Mukunda is a 2014 Indian Telugu-language drama film written and directed by Srikanth Addala. The film was produced by Tagore Madhu and Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) under the banner Leo Productions. It stars debutuant Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde with Prakash Raj, Rao Ramesh, and Nassar in supporting roles. Mickey J Meyer composed the film's soundtrack and background score. Marthand K. Venkatesh edited the film.
Production began on 27 February 2014 in Hyderabad. Principal photography commenced on 24 March 2014 in Cochin and was completed on 16 December 2014 in Hyderabad. The film was initially titled Gollabhama. Apart from Hyderabad, the film was predominantly shot in Andhra Pradesh at places like Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram, and Amalapuram as well as in Cochin and Alleppey in Kerala and at Kanyakumari, Pollachi in Tamil Nadu. The film released worldwide on 24 December 2014. The film received mixed reviews from critics praising the cast performances (particularly Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde), dialogues, songs and background score besides criticizing the screenplay, editing and slow pace of the film. Later the film was dubbed into Hindi as Dushman No. 1 and it was also dubbed in Tamil and Malayalam in the same title.
Plot
Mukunda is a college-going student who goes to any extent for his friends. One day, his best friend falls in love with the daughter of a powerful municipal chairman. Things take an ugly turn when Mukunda enters the scene and decides to go against the chairman and his power. The rest of the story is about how he wins and inspires others.
Cast
Varun Tej as Mukunda
Pooja Hegde as Gopika
Prakash Raj as Jaya Prakash
Rao Ramesh as Municipal Chairman
Nassar as DSP Mohan Krishna
Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao as Mukunda's father
Abhimanyu Singh as Ranga
Ali as Veeraraju
Raghu Babu as Chairman's assistant
Praveen as Sathish, Mukunda's friend
Satya Dev as one of chairman's gang
Krishna Teja as Mukunda's friend
Deepti Sirdesai
Sekhar Kammula (cameo appearance) as Mukunda's uncle
Production
Development
C. Aswini Dutt approached Puri Jagannadh to prepare a script and direct the debut film of Naga Babu's son Varun Tej. The project failed to materialize and subsequently, Puri Jagannadh produced and directed that script which was titled Heart Attack starring Nithin and Adah Sharma. Srikanth Addala was confirmed to direct the film in late January 2014. The film was announced to be shot in the locales of Kerala and East Godavari. The film was formally launched at Hyderabad on 27 February 2014. The film was confirmed to be produced by Nallamalapu Srinivas and Tagore Madhu jointly on Leo Productions banner. Mickey J. Meyer was announced as the film's music director while V. Manikandan was announced as the Director of photography. The film's opening ceremony was aired live on MAA TV which was the first time ever for a Telugu film. Pooja Hegde confirmed the film's title as Gollabhama in early June 2014. The film's title was changed in early August 2014 with Mukunda Murari being the possible title. However, on Janmashtami, the makers renamed the film as Mukunda.
Casting
Prior to this film, Varun Tej underwent training in acting skills under the supervision of Satyanand who trained Varun's uncle Pawan Kalyan. Either of Akshara Haasan and Parineeti Chopra was rumored as the film's female lead. Pooja Hegde was finalized as the film's female lead later. Prakash Raj, Brahmanandam, Rao Ramesh and Nassar were confirmed to appear in crucial roles during the film's launch. Varun Tej was reported to be seen as a volleyball player in the film in late March 2014. Allu Arjun was reported to make a cameo appearance in the film in mid June 2014. The film's unit confirmed those reports as rumors later. Sekhar Kammula was reported to make a cameo appearance in the film.
Filming
Principal photography was supposed to start from 15 March 2014 in Kerala. The filming began on 24 March 2014 at Cochin. The film was reported to be shot in the locales of Alleppey. Varun Tej suffered a fracture during the filming of an action sequence at Alleppey and shooting resumed after his recovery. On its completion, the next schedule began in Konaseema. The film was shot in places like Rajahmundry, Bhimavaram, Samalkota and adjoining areas for four weeks. The film was also shot in areas like Pollachi, Kanyakumari and Yanam in early June 2014. The schedule ended almost after 33 days on 4 July and the team returned to Hyderabad. A new schedule began at Hyderabad on 29 July on whose completion, the filming continued in Amalapuram from 5 August.