Varun Tej's 'Korean Kanakaraju' trailer out: Ram Charan calls it a laugh riot
Synopsis
Ram Charan's trailer drop for Varun Tej's 'Korean Kanakaraju' is more than a routine reveal — it signals serious star power behind an unusually inventive premise. A Rayalaseema boy possessed by a Korean underworld don, produced by UV Creations and endorsed by one of Telugu cinema's biggest names: the horror-comedy has the ingredients to be the surprise package of August.
Key Takeaways
Ram Charan released the trailer of 'Korean Kanakaraju' on 1 August via his X account.
The film stars Varun Tej in the lead, directed by Merlapaka Gandhi .
Ram Charan described the trailer as 'an absolute laugh riot from start to finish' and praised Varun Tej's performance.
The story fuses Rayalaseema culture with Korean folklore, centred on a young man possessed by a Korean underworld don.
The film is produced by UV Creations and First Frame Entertainment , and releases on 7 August .
Ram Charan on Saturday, 1 August released the trailer of the upcoming Telugu horror comedy 'Korean Kanakaraju', directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and featuring Varun Tej in the lead role. The reveal, made via Ram Charan's official X account, has already generated significant buzz among fans and Telugu film enthusiasts ahead of the film's theatrical release on 7 August.
Ram Charan's Endorsement
Sharing the trailer, Ram Charan wrote: '#KoreanKanakaraju trailer is an absolute laugh riot from start to finish! @IAmVarunTej is fantastic and slips into the role with such ease. GandhiMerlapaka seems to have packed this one with loads of entertainment. Satya is in top form, @RitikaNayak_ looks lovely! Best wishes to the entire team for the release on August 7th! Looking forward to watching it.' The endorsement from one of Telugu cinema's biggest stars is expected to amplify the film's pre-release visibility considerably.
What the Trailer Reveals
The trailer opens with Satya, his father, and Ritika Naik performing a Kshudra Puja to summon the mysterious Korean Kanakaraju. The story then follows a carefree young man from Penukonda who falls in love with a woman employed at the Kia manufacturing plant. An unexpected supernatural twist upends his life when he becomes possessed by the spirit of a feared Korean underworld don, triggering a dramatic transformation that drives the film's central conflict.
Concept and Craft
Director Merlapaka Gandhi blends the rustic cultural identity of Rayalaseema with Korean folklore in what is being described as a refreshingly original premise for Telugu cinema. The trailer balances spooky sequences with sharp comedy, stylised action, and emotional undertones. A standout fire-versus-water action sequence has been widely noted as one of the film's major visual set-pieces, while a closing gag — in which Varun Tej's possessed character startles Satya — closes the trailer on a high note.
Production Details
The film's cinematography is handled by Manoj Reddy Katasani and editing by Satyaa G. 'Korean Kanakaraju' has been produced by UV Creations in association with First Frame Entertainment. With its release set for 7 August, the film will look to capitalise on the strong trailer response and Ram Charan's public backing to drive opening-weekend numbers.
Point of View
Grafting Korean underworld mythology onto a Rayalaseema backdrop, is the kind of genre-blending that Telugu audiences have rewarded before. Whether Merlapaka Gandhi can sustain that balance across a full runtime is the real question; trailers that promise a 'laugh riot' set a high bar, and horror-comedies that over-promise on tone have stumbled in recent seasons. August 7 will be the true test.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who released the trailer of 'Korean Kanakaraju'?
Ram Charan released the trailer of 'Korean Kanakaraju' on 1 August via his official X account, calling it 'an absolute laugh riot from start to finish.'
What is 'Korean Kanakaraju' about?
'Korean Kanakaraju' is a Telugu horror comedy about a carefree young man from Penukonda who gets possessed by the spirit of a feared Korean underworld don. The film blends Rayalaseema's rustic culture with Korean folklore.
When does 'Korean Kanakaraju' release in cinemas?
'Korean Kanakaraju' is scheduled to release in theatres on 7 August 2025.
Who are the key cast and crew of 'Korean Kanakaraju'?
The film stars Varun Tej in the lead, alongside Satya and Ritika Naik. It is directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, with cinematography by Manoj Reddy Katasani and editing by Satyaa G.
Who has produced 'Korean Kanakaraju'?
The film has been produced by UV Creations in association with First Frame Entertainment.
