and Crew
'Hai Lesso' carries several notable firsts. It marks the directorial debut of Prasanna Kumar Kota and the production debut of Siva Cherry and Ravikiran under the Vajra Varahi Cinemas banner. The film, which went on floors in Hyderabad with a traditional pooja in September last year, was previously referred to as Production No. 1. It will be the fifth film in which Sudigaali Sudheer plays the lead.
Cast and Technical Team
Natasha Singh and Naksha Saran are the film's heroines, while popular Kannada actress Akshara Gowda appears in a pivotal role. Actor Shivaji, recognised for his intense turn in the superhit 'Court: State Vs A Nobody', is set to play the antagonist. Motta Rajendran, Getup Srinu, and Bevara Duhitha Saranya also feature in significant roles.
On the technical side, music is composed by Anudeep Dev, with cinematography by Sujatha Siddarth. Chota K Prasad handles editing, Brahma Kadali serves as production designer, and Chintha Srinivas is the writer.
Title, Tone, and Release Plans
According to sources close to the unit, the title 'Hai Lesso' is reportedly derived from a colloquial expression common in farming communities. The film's earlier title poster carried a distinctly mythological and rustic tone — featuring a regal foot adorned with golden anklets placed on a plantain leaf, alongside traditional offerings, a blood-soaked sword, and elements of ritual and sacrifice, hinting at an intense narrative.
The film's launch was attended by several industry names: actor Nikhil unveiled the title, Bunny Vasu handed over the script, directors Vassishta, Chandoo Mondeti, and Meher Ramesh switched on the camera, and VV Vinayak sounded the clapboard. 'Hai Lesso' is set for a pan-South theatrical release across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
Point of View
But for 'Hai Lesso' it does double duty — keeping a debut director's project in the news cycle while building intrigue around a supporting actress whose role description ('adorable presence... will surprise audiences') is deliberately vague. What is more noteworthy is the film's structural ambition: a pan-South, four-language rural drama with a first-time director and first-time producers is a high-stakes bet in a market where mid-budget rural films increasingly struggle against OTT competition. The mythology-laced title poster and farming-community roots suggest the makers are banking on cultural specificity over mainstream appeal — a strategy that has paid off for some Telugu films recently, but demands precise execution.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What character does Naksha Saran play in 'Hai Lesso'?
Naksha Saran plays a character named Jessy in 'Hai Lesso'. The production house Vajra Varahi Cinemas revealed the character on the occasion of her birthday on 5 June, describing her presence as 'adorable' and one that will 'surprise audiences and win their hearts'.
Who is directing 'Hai Lesso' and what is notable about the film?
'Hai Lesso' is directed by Prasanna Kumar Kota, marking his directorial debut. The film also represents the production debut of Siva Cherry and Ravikiran under the Vajra Varahi Cinemas banner, and is Sudigaali Sudheer's fifth lead role in a feature film.
Who are the other key cast members in 'Hai Lesso'?
The film features Natasha Singh and Naksha Saran as heroines, with Kannada actress Akshara Gowda in a pivotal role. Actor Shivaji plays the antagonist, and Motta Rajendran, Getup Srinu, and Bevara Duhitha Saranya appear in significant supporting roles.
What does the title 'Hai Lesso' mean?
According to sources close to the unit, 'Hai Lesso' is reportedly derived from a colloquial expression commonly used in farming communities. The title reflects the film's rural setting and cultural roots.
In which languages will 'Hai Lesso' release?
'Hai Lesso' is planned for a pan-South theatrical release across four languages — Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam.
