Aadi(2002)
Aadi is a 2002 Indian Telugu-language action drama film directed by debutant V. V. Vinayak. The film stars N. T. Rama Rao Jr., Keerthi Chawla, and Rajan P. Dev. Set in the faction-ridden Rayalaseema region, the story follows a young man who returns to his ancestral village to avenge his parents' murder. He confronts a ruthless faction leader who has terrorised the area for decades. The film was a blockbuster at the box office, collecting a distributor share of ₹18.2 crore. It won four Nandi Awards and established Jr. NTR as a major star in Telugu cinema. The film was released on 28 March 2002.
Quick Facts
- Streaming on
- Sun NXT, Airtel Xstream Play, Plex
- Theatrical Release
- 28 March 2002
- Director
- V. V. Vinayak
- Language
- Telugu
- Runtime
- 2h 36m
- Rating
- 5.6/10
Storyline
Aadi Kesava Reddy loses his parents at age eight when a faction leader kills them for their land. He grows up in Hyderabad unaware of his past. When he learns the truth, he returns to Rayalaseema to take revenge and reclaim his father's 4,000 acres for the poor.
“A son's revenge begins here.”
Film Details
Parental Guide
Where to Watch
Vibe & Tags
Cast & Crew
Reunion Meter
Frequent partnerships reunited for Aadi
Cast reunions in this film: M. S. Narayana & Ahuti Prasad (17 films together), M. S. Narayana & Chalapathi Rao (13 films together), M. S. Narayana & L. B. Sriram (9 films together), Chalapathi Rao & Ahuti Prasad (9 films together), M. S. Narayana & Jr. NTR (6 films together), and Jr. NTR & Rajiv Kanakala (5 films together).
Trivia
- The film was initially offered to director Puri Jagannadh, but he declined, leading to V. V. Vinayak's directorial debut.
- The song 'Chamak Cham' was shot in Bangkok, marking a lavish production effort for a debut hero film at the time.
- Actress Aarthi Agarwal, the female lead, was only 16 years old during filming and had to get special permission to work.
- The film's climax was shot in the dense forests of Maredumilli in East Godavari, a location rarely used in Telugu cinema then.
- Composer Devi Sri Prasad's background score heavily used folk percussion, giving the rural revenge drama a distinct sound.
- The movie's success established a popular actor-director duo, with Prabhas and Vinayak collaborating again on 'Chatrapathi'.
- Producer M. S. Raju released the film during the Sankranti festival, a competitive slot, betting on the newcomer Prabhas's appeal.