Some films win at the box office. Others quietly win before the box office even opens. Reports suggest Varun Tej Konidela’s upcoming horror comedy “Korean Kanakaraju” has locked in a non-theatrical deal worth Rs 26 crore, covering the film’s digital and satellite rights. If accurate, this deal alone could recover a significant chunk of the movie’s production budget — well before a single ticket sells. The makers, however, haven’t officially confirmed the figure.
Directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, the film blends Indian and Korean horror-comedy elements and is set to release in theatres on August 7, 2026. Its title teaser already hinted at Varun Tej’s character being possessed by a spirit, setting the tone for a quirky supernatural ride. The team recently dropped their second single, “Rasaagummadi,” composed by Thaman S, giving fans a peppy preview ahead of release.
The film also stars Ritika Nayak as the female lead and Satya in a key role.
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Korean Kanakaraju: Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Lead Actor | Varun Tej Konidela |
| Director | Merlapaka Gandhi |
| Genre | Horror Comedy (Indo-Korean) |
| Release Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Reported Non-Theatrical Deal | Rs 26 crore (digital + satellite rights) |
| Female Lead | Ritika Nayak |
What’s Next for Varun Tej
Varun Tej was last seen in the period drama “Matka,” which underperformed both critically and commercially. After “Korean Kanakaraju,” he’ll star in “Bhari,” a volleyball-themed sports drama directed by Yadhu Vamsee, positioned as a pan-Indian release.
If the reported deal holds up, it gives “Korean Kanakaraju” a financial cushion regardless of how theatrical numbers turn out — a smart hedge for a genre film banking on curiosity value.





