Rakasa promises visual fantasy spectacle

Hyderabad: Riding on strong digital buzz, Rakasa is emerging as a distinctive fantasy adventure comedy ahead of its April 3, 2026 release. Directed by debutant Manasa Sharma, the film stars Sangeeth Sobhan and Nayan Sarika, and is produced by Niharika Konidela under Pink Elephant Pictures in collaboration with Zee Studios.

Speaking ahead of the trailer release, Manasa described Rakasa as a theatrical experience rooted in folklore and powered by stylised visuals. “It’s like blending Chandamama Katha with modern technology and comedy,” she said, emphasizing that while horror elements appear in the teaser, they only serve as a narrative tool within a largely fantasy-driven story.

Manasa, who previously created web projects like Bench Life and Oka Chinna Family Story, said her transition to cinema brought greater responsibility but not creative difficulty. She credited the film’s producer for trusting her vision early on, adding that the story itself secured quick approval.

On casting, she noted that Sangeeth Sobhan was chosen for his suitability to the character rather than prior work, while Nayan Sarika’s versatility made her a natural fit. The film also features a strong supporting cast including Vennela Kishore, Brahmaji, Tanikella Bharani, Ashish Vidyarthi and Getup Srinu.

A major highlight of Rakasa is its visual design and VFX. Manasa revealed that the team shot VFX-heavy portions early to ensure timely completion, working closely with artists and on-set supervision to maintain quality while staying within budget. The film’s world-building, created with production designer Ramanjaneyulu and art director Vishnu Vardhan, is based entirely on her imagination.

Musically, the film is composed by Anudeep Dev, while cinematography and editing are handled by Raju Edurolu and Anwar Ali respectively.

The film’s promotional content has already gained traction, with teasers and songs crossing millions of views online. With its blend of folklore, humor, and stylised storytelling, Rakasa aims to offer a visually rich theatrical experience and a fresh narrative approach for audiences.