3 weeks ago
Korean Kanakaraju: Varun Tej's comeback horror-comedy draws mixed reviews
A new movie called Korean Kanakaraju came out on August 7, 2026.
It is a horror-comedy, which mixes spooky ghost stories with funny jokes.
The main actor is Varun Tej, and he had not been in a movie for two years.
The story is about an Indian man who gets possessed by the ghost of a Korean man.
The movie was directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and also stars Ritika Nayak and Satya.
A funny man named Satya made lots of people laugh, especially in a silly video-call scene.
Some people said the movie was full of funny moments and was worth their money.
Other people said the beginning was a little slow and the movie got boring in the second half.
Most fans agreed that it was a nice comeback for Varun Tej.
Korean Kanakaraju, an action horror-comedy directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and starring Varun Tej, Ritika Nayak and Satya, released in theatres on August 7, 2026.
The film revolves around an Indian man who gets possessed by the spirit of a Korean man, with Varun Tej reportedly playing dual roles.
Fans praised Satya's comedy, especially his video-call Kshudra Pooja episode in the second half, and the combo scenes between Varun Tej and Satya.
Some viewers called the film a 'much-needed comeback' for Varun Tej, whose previous releases Gandeevadhari Arjuna, Operation Valentine and Matka failed at the box office.
Reviews were mixed, with some calling it 'paisa vasool' while critics termed it a 'Below Par Horror-Comedy' whose first hour drags and second half becomes tedious.
- Who
- Actor Varun Tej, director Merlapaka Gandhi, and co-stars Ritika Nayak and Satya.
- What
- The action horror-comedy film Korean Kanakaraju, about an Indian man possessed by a Korean ghost's spirit, received mixed reviews from fans and critics.
- Where
- In theatres; the second half of the film is set in Korea.
- When
- August 7, 2026.
- Why
- The release marks Varun Tej's comeback after two years, following box-office failures of his last few films.
Positive Reviews
Negative Reviews
Overall quality
Positive Reviews
Fans called Korean Kanakaraju a 'much-needed comeback' and 'paisa vasool', praising Satya's comedy, the writing, and Varun Tej's performance in dual roles.
Negative Reviews
Critics called it 'wasted potential' and a 'Below Par Horror-Comedy', saying a good subject did not translate well on screen.
Pacing and structure
Positive Reviews
Supporters said the film has 'way too many high moments', lands its climax well, and is an enjoyable entertainer for families and friends.
Negative Reviews
Detractors said the first hour drags until the Korean concept is introduced and the second half 'goes nowhere' and feels tedious, with one critic also disliking the climax AI fight.
Key facts
- Film
- Korean Kanakaraju
- Genre
- Action horror-comedy
- Director
- Merlapaka Gandhi
- Lead Actor
- Varun Tej
- Other Cast
- Ritika Nayak, Satya
- Release Date
- August 7, 2026
- Plot
- Indian man possessed by the spirit of a Korean man
- Box Office Outlook
- Decent start expected; initial audience response mixed
Quotes
BheeshmaTalks
Twitter user
“Director Meralapaka Gandhi once again proved his Comedy Strength with So Many Laughter Moments. #Varuntej Perfect in Both the Characters. Tailor‑made role for Satya as usual; he rocked it. The Combo Scenes between VarunTej and #Satya is the USP of the film. #RithikaNayak is decent in her Role. #Thaman BGM is Good. With Small hiccups in a few moments, overall an enjoyable entertainer.”
bollywoodlife.com
“#VarunTej delivers a much‑needed comeback. Ghost stories aren’t new... but a Korean ghost surely is! That’s the fresh idea #MerlapakaGandhi brings to Korean Kanakaraju. Beyond that, it’s a familiar commercial entertainer, elevated largely by #Satya’s comedy and #VarunTej’s performance.”
bollywoodlife.com
idlebrain jeevi
Twitter user
“The biggest highlight of the film is Satya’s video‑call Kshudra Pooja episode in the second half. The entire theatre was in splits! Satya is literally the second hero of the film. There are plenty of hilarious one‑liners on the film industry, and the crowd thoroughly enjoyed them.”
bollywoodlife.com
Sources
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