Anaganaga (film)

Anaganaga (transl. Once upon a time) is a 2025 Indian Telugu-language family drama film written and directed by Sunny Sanjay.^[1] The film stars Sumanth, Kajal Choudhary, and Viharsh in the lead roles.^[2] It is loosely adapted from the Marathi film Ekda Kaay Zala.

Anaganaga
Release poster
Directed by	Sunny Sanjay
Written by	Sunny Sanjay
Based on	Ekda Kaay Zala by Saleel Kulkarni
Produced by	Rakesh Reddy Gadam Rudradev Madireddy
Starring	Sumanth Kajal Choudhary Viharsh
Cinematography	Pavan Kumar Pappula
Edited by	Venkatesh Chunduru
Music by	Chandu Ravi
Production company	Krishi Entertainments
Distributed by	ETV Win
Release date	15 May 2025 (2025-05-15)
Running time	136 minutes
Country	India
Language	Telugu

The film was released directly on the ETV Win on 15 May 2025.^[3]

Plot

Anaganaga follows Vyas, a school teacher who strongly believes in the power of storytelling as a teaching method. His unconventional style clashes with the traditional, rank-focused approach of the corporate school where he works. His wife, Bhagi, is the school principal.

When their son Ram and some other students perform poorly on exams, Vyas is blamed and fired. Although humiliated, he is determined to prove that education is more than just grades. He starts his own school for struggling students, focusing on understanding and creativity.

Vyas faces financial struggles, social skepticism, and even resistance from Bhagi, who initially supports conventional education for their son. Through his innovative teaching, Vyas gradually helps his students thrive. The film explores the deep bond between Vyas and Ram, as well as Vyas’s unwavering faith in his teaching philosophy despite many challenges.

Cast

• Sumanth as Vyas Kumar
• Kajal Choudhary as Bhagyalakshmi "Bhagi"
• Viharsh as Ram
• Srinivas Avasarala as Raja Reddy
• Anu Hasan as Rani Amma
• Rakesh Rachakonda as Batta Ravi
• B. V. S. Ravi as Narasimha Pathruni, Andhra Pradesh Education Minister
• Kaumudi Nemani as Doctor
• Shiva Kandukuri as Adult Ram (cameo appearance)

Music

All lyrics are written by Rahman; all music is composed by Chandu Ravi.

No.	Title	Singer(s)	Length
1.	"Chudu Chudu"	Vijay Yesudas	3:42
2.	"Chikkuru Chikku"	Sai Veda Vagdevi, Pradhanya, Manoghna, Tanishka	4:10

Release

Anaganaga was released directly on ETV Win on 15 May 2025. It was originally scheduled for release on 8 May 2025 but was postponed.^[4]

Reception

Sumanth’s performance was widely praised. Sangeetha Devi Dundoo of The Hindu wrote, "Anaganaga may follow a familiar storyline, but it delivers its message with grace. It celebrates storytelling not only as a teaching tool but also as a way of healing and connecting."^[5]

Avad Mohammad of OTTPlay gave the film 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting its strong message about how parents often pressure children to focus only on studies, stifling their creativity.^[6]

India Today also rated it 3 out of 5, appreciating Sunny Sanjay’s insightful storytelling combined with emotional depth. Asianet News Telugu praised Sumanth’s performance and the film’s direction.^[7]