The promotional song “Memu Kooda Cinema Teesinamuro” from the upcoming Telugu film Kotha Cinema was launched in Hyderabad with much fanfare. Ramagundam MLA Makkan Singh Raj Thakur, filmmaker Madhura Sreedhar Reddy, director Sailu Kampati, and actor R K Sagar Naidu graced the event as chief guests.
Directed by debutant Azhar, Kotha Cinema stands out for being made entirely with local talent from his hometown, proving that meaningful cinema can emerge from villages just as much as cities. The film introduces 100 newcomers to the Telugu film industry, making it a unique project. Azhar has handled the story, screenplay, direction, and editing, while Suresh and Rakesh play the lead roles. The film is produced by Mohammed Wasim Akram, Sagi Sudheer Rao, and Yadandla Satish Yadav.
The promotional track, written and composed by Charan Arjun, reflects the aspirations of countless youngsters who dream of making it in the film industry despite limited opportunities.
Lead actor Suresh, who runs a grocery store in Markandeya Colony near Godavarikhani, shared his emotional journey. He revealed that he attended Azhar’s auditions hoping for a minor role but was unexpectedly chosen as the lead. Thanking the director for believing in him and providing acting training to all the newcomers, he requested audiences to support the film.
Producer Mohammed Wasim Akram expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the launch and said Kotha Cinema promises a fresh cinematic experience that audiences will enjoy in theatres.
Producer Sagi Sudheer Rao said introducing 100 fresh faces through a single film is a remarkable achievement and expressed happiness at being part of Azhar’s dream project.
Producer Yadandla Satish Yadav praised Azhar for creating an entertaining film with local artists and said the team is eagerly looking forward to its release.
Lead actor Rakesh, a Singareni employee from Ramagundam, said he had always dreamed of becoming an actor but never had the opportunity to move to Hyderabad. Thanks to Azhar’s local auditions, he earned a lead role while staying close to his family. He requested audiences to encourage all the newcomers involved in the film.
Music director and lyricist Charan Arjun said he accepted the project after learning about Azhar’s passion and because the director’s father admired his music. He explained that the song represents the dreams and struggles of aspiring filmmakers from small towns and praised Azhar for making an entire feature film using local talent.
Director Azhar delivered an emotional speech, saying that while many filmmakers speak about humble beginnings, his team came “from beneath the coal mines” of Ramagundam. He said the objective of Kotha Cinema was to prove that filmmaking is possible even without relocating to Hyderabad. Proudly introducing 100 new artists, he thanked everyone who stood by the project.
Actor R K Sagar Naidu recalled following the film’s journey for nearly three years and applauded Azhar’s determination. He also appreciated Azhar’s father, Hussain, who invested his life’s savings and provident fund earned through four decades as a Singareni employee to turn his son’s dream into reality.
Filmmaker Madhura Sreedhar Reddy revealed that he had already watched Kotha Cinema and thoroughly enjoyed it. Calling it a refreshing film that breaks conventional filmmaking norms, he compared its spirit to the famous “Made in Karimnagar” movement and described it as “Made in Godavarikhani.” He also assured the team of his support for both the theatrical and OTT release.
Director Sailu Kampati said the true hero behind the film is Azhar’s father Hussain, who believed in his son’s vision and made tremendous sacrifices to support it. He wished the film great success and appreciated everyone backing the project.
Ramagundam MLA Makkan Singh Raj Thakur recalled initially advising Azhar against producing a film due to earlier setbacks faced by people from the region. However, he praised the family’s determination and sacrifices, stating that Ramagundam is home to immense artistic talent that deserves recognition. He assured government support for local filmmakers and urged audiences to encourage the newcomers by supporting Kotha Cinema in theatres.
