Vishaka Express(2008)
Vishaka Express is a 2008 Indian Telugu-language thriller film directed by Vara Mullapudi. The film stars Allari Naresh, Rajiv Kanakala, Preeti Jhangiani, and Sindhu Tolani in lead roles. The story follows two strangers, Dr. Raja and Ravi Varma, who meet on the Vishaka Express train. Ravi Varma kills Raja's father and frames Raja for the murder, then blackmails him. The film is an adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel 'Strangers on a Train'. It received mixed reviews for its screenplay and direction. The film was released in February 2008.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- YouTube, Amazon Prime Video
- Theatrical Release
- 1 January 2008
- Director
- Vara Mullapudi
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 35m
- Rating
- 6.5/10
Storyline
Dr. Raja boards the Vishaka Express and shares his problems with a stranger, Ravi Varma. Ravi Varma kills Raja's father and frames him. He then blackmails Raja to kill his wife. Raja must clear his name and save the woman he loves.
“A train ride to destruction.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Vishaka Express
Cast reunions in this film: Kota Srinivasa Rao & Allari Naresh (7 films together), Kota Srinivasa Rao & Rajiv Kanakala (5 films together), Kota Srinivasa Rao & Mumaith Khan (4 films together), Kota Srinivasa Rao & Sindhu Tolani (3 films together), Allari Naresh & Rajiv Kanakala (3 films together), and Rajiv Kanakala & Vara Mullapudi (2 films together).
Trivia
- The film is a direct adaptation of the 1951 Alfred Hitchcock classic 'Strangers on a Train', transposing the plot to a Telugu setting.
- Director Vara Mullapoodi was primarily known as a cinematographer, and this was one of his few directorial ventures.
- The movie's title refers to the real-life Visakhapatnam Express train, a key location where the central plot is set in motion.
- Despite its thriller premise, the film incorporates typical Telugu commercial elements like songs and family drama subplots.
- Actor Sivaji plays a pivotal role, and his character's moral conflict drives much of the film's suspense.
- The production faced challenges in filming authentic train sequences, requiring coordination with Indian Railways.
- It is considered an early example of a Telugu thriller attempting a faithful reinterpretation of a famous Western novel and film.