Hyderabad: Veteran actor Nagarjuna Akkineni is preparing for his milestone 100th film, tentatively titled "King 100," where he will showcase a super stylish appearance with multiple distinct looks. The Telugu film, directed by Tamil filmmaker Ra Karthik, is currently in production and aims for a Dasara 2026 release, marking a significant moment in the actor's career.[timesnownews+3]
Nagarjuna's Iconic Style Returns
Director Ra Karthik recently confirmed that audiences should expect a very stylish version of Nagarjuna Akkineni on screen. He hinted that the actor will appear in various looks, reminiscent of his iconic roles in blockbuster films such as "Shiva," "Ratchagan," and "Coolie". One of these looks is described as rugged and intense, promising an entirely new avatar for the star. This emphasis on a vintage yet contemporary style has generated considerable excitement among his fan base.[timesnownews+6]
The film's shoot is progressing steadily, with production intentionally kept low-key to build suspense around Nagarjuna's appearance and the film's unique backdrop. A recent lengthy schedule concluded in Mysore, and the team has since returned to Hyderabad to prepare for the next phase of production. New action sequences are slated to be filmed in Hyderabad starting March 16, 2026.[mykollywood+4]
Behind the Production
"King 100" is being produced under Nagarjuna Akkineni's own banner, Annapurna Studios. The project was officially launched in October 2025 with a modest muhurtham puja ceremony. Ra Karthik, known for his critically acclaimed Tamil film "Nitham Oru Vaanam," is at the helm.[timesnownews+8]
Karthik shared an interesting anecdote about Nagarjuna's choice to work with a Tamil director for such a pivotal Telugu film. "I even asked why he chose a Tamil director like me for his 100th film instead of a Telugu director," Ra Karthik reportedly said, to which Nagarjuna responded that it was not a concern for him, referencing his past collaboration with director Mani Ratnam on "Geethanjali". This highlights Nagarjuna's focus on the script and creative vision over regional distinctions.[obnews+4]
The script for "King 100" was meticulously crafted over the past year, with Karthik dedicating months to tailoring the story to fit Nagarjuna's unique screen presence and style. The actor and director held frequent meetings to refine the narrative and establish the film's overall tone.[obnews+1]
Cast and Story Elements
The film features a diverse cast alongside Nagarjuna. Veteran actress Tabu will appear in a pivotal, non-romantic role, marking a reunion for the classic pair. Sushmita Bhat has been confirmed as one of the romantic leads, while the second lead actress is yet to be finalized. Actor Ravindra Vijay, recently seen in Telugu films like "Ghaati" and "Kothapallilo Okkapudu," will portray Nagarjuna's close companion in the story.[bheeshmatalks+5]
The narrative of "King 100" is said to be set in a "rags-to-riches zone" with a contemporary screenplay. It reportedly draws its central idea from the 2011 Tamil film "Ayothi," expanding its emotional premise into a larger, more stylized action-drama framework suitable for a milestone project. The production has also indicated a "significant periodic element" or "historical backdrop" and a "surprise element," suggesting either a narrative time-shift or a structural reveal that re-frames the story. The filmmakers are emphasizing action, family emotion, and visual scale as key qualities of the movie.[bheeshmatalks+4]
Music composer Devi Sri Prasad is expected to score the soundtrack for the film. His involvement is anticipated to add another layer of appeal to the highly awaited project.[timesnownews+3]
Anticipated Release
"King 100" is targeting a Dasara 2026 release, placing it in the competitive October window, which is traditionally a major period for Telugu cinema. This timeline appears realistic given the current pace of production. Nagarjuna is reportedly treating this project with utmost care, ensuring that every detail, from the storyline to production quality, aligns with the high expectations for his 100th film. The film promises to be a grand scale entertainer with emotional depth.[mykollywood+4]
