Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu

Plot

National Security Guard officer Shankara Vara Prasad falls in love with and marries Sasirekha. However, their marriage is short-lived due to a severe ideological rift between Prasad and his father-in-law, GVR, a powerful and influential businessman. The conflict escalates to the point that Prasad and Sasirekha are forced to divorce. Separated from his wife and children for six years, Prasad longs for an opportunity to reunite with them.

Years later, Prasad learns that his children are attending a boarding school. Seizing the chance to reconnect with them, he adopts a new identity and secures a position at the school as a Physical Training (PT) mentor. He is assisted by his team members Jwaala, Narayana, and Mustafa. Although he gradually bonds with his children, Sasirekha eventually discovers his true identity. Despite her initial shock, she chooses not to reveal the truth to their children while Prasad continues his efforts to redeem himself.

Meanwhile, in Mumbai, an assassination attempt targeting GVR takes place. Recognizing the seriousness of the threat, the central government appoints Prasad—revealed to be a former National Security Guard advisor—as GVR's lead security officer.

Prasad enters GVR's household with the dual aim of reuniting with Sasirekha and confronting GVR, whom he holds responsible for their divorce. Complications arise when Venky Gowda, an influential businessman from Karnataka, arrives with the intention of marrying Sasirekha. Amid wedding preparations and family misunderstandings, Prasad investigates the assassination attempt and concludes that the real target was Sasirekha, not GVR.

Months earlier, Police Inspector Virendra Pandey's brother had raped and murdered a woman. Due to public outrage, the police attempt to kill the accused in an encounter killing. However, Virendra Pandey secretly plots his brother's escape, which is foiled by Sasirekha and her children. Pandey's brother is killed by the police, and Pandey is imprisoned. After being released on bail six months later, he seeks revenge against Sasirekha.

Venky and Prasad later reconcile after rediscovering their past friendship. Venky abandons his plans to marry Sasirekha and instead supports Prasad. Virendra Pandey subsequently attacks Sasirekha at her bungalow, but Prasad intervenes and kills him. Prasad ultimately earns the forgiveness of GVR and Sasirekha, leading to his reunion with Sasirekha, while Venky marries Jwaala.

Production

Development

Following the film Sankranthiki Vasthunam (2025), director Anil Ravipudi narrated a script to actor Chiranjeevi which would mark their maiden collaboration. The film was formally launched on 30 March 2025 with the working title Mega 157 (intended to be Chiranjeevi's 157th film as lead actor). Actress Nayanthara was cast opposite Chiranjeevi. Venkatesh was signed for a "substantial role" in the film. The film thus marked the first on-screen collaboration between the actors in their decades long career.

In August 2025, the film's title was announced as Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, referencing Chiranjeevi's real name "Shankara Vara Prasad."

Principal photography

Principal photography began on 23 May 2024 in Hyderabad. Filming also took place in Kerala, Mussoorie, and Dehradun. The film's shoot was wrapped up 14 December 2025.

Music

The soundtrack and background score was composed by Bheems Ceciroleo.

Release

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu was theatrically released on 12 January 2026, coinciding with Sankranti.

Home media

The film's digital streaming rights were acquired by ZEE5, and it premiered on the platform on 11 February 2026.

Reception

Critical reception

Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu received mixed reviews from critics. Chiranjeevi has received praised for his performance but the film is criticized for its writing. Writing for The New Indian Express, Suresh Kavirayani opined that, "This film belongs entirely to Chiranjeevi. More than Anil Ravipudi’s writing, it is Chiru’s screen presence that holds the film together." NDTV's Latha Srinivasan, who rated the film 2.5/5, stated: "The plot is not new and neither is the treatment - the jokes fall flat and really don't hit the high notes at any point." Swaroop Kodur of The Indian Express, who also rated the film 2.5/5, saying that, "the film makes a low-effort attempt at entertaining us, and only a few parts work well." On the film's writing, Shruthi Ganapati Raman of The Hollywood Reporter India, stated, "The writing remains slaphappy and nostalgic, evocative of films that represented good family fun."

A reviewer from Eenadu, identified Chiranjeevi's performance in the film, humour and climax as its positives while screenplay of the second-half is a letdown. On Chiranjeevi–Venkatesh collaboration, Sangeetha Devi of The Hindu stated that the portions are slightly underwhelming, is "film is weighed down by the expectations that come with pairing two superstars." She has also criticized the film's technical values and cinematography.

Box office

The film grossed ₹65 crore on its opening day, with ₹44.75 crore from India and $2.3 million in international territories. It is Chiranjeevi's second best opening following Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. After the first seven days of its release, the film grossed between ₹222.50–225 crores worldwide including ₹189–157.75 crore domestically.

The film earned an estimated ₹300–310 crore worldwide over its 50-day theatrical run.