Raksha(2008)
Raksha is a 2008 Telugu-language horror thriller film directed by Vamsi Krishna Akella. It stars Jagapati Babu and Kalyani in lead roles, with Baby Neha playing the titular character. The film follows Rajeev, a wealthy atheist businessman, whose young daughter Raksha begins exhibiting strange, violent behavior after he fires two employees. As her condition worsens, Rajeev is forced to confront the possibility of black magic, leading to a conflict between his scientific beliefs and the supernatural. The film is a remake of Ram Gopal Varma's Hindi film Phoonk and draws thematic inspiration from Yandamuri Veerendranath's novel Tulasi Dalam. It was presented by Ram Gopal Varma and features music by Bappi-Tutul. Raksha was released in 2008 and is available for streaming on select platforms.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV, Sun NXT, Airtel Xstream Play, ZEE5, JioCinema
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2008
- Director
- Vamsikrishna Akella
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 1h 56m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
Rajeev is a successful businessman who trusts only science. When his daughter Raksha suddenly becomes possessed after he fires two employees, his world turns upside down. He must choose between his logical beliefs and the terrifying possibility that black magic is real. Can he save his daughter before it is too late?
“When logic fails, faith begins.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Raksha
Cast reunions in this film: Jagapathi Babu & Brahmanandam (19 films together), Brahmanandam & Subbaraju (18 films together), Jayasudha & Brahmanandam (14 films together), Pradeep Rawat & Brahmanandam (13 films together), Brahmanandam & Rajiv Kanakala (11 films together), and Brahmanandam & Ram Gopal Varma (8 films together).
Trivia
- The film's director Vamsikrishna Akella was a former assistant to director S.V. Krishna Reddy.
- Actress Mamta Mohandas, who played the mother, was also a popular playback singer in South Indian films at the time.
- The movie's climax was shot in a specially constructed temple set to control the supernatural atmosphere.
- It was one of the early Telugu horror films to blend traditional black magic tropes with a family drama setting.
- The film's title 'Raksha' translates to 'protection' in Sanskrit, contrasting with the story's theme of possession.
- Producer Bellamkonda Suresh reportedly insisted on practical effects for the possession scenes over excessive CGI.
- Despite the horror genre, the film included a comedy track featuring actor Ali, which was common for Telugu films of that era.