Sampath Nandi announces first schedule wrap-up of Telugu film ‘Shanarthi’

Hyderabad: The unit of director Ganesh Raj Uppunuti’s Telugu film ‘Shanarthi’, being produced by filmmaker Sampath Nandi, on Saturday announced that it had successfully wrapped up the first schedule of shooting.

Sri Dhanalakshmi Productions, which is producing the film in association with Sampath Nandi’s Sampath Nandi Teamworks, took to X to wish the film’s lead actor, Akhil Raj, on his birthday and announce the completion of the first schedule.

The production house posted: “Team #Shanarthi wishes their young hero @akhilrajuddemar garu, a very Happy Birthday. The celebrations doubled as the first schedule for the film is wrapped up. SHANARTHI – A Tale of Culture. @NagaDurgaoffl #UppunootiRajGanesh @sureshbobbili9 @SampathNandi_TW.”

The unit began shooting for the film at Velichala in Telangana on October 25. Sources close to the production had earlier said that filming would continue for a month in Velichala and Gattu Buthukur. Interestingly, director Ganesh Raj hails from Uppunoti Gangadhara Mandal in Gattu Buthukur.

The film features Akhil Raj, known for his role in the Telugu hit ‘Raju Weds Rambai’, and Naga Durga in the lead roles.

Produced by Sampath Nandi’s Sampath Nandi Teamworks, ‘Shanarthi’ marks the directorial debut of Raj Ganesh Uppunooti, a protege of Sampath Nandi. The film is being presented by Aditya Movies.

Naga Durga, known for her lively presence in popular Telangana folk songs, is making her acting debut with the film and has already signed a few other projects.

The title ‘Shanarthi’ originates from the Telangana region, where it has traditionally been used as a form of greeting.

The makers had earlier released a title poster featuring two hands holding each other, one covered in turmeric yellow and the other painted red. The contrasting colours symbolised connection, tradition and togetherness.

The traditional detailing further enhanced the poster’s cultural appeal. Both hands had sacred threads tied around their wrists, while the red hand was adorned with a stack of traditional red bangles.

The tagline, ‘A Tale of Culture’, placed beneath the title, hinted at the film’s thematic focus.

The film had officially gone on floors at Rama Naidu Studios in Hyderabad in the presence of prominent film personalities and the core team.

Sampath Nandi, known for his work as a writer, storyteller and showrunner, has been associated with successful stories and franchises, including the Odela franchise. His association with ‘Shanarthi’ has added to the interest and anticipation surrounding the project.

Music for the film is being composed by Suresh Bobbili, whose distinctive musical style has earned appreciation. His compositions are expected to complement the film’s rural setting while enhancing its emotional depth and regional flavour.