Vishwaksen returns to direction with ‘#CULT’

Vishwaksen is once again stepping behind the camera. Known for pushing creative boundaries, Vishwaksen is returning to direction with his latest and most ambitious venture yet: #CULT.

The film is being produced by Karate Raju (Vishwaksen’s father) and Sandeep Kakarala under the banners of Tarak Cinemas and Vanmaye Creations.

Alongside directing, Vishwaksen has also written the story, making #CULT a deeply personal and creatively driven project. Starring opposite him is actress Gayatri Bharadwaj, adding star power and fresh chemistry to the film.

Party thriller

Touted as a new-age party thriller inspired by true events, #CULT promises to shatter genre conventions. The announcement poster—featuring the protagonist wearing a goat mask amid flying confetti and stacked containers—sets the tone for a wild, offbeat ride that blends chaos with mystery. With such imagery, it’s clear this won’t be a run-of-the-mill thriller but an experimental cinematic experience.

The film was officially launched today at a grand muhurtham ceremony held at Ramanaidu Studios. The event was graced by prominent industry figures: S. Radha Krishna (Chinna Babu) unveiled the title logo, Talasani Srinivas Yadav switched on the camera for the inaugural shot, and Allu Aravind gave the first clap. Following the ceremony, the film’s regular shoot commenced.

Top technicians

One of the project’s most exciting aspects is Vishwaksen’s decision to introduce 40 newcomers to the screen, showcasing his commitment to nurturing fresh talent. Supporting his vision is a powerhouse technical crew: acclaimed filmmaker Tharun Bhascker has written the dialogues, while Ravi Basrur—famed for his music in KGF and Salaar—composes the score. Arvind Vishwanathan helms cinematography, Ravi Teja Girijala handles editing, and Arvind Mule leads art direction.

In a bold move that underscores the film’s international ambition, #CULT will be released in Telugu, Hindi, Japanese, Spanish, and English.