Sat Dec 13 02:20:00 UTC 2025: Roshan Kanakala’s ‘Mowgli’ Hits Theaters, Receives Mixed Reviews
Hyderabad, December 13, 2025 – Roshan Kanakala, son of popular Telugu personalities Suma and Rajeev Kanakala, stars in ‘Mowgli,’ his second film, which was released in theaters this Saturday. The film also features Sakshi Madolkar as the female lead and Bandi Saroj Kumar as the antagonist.
Directed by Sandeep Raj, known for his critically acclaimed film ‘Color Photo,’ ‘Mowgli’ tells the story of Murali (Roshan Kanakala), an orphan raised in the forest, nicknamed “Mowgli.” He aspires to become a police officer like his late father. Mowgli falls in love with Jasmine (Sakshi Madolkar), a dance assistant on a film shoot in his village. However, a film producer and a corrupt SI Christopher Nolan (Bandi Saroj Kumar) also have their eyes on Jasmine, leading to conflict. Mowgli and Jasmine flee into the forest to escape Nolan’s clutches, and the rest of the story revolves around Nolan’s pursuit and their struggle for love and survival.
Critics note that while the forest backdrop provides a unique touch to a familiar love story, the execution falls into predictability. The first half, set against the backdrop of filmmaking, is engaging, but the second half suffers from monotony. Reviewers praise Roshan Kanakala’s performance and his dedication to the role, but suggest further improvement. Sakshi Madolkar is noted for her cuteness in the role of the mute girl. Bandi Saroj Kumar is applauded for his portrayal of the villain, with some suggesting he could become a prominent antagonist in Telugu cinema.
The film features music by Kaala Bhairava and cinematography by Rama Maruthi. Despite strong production values, ‘Mowgli’ is rated 2.5 out of 5.
First Piper 