Mega157, Chiranjeevi’s highly anticipated action drama, has been generating considerable excitement online since its initial announcement. On Saturday, the filmmakers unveiled a significant update about the star cast, revealing that Nayanthara will take on the role of the female lead.
This casting marks her much-awaited return to Telugu cinema after a prolonged absence. Director Anil Ravipudi took to X to share a special announcement promo featuring the Jawan actress, writing, “Welcoming the ever-graceful queen, #Nayanthara garu, to our #Mega157 journey as she brings her brilliance and elegance alongside our Megastar Chiranjeevi garu once again.” Chiranjeevi also responded to the post, expressing his enthusiasm by sharing, “Welcome back for the hatrick film #Nayanthara! Glad to have you on board for our #Mega157 journey with @anilravipudi. SANKRANTHI 2026.”
Welcoming the ever graceful queen, #Nayanthara garu to our #Mega157 journey as she brings her brilliance and elegance alongside our Megastar @KChiruTweets garu once again ❤️
— https://t.co/P5SFAMwNKR#ChiruAnil SANKRANTHI 2026 – రఫ్ఫాడించేద్దాం pic.twitter.com/xuluceoZ9G
— Anil Ravipudi (@AnilRavipudi) May 17, 2025
Welcome back for the hatrick film #Nayanthara!
Glad to have you on board for our #Mega157 journey with @anilravipudi.
SANKRANTHI 2026 రఫ్ఫాడించేద్దాం 😉#ChiruAnil @Shine_Screens @GoldBoxEnt https://t.co/2faZXKNYaq
— Chiranjeevi Konidela (@KChiruTweets) May 17, 2025
Nayanthara has previously shared the screen with Chiranjeevi in notable films such as Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy (2019) and Godfather (2022), making Mega157 their third collaboration. The film is being produced by Sahu Garapati under Shine Screens, in association with Sushmita Konidela’s Gold Box Entertainments, and is presented by Smt Archana. It is slated to hit theaters during the festive occasion of Sankranti 2026. The movie is anticipated to be a comedy-action entertainer, in line with director Anil Ravupudi’s signature style, though specific plot details remain closely guarded. Rumors suggest that Venkatesh Daggubati might make a cameo appearance. The production is actively progressing, with shooting currently underway.
Shifting focus to Chiranjeevi, his next project is the fantasy drama Vishwambhara. Initially scheduled for release in January 2025, the film’s launch has been postponed to September. Directed by Mallidi Vassishta, it boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Trisha Krishnan, Kunal Kapoor, Ashika Ranganath, Surbhi Puranik, and Isha Chawla.
#Mega157 with the MegaStar @KChiruTweets Sankranthi 2026 🔥 pic.twitter.com/c15pw3lMLl
— Nayanthara✨ (@NayantharaU) May 17, 2025
Meanwhile, Nayanthara was last seen in the thriller Test, alongside R Madhavan and Siddharth, which premiered on Netflix. Her upcoming projects include Yash’s highly anticipated Toxic: A Fairytale for Grownups, as well as Mannanagatti Since 1960, Dear Students, Mookuthi Amman 2, and Rakkiye.