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{{Short description|2026 film by Anil Ravipudi}}
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{{Use Indian English|date=April 2026}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2026}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu
| image = Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu.jpg
| caption = Theatrical release poster
| director = [[Anil Ravipudi]]
| producer = {{Plain list|
* [[Sahu Garapati]]
* Sushmita Konidela
}}
| starring = {{Plain list|
* [[Chiranjeevi]]
* [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]]
* [[Nayanthara]]
* [[Catherine Tresa]]
}}
| writer = Anil Ravipudi
| music = [[Bheems Ceciroleo]]
| cinematography = [[Sameer Reddy]]
| editing = Tammiraju
| studio = {{Plain list|
* Shine Screens
* Gold Box Entertainments
}}
| released = {{Film date|2026|01|12|df=y}}
| runtime = 165 minutes
| country = India
| language = Telugu
| budget = {{INR|200 crore}}<ref name="budget">{{cite web | title=Rs 28 cr budget for Chiranjeevi's Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu; it earned over Rs 300 cr globally, says director | date=23 January 2026 | url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/chiranjeevi-mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-rs-28-cr-budget-earns-rs-350-cr-box-office-anil-ravipudi-10490547/ |website=[[The Indian Express]] |access-date=25 January 2026 }}</ref>
| gross = {{INR|300{{ndash}}400 crore}}{{efn|name="msvpg"|''Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu''{{'s}} reported worldwide grosses vary around ₹300 crore (''[[The Indian Express]]'', which notes that although the headline cites ₹375 crore, that figure is producer-stated while the article text reports ₹300 crore)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-02-05 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu rewrites box office records, hits Rs 375 crore milestone in 25 days |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-box-office-records-chiranjeevi-film-earns-rs-375-crore-10515138/ |access-date=2026-04-09 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> – ₹400 crore (''[[Cinema Express]]'' reports the film’s sustained run supporting its commercial performance)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-03-02 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu completes 50-day run in 109 centres |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2026/Mar/02/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-completes-50-day-run-in-109-centres |access-date=2026-03-12 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>}}
}}

'''''Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu''''' ({{Translation|Our Mr. Shankara Vara Prasad}}) is a 2026 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[action comedy]] film written and directed by [[Anil Ravipudi]]. The film is produced by [[Sahu Garapati]] and Sushmita Konidela. It stars [[Chiranjeevi]] in the titular role, alongside [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]], [[Nayanthara]] and [[Catherine Tresa]]. The plot follows Shankara Vara Prasad, a national security officer who seeks to protect his estranged wife and children, seeing it as a chance to re-unite with them.

Principal photography began on 23 May 2024, with filming taking place in [[Hyderabad]], [[Kerala]], [[Mussoorie]], and [[Dehradun]]. The film's shoot was wrapped up in December 2025. The film has music composed by [[Bheems Ceciroleo]].

The film was theatrically released on 12 January 2026 and received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences with praise at Chiranjeevi’s performance and the film’s subject. It performed well at the box office, making it the [[List of Telugu films of 2026|highest-grossing Telugu film of 2026]], [[List of Indian films of 2026|third highest-grossing Indian film of 2026]], and [[List of highest-grossing Telugu films|eleventh highest-grossing Telugu film of all time]].

== Plot ==
[[National Security Guard|National Security Guard officer]] Shankara Vara Prasad falls in love with and marries Sasirekha. However, their marriage is short-lived due to a severe ideological rift between Prasad and his father-in-law, G.V.R., a powerful and influential businessman. The conflict escalates to the point that Prasad and Sasirekha are forced to divorce. Separated from his wife and children for six years, Prasad longs for an opportunity to reunite with them.

Years later, Prasad learns that his children are attending a boarding school. Seizing the chance to reconnect with them, he adopts a new identity and secures a position at the school as a Physical Training (PT) mentor. He is assisted by his team members Jwaala, Narayana, and Mustafa. Although he gradually bonds with his children, Sasirekha eventually discovers his true identity. Despite her initial shock, she chooses not to reveal the truth to their children while Prasad continues his efforts to redeem himself.

Meanwhile, in [[Mumbai]], an assassination attempt targeting G.V.R. takes place. Recognizing the seriousness of the threat, the [[Government of India|central government]] appoints Prasad—revealed to be a former [[National Security Guard]] advisor—as G.V.R.'s lead security officer.

Prasad enters G.V.R.'s household with the dual aim of reuniting with Sasirekha and confronting G.V.R., whom he holds responsible for their divorce. Complications arise when Venky Gowda, an influential businessman from [[Karnataka]], arrives with the intention of marrying Sasirekha. Amid wedding preparations and family misunderstandings, Prasad investigates the assassination attempt and concludes that the real target was Sasirekha, not G.V.R.

