Johnny(2003)
Johnny is a 2003 Telugu-language action drama film directed by Pawan Kalyan, who also stars in the lead role. The supporting cast includes Renu Desai, Raghuvaran, and Mallikharjunarao. The story follows a martial arts coach who enters a dangerous kickboxing tournament to earn money for his wife's blood cancer treatment. The film was produced by Geetha Arts and features cinematography by Sham Palav. It is notable for its realistic fight choreography, which was supervised by Hong Kong stunt masters. The film received mixed reviews upon release but has since gained a cult following for its emotional depth and action sequences. It was released in theaters on April 25, 2003.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- VI Movies and TV, Sun NXT, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 25 April 2003
- Director
- Pawan Kalyan
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 3h
- Rating
- 7.4/10
Storyline
Johnny is a martial arts coach with a painful past. He finds happiness when he marries Geetha. But his world shatters when she is diagnosed with a fatal blood cancer. With no money for treatment, Johnny enters a deadly kickboxing tournament. He must win or lose everything.
“Love is worth every fight”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Johnny
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Narayana & Ali (23 films together), M. S. Narayana & Brahmaji (11 films together), M. S. Narayana & Mallikarjuna Rao (8 films together), M. S. Narayana & Pawan Kalyan (5 films together), Ali & Brahmaji (4 films together), and Brahmaji & Chota K. Naidu (4 films together).
Trivia
- The film was originally titled 'Johnny' but was later renamed 'Johnny' after the lead character's name.
- Pawan Kalyan performed most of his own stunts, including the fight scenes, without a body double.
- The movie's soundtrack was composed by Ramana Gogula, who was known for his experimental music in Telugu cinema.
- It was one of the few Telugu films at the time to address the issue of medical financial struggles in a mainstream action drama.
- The film faced delays in release due to production issues, which affected its initial box office performance.
- A key fight scene was shot in a real martial arts training center to add authenticity to the coach's background.
- The role of the wife was played by Renu Desai, who later married Pawan Kalyan in real life.