Telugu cinema legend Akkineni Nagarjuna is set to reunite with acclaimed actress Tabu for his landmark 100th film, tentatively titled King, as confirmed by industry sources on October 9, 2025. Directed by Sriram Raghavan and produced by Sun Pictures in collaboration with Annapurna Studios, this action-drama began shooting in Hyderabad in September 2025. The project marks the duo’s first collaboration since their iconic Ninne Pelladatha (1996) and Aavida Maa Aavide (1998), reigniting their beloved on-screen chemistry after 27 years. With a grand launch event planned, featuring Chiranjeevi, the film is slated for a June 2026 release, thrilling fans across India’s ₹101 billion entertainment industry and its 467 million social media users.
A Nostalgic Reunion with Modern Flair
Nagarjuna, 66, and Tabu, 54, captivated audiences in the ‘90s with Ninne Pelladatha’s romantic charm and Aavida Maa Aavide’s emotional depth. King promises a fresh dynamic, with Nagarjuna as a charismatic patriarch in a high-stakes family saga and Tabu in a pivotal, layered role as a resilient matriarch. “Tabu’s inclusion was a natural choice—her depth elevates the story,” director Raghavan told. The film blends action, drama, and nostalgia, with a narrative centered on legacy and betrayal, tailored to Nagarjuna’s milestone. Shot across Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Dubai, the ₹120 crore production ensures pan-Indian appeal with Telugu, Hindi, and Tamil releases.
Sriram Raghavan’s Vision and Star Power
Known for Bollywood hits like Andhadhun (2018), Raghavan brings his signature intensity to King, marking his Telugu debut. The ensemble includes Sharwanand and Venkatesh in supporting roles, with music by Anirudh Ravichander, whose energetic score aims to amplify the film’s emotional beats. Nagarjuna, fresh from Naa Saami Ranga (2024), sees King as a career pinnacle: “Tabu and I share a comfort that translates on screen,” he shared at a press meet. Tabu, whose recent Telugu appearance was in Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo (2020), was drawn by the script’s depth, per reports. A teaser launch by Chiranjeevi is planned for November 2025, heightening anticipation.
Human Impact: A Legacy Rekindled
For Nagarjuna, this 100th film is a testament to his 38-year career, from Vikram (1986) to Manmadhudu 2 (2019). Tabu’s return to Telugu cinema after selective roles like A Suitable Boy (2020) celebrates their shared history. Fans on X trended #NagTabuKing with 600,000 posts, gushing, “Their chemistry is timeless!” In India’s 780-language diverse landscape, King bridges generational fandoms, inspiring actors to embrace meaningful milestones. The film’s modern take on family and power resonates with young audiences while honoring Telugu cinema’s roots.
A Kingly Milestone
King isn’t just Nagarjuna’s 100th film—it’s a nostalgic triumph. Reuniting with Tabu, it asks: Can legacy spark new magic? With Raghavan’s vision and their undeniable chemistry, the June 2026 release answers yes, crowning a storied career with regal flair.
-By Manoj H