Hyderabad: A New Telugu film Nimmakaya… Neekenduku Bhayam built around superstition, suspense and small-town belief systems officially went on floors in Hyderabad this week. Titled Nimmakaya… Neekenduku Bhayam (“Lemon… Why Are You Afraid?”), the project was launched with a traditional pooja at Sarathi Studios in Ameerpet.
The film is produced under the BVC Films banner and directed by Roshi Reddy Pandillapalli, who previously helmed E Tlu. Newcomers Rajesh Bhupathi and Swapnaraj lead the cast alongside Abitha, with veteran actors Suman and Aamani playing key roles.
Launch Event Details
PCC General Secretary Uppala Srinivas Gupta clapped the board for the muhurtham shot, cinematographer Lion Venkat switched on the camera, and TFCC Chairman Pratani Ramakrishna directed the first shot. Several film industry figures and guests attended to extend their wishes to the team.
Speaking at the event, Suman described the project as carrying strong horror-thriller elements and said he was glad to share screen space with Aamani again. He also used the occasion to call for stronger government support for small-budget producers, arguing that subsidies and incentive schemes for smaller films would translate into wider employment across the industry.
Director Roshi Reddy Pandillapalli said the film aims to build awareness around superstitions still prevalent in society, using the folklore and myths surrounding lemons as its narrative anchor. According to him, a significant portion of the screenplay draws from real-life incidents.
Debutant hero Rajesh Bhupathi called it his first big break, noting that lemons remain tied to superstition for many people even today, and said the film attempts to present that subject from a fresh, fact-based angle.
Cast and Crew
The cast includes Rajesh Bhupathi, Swapnaraj, Abitha, Suman, Aamani, Tanikella Bharani, Ravi Babu, Tarzan, Bengaluru Avinash, Gaddam Naveen, Pushpa Jagadish, Suman Shetty, Jabardasth Rajamouli, Shanti, Hamsa and others.
Technical crew: Story, screenplay and direction by Roshi Reddy Pandillapalli; co-director Janaki Ram Tirandas; music by Varikuppala Yadagiri; cinematography by D. Yadagiri; fights by P. Satish; poster design by Kashi; lyrics by Chintapalli Vijay Kumar; dialogues by Madan; production art by Vijay Krishna; PRO Ashok Dayyal.
The makers have announced that regular shooting will begin in August.
