DilRaju Dreams Debuts With Vikranth Mythological Thriller ‘Markandeya’

Renowned producer Dil Raju is expanding his cinematic footprint with the launch of his new production banner, DilRaju Dreams. Aimed at nurturing fresh talent and backing content-heavy narratives, the banner has officially unveiled its maiden project: a high-octane mythological thriller titled Markandeya, starring young actor Vikranth.

The title glimpse, released on February 12, 2026, has already ignited a buzz across social media for its ambitious scale and mystical undertones.

A Visionary Start for “DilRaju Dreams”

After over two decades of dominance in the industry with Sri Venkateswara Creations, Dil Raju is shifting focus toward experimental and director-driven cinema through DilRaju Dreams. Markandeya serves as the flagship for this new venture, representing a shift toward blending ancient Indian lore with modern cinematic technology.

During the launch event in Hyderabad, Dil Raju expressed his confidence in the project, stating that the banner received over 330 script submissions, but Markandeya stood out for its depth and visual potential.

The Glimpse: Myth Meets Mystery

The title glimpse offers a hauntingly beautiful introduction to the world of Markandeya. It opens with atmospheric, moody visuals—including a striking shot of bodies lying in a state of possession—immediately setting a thriller tone.

Key Highlights of the Teaser:

• The Mother-Son Dynamic: The dialogue emphasizes a philosophical take on fear, where the protagonist’s mother explains that true bravery is not the absence of fear, but the strength to face it.
• The Divine Reveal: In a standout moment, the teaser reveals a majestic portrayal of Lord Shiva. Interestingly, the makers opted for a real actor enhanced by VFX rather than a fully digital creation, lending a grounded and powerful aura to the divine presence.
• A Modern Twist: While rooted in the legend of the immortal sage Markandeya, the film is described as a “modern interpretation” exploring themes like multiple universes and spiritual warfare.

Technical Prowess and Cast

The film is directed by newcomer Sistla VMK, who clarified that while AI was used as a support tool during pre-production, the final cinematic shots remain authentic and performance-driven.

Hero Vikranth, who recently gained acclaim with Santhana Prapthirasthu, is undergoing a significant transformation for this role. He noted that the film explores “concepts of immortality and the cosmos that have existed in our Puranas for thousands of years,” reimagined for today’s audience.

What’s Next?

Markandeya is currently in its production phase, with heavy post-production work scheduled for its extensive CG sequences. Dil Raju has hinted that this is just the beginning for his new banner, with several other projects including Yellamma and Rowdy Janardhana also in the pipeline.

With its blend of spiritual intensity and contemporary thriller elements, Markandeya is positioning itself as a potential “sleeper hit” that could follow the footsteps of recent mythological successes in Telugu cinema.