Months earlier, [[Inspector|Police Inspector]] Virendra Pandey's brother had raped and murdered a woman. Due to public outrage, the police attempt to kill the accused in an [[Encounter killing|encounter killing]]. However, Virendra Pandey secretly plots his brother's escape, which is foiled by Sasirekha and her children. Pandey's brother is killed by the police, and Pandey is imprisoned. After being released on bail six months later, he seeks revenge against Sasirekha.

Venky and Prasad later reconcile after rediscovering their past friendship. Venky abandons his plans to marry Sasirekha and instead supports Prasad. Virendra Pandey subsequently attacks Sasirekha at her bungalow, but Prasad intervenes and kills him. Prasad ultimately earns the forgiveness of G.V.R. and Sasirekha, leading to his reunion with Sasirekha, while Venky marries Jwaala.

== Cast ==
{{castlist|
* [[Chiranjeevi]] as Shankara Varaprasad
* [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]] as Venky Gowda
* [[Nayanthara]] as Sasirekha "Sasi"
* [[Catherine Tresa]] as Jwala
* [[Zarina Wahab]] as Varaprasad's mother
* [[Harsha Vardhan]] as Narayana
* [[Abhinav Gomatam]] as Mustafa
* [[Sachin Khedekar]] as G.V.R, Sasi's father
* [[Sharat Saxena]] as MP Nitin Sharma
* [[Harsha Chemudu]] as Drunkard in Forest
* [[Raghu Babu]] as Intelligence Officer
* [[Sudev Nair]] as Virendra Pandey
* [[Srinivasa Reddy]] as Reddy, GVR's PA
* Khushi Soni as Nikki, Vara Prasad and Sasi’s daughter
* Ooha Reddy as Vikki, Vara Prasad and Sasi’s son
* Bheemala Revanth as C.P.L Sugunesh
* Vadlamani Srinivas as School Principal
* Karuna Bhushan as Sasi’s friend
* Nandana Nandu as Sasi’s friend
* [[Anil Ravipudi]] as Himself in "Mega Victory Mass" song (Cameo)
}}

== Production ==

=== Development ===
Following the film ''[[Sankranthiki Vasthunam]]'' (2025), director [[Anil Ravipudi]] narrated a script to actor [[Chiranjeevi]] which would mark their maiden collaboration.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mega 157: Chiranjeevi teams up with Anil Ravipudi for new entertainer |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mega-157-chiranjeevi-teams-up-with-anil-ravipudi-for-new-entertainer/16485c076f977 |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref> The film was formally launched on 30 March 2025 with the working title ''Mega 157'' (intended to be Chiranjeevi's 157th film as lead actor)''.''<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-03-30 |title='Mega 157': Chiranjeevi's next with Anil Ravipudi launched; Venkatesh Daggubati sounds the clapboard |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mega-157-chiranjeevi-venkatesh-daggubati-anil-ravipudi-sankranthiki-vasthunam/article69392964.ece |access-date=2026-01-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> Actress [[Nayanthara]] was cast opposite Chiranjeevi.<ref>{{Cite news |last= |first= |date=2025-05-17 |title='Mega 157': Nayanthara joins Chiranjeevi's film with Anil Ravipudi |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mega-157-nayanthara-chiranjeevi-anil-ravipudi-shine-screens-sankranthiki-vasthunam/article69586818.ece |access-date=2026-01-04 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> [[Venkatesh (actor)|Venkatesh]] was signed for a "substantial role" in the film.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Venkatesh Plays a Substantial Role in Chiranjeevi's Mega 157, Director Clarifies |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/southcinema/venkatesh-plays-a-substantial-role-in-chiranjeevi-s-mega-157-director-clarifies/ar-AA1HXRT1 |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=www.msn.com}}</ref> The film thus marked the first on-screen collaboration between the actors in their decades long career.<ref>{{Cite news |last=ANI |date=2025-10-25 |title='Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu': Chiranjeevi set for maiden collaboration with Venkatesh Daggubati |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/chiranjeevi-venkatesh-daggubati-mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-anil-ravipudi-nayanthara-sankranthi-2026/article70200836.ece |access-date=2026-01-12 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2025-12-04 |title=Chiranjeevi & Venkatesh Set for Blockbuster Collaboration, Express Joy |url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/chiranjeevi-venkatesh-set-for-blockbuster-collaboration-express-joy-1921535 |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=www.deccanchronicle.com |language=en}}</ref>

In August 2025, the film's title was announced as ''Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu,'' referencing Chiranjeevi's real name "Shankara Vara Prasad'''''."'''''<ref>{{Cite web |last=Devulapally |first=Aditya |date=2025-08-22 |title=Chiranjeevi's Mega157 titled Mana ShankaraVaraPrasad Garu; title glimpse teases stylish avatar |url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/telugu/news/2025/Aug/22/chiranjeevis-mega157-titled-mana-shankaravaraprasad-garu-title-glimpse-teases-stylish-avatar |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Cinema Express |language=en}}</ref>

