Nayakudu (film)

Nayakudu is a 2005 Indian Telugu-language action film directed by Kodi Ramakrishna. A remake of the Malayalam film Runway (2004), the film stars Rajasekhar and Namitha while Nassar, Rami Reddy and Riyaz Khan play supporting roles. The plot follows Raju (Rajasekhar) who pretends to his family that he worked in Dubai, however, he is a smuggling kingpin who goes by the name Spirit Sambasiva. The film is released on 15 September 2005.

Cast

 * Rajasekhar as Rajagopalam "Raju" alias Spirit Sambasiva "Siva"
 * Namitha as Uma
 * Nassar as Razzaq
 * Rami Reddy as Vadayar
 * Riyaz Khan as Venugopal
 * Thalaivasal Vijay as Vadayar's henchman
 * Raghu Babu as Deva
 * Giri Babu as Prasad Rao
 * G. V. Sudhakar Naidu as Vadayar's henchman
 * Benarjee as Police officer
 * K.R. Vijaya as Bharatamma
 * Jeeva
 * Ahuti Prasad
 * Narsing Yadav
 * O Kalyan
 * Ramesh
 * Harsha
 * Prudhvi Raj
 * Varsha
 * Amit Kumar as Vadayar's henchman

Production
Kodi Ramakrishna who collaborated with Rajasekhar for several films including Ankusam teamed up after a hiatus. The film began its production in February 2005.

Soundtrack
Music by Koti.

Release and reception
The film released in mid-September.

M. M. of The Hindu called it a "neat action film" and wrote, "Though the film is full of sentiment and love, the basic backdrop is action. Some scenes look cinematic, but they are passable". Reviewing the film for Zamin Ryot, Griddaluru Gopalrao appreciated the storyline and performances. He stated that director Kodi Ramakrishna had succeeded in adapting Runway in a Telugu setting. On the other hand, a critic from Sify called it "avoidable," adding, "The story and presentation of director Kodi Ramakrishna is old wine in new bottle. The shot takings and situations are all taken in an old fashioned manner which makes the proceedings move at snail pace".