Tollywood actor Manchu Manoj is staging a blazing comeback, and the first glimpse of his next film David Reddy makes it clear that this return is built on fire and fury. The makers unveiled the film’s first-look poster on Republic Day, instantly capturing attention with a powerful visual that introduces Manoj in a never-seen-before warrior avatar. The poster alone sets the tone for a grand historical action drama fueled by rebellion, sacrifice, and resistance.
Clad in rugged period attire, Manoj’s intense expression, commanding posture, and battle-scarred appearance project a man driven by rage and purpose. His piercing eyes reflect defiance against oppression, hinting at a revolutionary character ready to challenge colonial authority. The striking transformation not only showcases physical dedication but also signals Manoj’s determination to deliver a career-defining performance.
PAN-INDIAN FILM 'DAVID REDDY': MANOJ MANCHU'S FIRST LOOK OUT NOW… On the occasion of #RepublicDay, the makers of the action drama #DavidReddy have unveiled the first look poster.#MariaRiaboshapka plays the female lead.
— taran adarsh (@taran_adarsh) January 26, 2026
Set against the backdrop of the #British era,… pic.twitter.com/pYCiQjHdlN
David Reddy is set during the British colonial era, spanning 1897 to 1920 — a turbulent period marked by rising revolts against imperial rule. Manoj plays the titular character, a fearless rebel who dares to stand against British tyranny and inspire resistance among the oppressed. The film aims to bring a lesser-explored chapter of Indian history to the big screen, blending emotional depth with large-scale action sequences and dramatic storytelling.
Directed by Hanuma Reddy Yakkanti and produced by Nallagangula Venkat Reddy and Bharat Motukuri, the project is being mounted on an ambitious scale. Crafted as a pan-India spectacle, David Reddy will release simultaneously in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, and Kannada, ensuring a nationwide cinematic experience.
Adding international appeal to the narrative is Ukrainian actress Maria Ryaboshapka, who plays the female lead. Indian audiences may recall her role as Jessica in Sivakarthikeyan’s Prince, where she earned praise for her performance. Her presence in David Reddy introduces a global dimension to the storyline, promising an intriguing cross-cultural dynamic. Maria has previously stated that she chose her Indian debut for its strong storytelling and distinct directorial vision — making her inclusion in this project even more compelling.
Before David Reddy, Manoj was last seen in the mythological action entertainer Mirai, directed by Karthik Ghattamaneni. In the film, he impressed viewers with his intense portrayal of the antagonist. Mirai merged Indian mythology with contemporary superhero elements, featuring cutting-edge VFX and adrenaline-fueled sequences. The supporting cast included Shriya Saran, Jagapathi Babu, Ritika Nayak, Jayaram, and Getup Srinu.
The story of Mirai followed a young man chosen by destiny to wield a divine mystical staff tied to ancient prophecy, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and responsibility.
Now, with David Reddy, Manchu Manoj steps into the role of a revolutionary warrior determined to rewrite history. His transformation, the film’s ambitious scale, and its powerful subject matter promise a cinematic spectacle — one that could mark a defining new chapter in his career.