Naandhi (2021)
A wrongly accused man and a rookie lawyer take on a corrupt system in this gripping Telugu courtroom thriller.
Naandhi - Movie Information
- Original Title: నాంది
- Release Year: 2021
- Directed by: Vijay Kanakamedala
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 2h 2m
- Original Language: Telugu
- Spoken Languages: Telugu
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 19, 2021 (India)
- Alternative Titles: Naandi (IN)
- Production Companies: SV2 Entertainment
- Production Countries: India
Naandhi - Plot
Surya is an IT employee leading a happy life till he's marked as a suspect in a high-profile murder case. As an under-trial prisoner, he doesn't just have to prove his innocence in court; he also has to face abuse in custody. Advocate Aadhya takes up the case, fresh off law school. How the duo manages to navigate rough waters forms the tale.
Where to Watch Naandhi
Looking for where to watch Naandhi?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Naandhi - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Vijay Kanakamedala
Main Cast
- Allari Naresh
- Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
- Harish Uthaman
- Priyadarshi Pullikonda
- Praveen
- Devi Prasad
- Srikanth Iyengar
- Pramodini Pammi
- Navami Gayak
- Vinay Varma
Writers
- Toom Venkat
- Vijay Kanakamedala
Producers
- Satish Varma
Naandhi - FAQs
What is Naandhi about?
Naandhi follows Surya, a happy-go-lucky IT professional whose life unravels when he's falsely accused in a high-profile murder case. Trapped as an under-trial prisoner and subjected to brutal custody abuse, he teams up with rookie lawyer Aadhya to fight the system and reclaim his innocence.
Does Naandhi expose real issues in the Indian prison system?
Absolutely. Naandhi shines a harsh light on custodial abuse, the plight of under-trial prisoners, and systemic corruption within the Indian judicial and prison system. The film sparked widespread conversation about how the innocent can be crushed by a broken system long before any verdict is reached.
Where can you stream Naandhi online?
You can stream Naandhi on aha, the Telugu-focused OTT platform. It's available as part of a flat-rate subscription, so if you already have aha, you're good to go.
Is Allari Naresh's performance in Naandhi a career-best?
Many critics and audiences consider Naandhi a career-defining turn for Allari Naresh. Known primarily for comedy roles, he delivers a raw, emotionally intense performance as Surya that genuinely surprised viewers and earned him widespread critical praise across Telugu cinema circles.
Who are the main actors in Naandhi?
The film stars Allari Naresh as the wrongly accused Surya Prakash and Varalaxmi Sarathkumar as Aadhya, the determined rookie lawyer fighting for his freedom. The supporting cast includes Harish Uthaman, Priyadarshi Pullikonda, Vinay Varma, and Srikanth Iyengar, among others.
Is Naandhi based on a true story?
Naandhi is a fictional story, but it draws heavily from real-world issues surrounding India's under-trial prisoner crisis and custodial abuse. Director Vijay Kanakamedala crafted the narrative to reflect genuine systemic problems, giving the film a grounded, documentary-like urgency that resonates deeply.
How was Naandhi received by critics and audiences?
Naandhi was warmly received as one of the standout Telugu films of 2021. Critics praised its bold subject matter, tight screenplay, and Allari Naresh's transformative performance. Audiences responded strongly to its emotional honesty and social message, making it a word-of-mouth success on OTT platforms.
Who directed Naandhi and what is the runtime?
Naandhi was directed by Vijay Kanakamedala, marking an impressive feature debut for the filmmaker. The film runs for approximately 2 hours and 2 minutes — a tight, well-paced runtime that keeps the courtroom drama and prison sequences moving without overstaying its welcome.
More About Naandhi
Explore further details about Naandhi on these trusted resources.