Okkadu starring Mahesh Babu, is an action film written and directed by Gunasekhar who is known for helming Rudhramadevi. It stars Mahesh Babu, Bhumika Chawla and Prakash Raj. The film was produced by MS Raju while music was composed by Mani Sharma. It is all about the story of a Kabaddi player, Ajay who rescues Swapna from Obul Reddy, when the latter tries to forcefully marry her. The movie was released on 15th January 2003.
Whenever Gunasekhar travels from Madras to Hyderabad for work, he used to visit Charminar, looks at the beauty of the monument, enjoys its climate. During his days as an assistant director in Madras Gunasekhar dreamed to direct a film with the backdrop of Charminar, a monument and mosque.
When Ashwini Dutt met Gunasekhar during the re-recording sessions of Choodalani Vundi here the latter saw the portfolio images of Mahesh Babu whose debut film Rajakumarudu was officially launched that day. Finding Mahesh Babu apt for the protagonist he envisioned, Gunasekhar narrated the script to him and got his nod.
Later Ramoji Rao decided to produce the film and suggested to construct the Charminar set in Ramoji Film City. But later Rao walked out from the project. Mahesh proposed MS Raju’s name to Gunasekhar and he agreed. Mahesh Babu took two days training and worked out like a real kabaddi player for this film Okkadu.
