The Telugu film industry is gearing up for a major dual debut as actress Rasha Thadani officially confirms her entry into Tollywood with director Ajay Bhupathi’s next project, tentatively titled AB4. The young star, who recently made her Bollywood debut, will share the screen with another significant newcomer, Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni, the nephew of Telugu superstar Mahesh Babu.
The project immediately commands attention due to its stellar backing from some of Telugu cinema’s most formidable production houses: Vyjayanthi Movies, Swapna Cinema, and Anandi Art Creations. This high-profile launch ensures that Rasha Thadani’s foray into the South will be a major cinematic event, marking a clear strategic move toward a pan-Indian career.
The pairing of Rasha Thadani and Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni generates palpable excitement across both Hindi and Telugu film industries.
Rasha Thadani, daughter of veteran actress Raveena Tandon, quickly garnered a fanbase after her Bollywood debut in the historical drama, Azaad, where her powerful screen presence and the viral success of the song “Uyi Amma” made her a breakout name. Her choice of AB4 for her Telugu debut signals her intention to tackle versatile roles across regional cinema.
Jaya Krishna Ghattamaneni carries the immense legacy of the Ghattamaneni family, being the son of the late actor-producer Ramesh Babu and the nephew of superstar Mahesh Babu. The launch of a Ghattamaneni scion is always a major event in Tollywood, and Jaya Krishna has reportedly undergone extensive acting training in the U.S. to prepare for this highly anticipated debut. Their casting together creates a magnetic, fresh pairing that instantly captures audience curiosity.
Helming AB4 is director Ajay Bhupathi, known for his intense, emotionally raw, and character-driven storytelling. Bhupathi shot to fame with the blockbuster romantic thriller RX 100, which later inspired the Hindi remake Tadap. He followed this up with the critically noted Maha Samudram and Mangalavaaram.
The film is currently described by the makers as a “raw, rugged, and real love story” set against the breathtaking backdrop of rugged hills and dramatic landscapes. Bhupathi’s track record suggests that Rasha Thadani will not merely play a conventional romantic interest but a significant, challenging female lead—a signature of the director’s intense, realistic narratives.
Rasha Thadani expressed her excitement on social media: “New beginnings, endless gratitude! Mee andari prema tho (With all your love), I’m stepping into Telugu cinema. Thank you @DirAjayBhupathi sir for this opportunity. Chala excited to start this journey! #TeluguDebut #AB4.”
AB4 gains exceptional credibility and scale through the involvement of three legendary production houses. The project is presented by Ashwini Dutt of Vyjayanthi Movies and produced by P. Kiran under the Chandamama Kathalu Pictures banner, with the support of Swapna Cinema and Anandi Art Creations.
- Vyjayanthi Movies (Ashwini Dutt) brings decades of experience and massive clout, backing some of the biggest films in Telugu cinema, including the recent pan-Indian epic Kalki 2898 AD.
- Swapna Cinema (Swapna Dutt Chalasani) is known for supporting cutting-edge, content-driven films, adding artistic weight to the project.
This formidable alliance guarantees a high production quality and a vast theatrical release, confirming that AB4 is no small-scale venture but a meticulously planned launch vehicle for both newcomers.
Regular shooting for AB4 is expected to commence later this month, and the official title will be unveiled soon, further cementing this film’s status as a major project in the 2026 Telugu film calendar.