=== Principal photography ===
Principal photography began on 23 May 2024 in [[Hyderabad]].<ref>{{Cite web |title='మెగా 157' ప్రారంభం.. ఫస్ట్‌ సీన్‌ ఎక్కడంటే {{!}} Chiranjeevi Mega 157 Movie Shooting Now Started In Hyderabad {{!}} Sakshi |url=https://www.sakshi.com/telugu-news/movies/chiranjeevi-mega-157-movie-shooting-now-started-hyderabad-2458000 |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=www.sakshi.com |language=te}}</ref> Filming also took place in [[Kerala]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Megastar Chiranjeevi, Anil Ravipudi's Mega 157 Moves to Kerala {{!}} Filmfare.com |url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/south/megastar-chiranjeevi-anil-ravipudis-mega-157-moves-to-kerala-75606.html |access-date=2026-01-04 |website=www.filmfare.com |language=en}}</ref> [[Mussoorie]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=2025-06-17 |title=Chiranjeevi and Nayanthara begin shooting for Anil Ravipudi's 'Mega157' in Mussoorie |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/chiranjeevi-and-nayanthara-begin-shooting-for-anil-ravipudis-mega157-in-mussoorie/articleshow/121907078.cms |access-date=2026-01-12 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref> and [[Dehradun]].<ref name=":0" /> The film's shoot was wrapped up 14 December 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-12-14 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Grand Release For Sankranthi on Jan 12 |url=https://www.telugutimes.net/en/cinemas/cinema-news/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-grand-release-for-sankranthi-on-jan-12-333958.html |access-date=2026-01-12 |website=Telugu Times |language=en}}</ref>

== Music ==
{{Main|Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (soundtrack)}}
The soundtrack and background score was composed by [[Bheems Ceciroleo]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=czRBWurAFdU|title=Mana Shankaravaraprasad Garu Jukebox | Chiranjeevi,Nayanthara | Bheems Ceciroleo | Anil Ravipudi|date=January 10, 2026|via=YouTube}}</ref>

== Release ==
''Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu'' was theatrically released on 12 January 2026, coinciding with [[Sankranti]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu release date locked for Sankranti 2026 |url=https://www.bookmyshow.com/movies/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu/ET00457184 |date=5 September 2024}}</ref>

=== Home media ===
The film's digital streaming rights were acquired by [[ZEE5]], and it premiered on the platform on 11 February 2026.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: 5 Reasons to stream the Chiranjeevi film on OTT |url=https://www.ottplay.com/news/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-5-reasons-to-stream-the-chiranjeevi-film-on-ott/9857cf3581817 |access-date=2026-02-10 |website=OTTPlay |language=en}}</ref>

== Reception ==

=== Critical reception ===
''Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu'' received positive reviews from critics. Chiranjeevi has received praised for his performance but the film is criticized for its weak writing.<ref name="reviews">{{Cite web |last=Das |first=Garima |date=13 January 2026 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Box Office Collection Day 1: Chiranjeevi Starrer Earns Nearly Rs 30 Crore |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/south-cinema/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-box-office-collection-day-1 |access-date=13 January 2026 |website=[[Outlook India]]}}</ref> Writing for ''[[The New Indian Express]]'', Suresh Kavirayani opined that, "This film belongs entirely to Chiranjeevi. More than Anil Ravipudi’s writing, it is Chiru’s screen presence that holds the film together."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kavirayani |first=Suresh |date=2026-01-12 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Movie Review: It is Chiranjeevi's show all the way |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2026/Jan/12/telugureview2026jan12mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-review-it-is-chiranjeevis-show-all-the-way |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> [[NDTV]]'s Latha Srinivasan, who rated the film 2.5/5, stated - "The plot is not new and neither is the treatment - the jokes fall flat and really don't hit the high notes at any point."<ref>{{Cite web |date=12 January 2026 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Review: Chiranjeevi's Performance Cannot Save This Predictable Sankranthi Film |url=https://www.ndtv.com/entertainment/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-review-chiranjeevis-performance-cannot-save-this-predictable-sankranthi-film-2-5-stars-10732772 |website=[[NDTV]]}}</ref> Swaroop Kodur of ''[[The Indian Express]]'', who also rated the film 2.5/5, saying that, "the film makes a low-effort attempt at entertaining us, and only a few parts work well."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-13 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu movie review: Chiranjeevi and Anil Ravipudi settle for easy, contrived laughs |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/movie-review/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-review-chiranjeevi-anil-ravipudi-settle-for-easy-contrived-laughs-10468961/ |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> On the film's writing, Shruthi Ganapati Raman of [[The Hollywood Reporter|''The Hollywood Reporter India'']], stated, "The writing remains slaphappy and nostalgic, evocative of films that represented good family fun."<ref>{{Cite web |title='Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' Movie Review: A Fun Chiranjeevi Navigates A Trite Marriage Drama |url=https://www.hollywoodreporterindia.com/reviews/theatrical/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-review-a-fun-chiranjeevi-navigates-a-trite-marriage-drama |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=The Hollywood Reporter India |language=en}}</ref>

