Why Is Mowgli Director Sandeep Raj Calling Himself 'Bad Luck'? Controversy EXPLAINED

Telugu

filmmaker Sandeep Raj has been waiting for his first theatrical release for a long time. His next film, Mowgli, was supposed to be released on December 12 in theatres, but Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Akhanda 2’s new release date announcement shattered his dream. Hence, the producers, People Media Factory, and filmmaker Sandeep Raj decided to release Mowgli on OTT, as they can’t afford to delay the film and clash with the magnum opus. After the decision, Sandeep Raj called himself ‘Bad Luck’ in a heartbreaking note on X. Are you wondering why the filmmaker is calling himself ‘Bad Luck’?

Akhanda 2 release date drama

Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Akhanda 2 was earlier scheduled to be released on December 5, 2025, in theatres. However, the release was kept on hold due to financial disputes between 14 Reels Plus and Eros. Eventually, the matter was heard in the Madras High Court. Eventually, the issues between both the companies were resolved, and the court issued clearance to them. Hence, the makers of Akhanda 2 immediately decide to release the film in theatres on December 12.

Why Is Sandeep Raj Calling Himself ‘Bad Luck’?

Akhanda 2’s release date left Mowgli director Sandeep Raj ‘heartbroken’. After all, the filmmaker has been waiting for his first theatrical release for many years. Since his film, Mowgli is a mid-budget film. Hence, the producer, People Media Company, doesn’t want to take the risk of clashing the film with Akhanda 2. Moreover, they can’t even afford to delay the release. Hence, Mowgli will now be released directly on OTT. Due to this decision, Sandeep Raj’s theatrical release dream has been broken. For the unversed, his first directorial venture, Color Photo, was also released on OTT in 2020. Color Photo won Best Feature Film in Telugu at the National Film Awards 2022.

Also Read : Sai Dharam Tej Encourages Mowgli Director Sandeep Raj After He Calls Himself ‘Bad Luck’ Ahead Of Akhanda 2 Release Sandeep Raj considers himself ‘Bad Luck’ for his films. He penned a note on X that read, “Maybe Colour Photo and Mowgli deserved another DIRECTOR instead of me. These movies were made by a group of passionate people who can do anything for their profession. The common points between both films are: 1. Facing bad luck with their release, just when everything seemed to be going well. 2. Me. Maybe I am the BAD LUCK. Even I’m starting to feel that way. My dream of seeing the title “Directed by Sandeep Raj” on the big screen is becoming harder day by day. I think SILVERSCREEN hates me. Mowgli was made with the passion, sweat, and blood of so many dedicated people like Roshan, Saroj garu, Sakshi, Harsha, DOP Maruthi, Bhairava and many more. I truly hope that all good things happen to Mowgli at the very least for their sake.” (sic)

Support From Industry

Sandeep Raj’s X post grabbed everyone’s attention on social media. Many people from the Telugu film industry. Sai Dharam Tej encouraged him with a note. He wrote, “Your hardwork will pay off in the most unexpected ways Sandeep, keep your head held high and smile. Let the art form take its own course, At the end 'cinema is winning'.” Filmmaker Rahul Ravindran reacted to Sandeep Raj’s post on X. He wrote, “Bookmarking this tweet so that I can come congratulate you for the massive success of the film by replying to this very tweet bro. Wishing you and the whole team only the best bro. Osthadi… mee peru meeru big screen meeda chustaru… success ni enjoy chestaru. Anthe… thassal.” Film producer Dheeraj Mogilineni shared a post on X. He wrote, “Brother . You’re talented, everyone knows that, u proved it with Colour Photo, you will again prove it with Mowgli, just be strong don’t worry about release date, every film finds its best date. Wishing you a huge blockbuster and I’m sure you will make your team and all of us proud with your work.”

About Mowgli

Mowgli features Roshan Kanakala, Sakshi Sagar, Bandi Saroj Kumar and Harsha Chemudu in key roles. The makers have not yet revealed the name of the platform where the film will be released. Stay tuned for more updates!