Archive · 15 Aug 2026
Khadgam remains the default Independence Day watch for Telugu audiences
A movie called Khadgam came out in 2002 in India.
It is an action drama made by a director named Krishna Vamsi.
The movie is about three ordinary friends living in the city of Hyderabad.
One is a struggling actor, one is a Muslim auto-rickshaw driver, and one is a police officer.
The story shows how these very different people come together to fight for their country.
India celebrates its Independence Day on August 15 every year.
On that day, many Telugu-speaking families watch Khadgam on television as a yearly tradition.
Even people who have seen the movie many times still stop to watch it.
They like it because the characters feel real, funny and easy to care about — not just perfect heroes.
Khadgam, Krishna Vamsi's 2002 Telugu action drama, has become a traditional Independence Day watch for Telugu-speaking households.
The film follows three ordinary men in Hyderabad: struggling actor Koti (Ravi Teja), auto driver Amjad (Prakash Raj), and police officer Radhakrishna (Srikanth).
Prakash Raj won the Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of Amjad.
Amjad stood out as an unapologetically Muslim, deeply religious and fiercely Indian character in a mainstream commercial film.
Other patriotic Telugu films like Tagore, The Ghazi Attack, Kanche and Major have not matched Khadgam's Independence Day rewatch tradition.
- Who
- Director Krishna Vamsi, actors Prakash Raj, Ravi Teja and Srikanth, and Telugu audiences who watch the film on Independence Day.
- What
- The 2002 Telugu action drama Khadgam has become a staple Independence Day television tradition for Telugu households.
- When
- Annually on August 15, since the film's release 24 years ago in 2002.
- Where
- Telugu-speaking households in India; the film itself is set in Hyderabad.
- Why
- Because of its flawed, relatable and rewatchable characters, which audiences prefer over bigger-budget patriotic films.
- Film
- Khadgam
- Director
- Krishna Vamsi
- Release Year
- 2002
- Genre
- Action drama
- Lead Cast
- Ravi Teja, Prakash Raj, Srikanth
- Setting
- Hyderabad
- Award
- Nandi Award for Best Supporting Actor (Prakash Raj)
- Tradition
- Annual Independence Day (August 15) telecast for 24 years