A reviewer from ''[[Eenadu]]'', identified Chiranjeevi's performance in the film, humour and climax as its positives while screenplay of the second-half is a let down.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Review: రివ్యూ: మన శంకరవరప్రసాద్‌గారు.. చిరు-అనిల్‌ కాంబో మెప్పించిందా? |url=https://www.eenadu.net/telugu-news/movies/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-reivew-in-telugu/0203/126006861 |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=EENADU |language=te}}</ref> On Chiranjeevi–Venkatesh collaboration, Sangeetha Devi of ''[[The Hindu]]'' stated that the portions are slightly underwhelming, is "film is weighed down by the expectations that come with pairing two superstars." She has also criticized the film's technical values and cinematography.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dundoo |first=Sangeetha Devi |date=2026-01-12 |title='Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' movie review: Chiranjeevi returns with a fun outing, and Venkatesh joins the party |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-movie-review-anil-ravipudis-film-stars-chiranjeevi-venkatesh-and-nayanthara/article70500563.ece |access-date=2026-01-14 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

=== Box office ===
The film grossed {{Indian rupee}}65 [[crore]] on its opening day, with ₹44.75 crore from India and $2.3 million in international territories. It is Chiranjeevi's second best opening following ''[[Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-01-13 |title=Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu worldwide box office collection day 1: Chiranjeevi film opens at ₹65 crore, beats Pushpa |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/telugu-cinema/mana-shankara-varaprasad-garu-worldwide-box-office-collection-day-1-chiranjeevi-film-65-crore-beats-pushpa-gadar-2-101768306641138.html |access-date=2026-01-14 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> After the first seven days of its release, the film grossed between ₹222.50{{En dash}}225 crores worldwide including ₹189{{En dash}}157.75 crore domestically.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Singh |first=Vanshika |date=19 January 2026 |title=South box office report: Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu leads, Anaganaga Oka Raju follows, Vaa Vaathiyaar slides |url=https://www.news9live.com/entertainment/celebrity/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-collectanaganaga-oka-raju-follows-vaa-vaathiyaar-slides-2920639 |access-date=19 January 2026 |website=[[TV9 Telugu|News9]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Wadhwa |first=Aman |date=19 January 2026 |title=Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu box office collection day 7: Chiranjeevi film crushes The Raja Saab, earns Rs 222 crore worldwide |url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu-box-office-collection-day-7-chiranjeevi-film-crushes-the-raja-saab-earns-rs-222-crore-worldwide-3197535 |access-date=19 January 2026 |website=[[Daily News and Analysis]] |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Mathur |first=Abhimanyu |date=19 January 2026 |title=Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu worldwide box office collection day 7: Chiranjeevi film mints ₹225 cr; beats The Raja Saab |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/entertainment/bollywood/mana-shankara-varaprasad-garu-worldwide-box-office-collection-day-7-chiranjeevi-film-225-cr-beats-prabhas-the-raja-saab-101768794920537.html |access-date=19 January 2026 |website=[[Hindustan Times]]}}</ref>

The film earned ₹300 crore worldwide in 50 days of theatrical run.{{efn|name="msvpg"}}

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*{{IMDb title|28629017}}
*''[https://www.zee5.com/movies/details/mana-shankara-vara-prasad-garu/0-0-1z5904059 Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu]'' on [[ZEE5]]

{{Anil Ravipudi}}

[[Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films set in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Films shot in Mumbai]]
[[Category:Indian action drama films]]
[[Category:Films directed by Anil Ravipudi]]
[[Category:Films scored by Bheems Ceciroleo]]
[[Category:Fictional portrayals of the Maharashtra Police]]
[[Category:2026 Indian films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kerala]]
[[Category:2026 Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language action comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian action comedy films]]
[[Category:Indian films about revenge]]
[[Category:Films about dysfunctional families]]
[[Category:Films about father–son relationships]]
[[Category:Films about mother–son relationships]]
[[Category:Films about families]]
[[Category:National Security Guards in fiction]]
[[Category:Films about security and surveillance]]
[[Category:Films shot in Dehradun]]
[[Category:Films about divorce]]

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu - Revision history

AhmedSturgis at 16:23, 6 May 2026