Megastar Chiranjeevi’s highly anticipated film, Mana Shankar Varaprasad Garu, directed by popular filmmaker Anil Ravipudi, is generating significant buzz ahead of its 2026 Sankranti release. On Diwali, Ravipudi extended greetings to fans via social media, writing, “On behalf of the Man Shankar Varaprasad Garu team, wishing you all a very Happy Diwali. Let’s make Sankranti full of laughter and fun,” further heightening expectations for the film. A newly released poster features Chiranjeevi in a green hoodie, riding a bicycle in a stylish, youthful look.
Chiranjeevi, whose real name is Konidela Siva Shankar Varaprasad, plays the titular character, reflecting Ravipudi’s admiration for the actor. This marks the 157th film in Chiranjeevi’s career. Nayanthara stars opposite him, their first collaboration since Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. Veteran actor Victory Venkatesh and Catherine Tresa are also part of the ensemble cast.
"మన శంకర వరప్రసాద్ గారు" తరపున మీ అందరికి దీపావళి శుభాకాంక్షలు ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
నవ్వుల టపాసులు సంక్రాంతికి పేలుద్దాం 🥳🥳🧨🧨#ManaShankaraVaraPrasadGaru #ChiruANIL ~ #MSG Sankranthi 2026 RELEASE. pic.twitter.com/iyHMAWMzho
— Anil Ravipudi (@AnilRavipudi) October 20, 2025
The film is jointly produced by Sahu Garapati and Chiranjeevi’s daughter Susmita Konidela under Shine Screen and Gold Box Entertainments banners, with a substantial budget. Bheems Ceciroleo is composing the music, while cinematography is handled by Sameer Reddy.
Ravipudi has completed the third schedule of filming, which included sequences shot in Kerala. The director emphasized that the film is being crafted as a full-fledged entertainer, with Chiranjeevi appearing in a stylish new avatar. VFX has been used sparingly, with 95% of the actor’s on-screen look being original.
Man Shankar Varaprasad Garu is targeted for release during the 2026 Sankranti festival, potentially on January 12. The festival holds special significance for Ravipudi, adding to the anticipation surrounding the film.