Raakaasa hit the screens today, 3 April 2026, and is already catching attention as a fresh Telugu fantasy-comedy with a touch of horror thrills. Directed by Manasa Sharma in her feature film debut, the movie is produced by Niharika Konidela under Pink Elephant Pictures and Zee Studios. It stars Sangeeth Shobhan and Nayan Sarika in the lead roles, with a strong supporting cast including Vennela Kishore, Getup Srinu, Brahmaji, Tanikella Bharani, Ashish Vidyarthi, and others. Running for about two hours and ten minutes, this light-hearted entertainer blends comedy, fantasy, and some spooky moments in a village setting.
The Story That Keeps You Guessing
The film follows an NRI guy who returns to his village after ten long years, mainly chasing romance. But one small mistake wakes up an ancient darkness that the villagers have feared for generations. What starts as a love story quickly turns into a mix of fun, fear, and chaos. Without spoilers, it is a classic “city boy in a village with a supernatural twist” tale that mixes laughs with mild thrills. The story feels familiar but stays entertaining if you are in the mood for silly, over-the-top fun.
Performances That Shine
Sangeeth Shobhan carries the film with his energetic and natural acting. He looks comfortable in the comedy scenes and handles the emotional bits well too. Nayan Sarika brings charm and grace to her role and shares good chemistry with the hero. The real scene-stealers are Vennela Kishore and Getup Srinu – their comic timing is spot on and gives the film its biggest laughs. The senior actors like Brahmaji and Tanikella Bharani add solid support and make the village feel real and lively.
Direction, Comedy & Visuals
Manasa Sharma keeps the film moving at a decent pace. The first half is a bit slow and sets up the world, but the second half picks up speed with better comedy and some thrilling moments. The fantasy elements and VFX are simple but work for a comedy film. The background score and a couple of fun songs (especially the snake dance track) add to the entertainment. It is not a big-budget visual spectacle, but it feels enjoyable on the big screen.
What People Are Saying on Social Media
Early reactions on social media are mixed but mostly positive for a weekend watch. Many viewers are calling it a “good entertainer” with solid comedy and thrills in the second half. Posts on X and Instagram praise Sangeeth Shobhan’s performance, the hilarious supporting cast, and the interval scene. Some say it feels “silly yet fun” and perfect for family or friends. A few have noted that the first half drags and the story is predictable, but most agree the laughs make up for it. Hashtags like #Raakaasa and #SangeethShobhan are trending with decent buzz.
How It Is Performing in Theatres
Since it released only today, full box office numbers are still coming in. However, advance bookings and morning shows have shown steady crowds, especially in Telugu-speaking areas and single screens. It is running alongside other releases like Biker, and early reports say Raakaasa is holding its own with good openings in key centres. Positive word-of-mouth from the first few shows suggests it could pick up over the weekend.
Final Verdict
Raakaasa is a light and breezy fantasy-comedy that does not take itself too seriously. It may not break new ground, but it delivers enough laughs and entertainment for a fun theatre outing. If you enjoy silly humour, village vibes, and light horror mixed with romance, you will have a good time.
This reviewer gives it 3 out of 5 stars. It is worth watching once with friends or family for some easy laughs and thrills. In theatres now!