Acclaimed filmmaker Raj R, best known for his emotionally resonant film Mallesham, returns with a hard-hitting social drama titled ‘23 (Iravau Moodu)’, which delves into the deep-rooted injustices of the caste system in India. Drawing from real-life events, the film explores themes of oppression, resistance, and justice in a society riddled with inequality.
The recently launched trailer sets a powerful tone, spotlighting two major historical tragedies: the 1991 Tsunduru massacre and the 1997 Jubilee Hills bomb blast. It opens with a narrator questioning the silence of the judicial system and then transitions into the intimate story of a young, aspirational couple struggling with poverty and systemic barriers.
As the plot unfolds, a Brahmin lawyer emerges as a bold ally to the oppressed, facing both societal backlash and personal challenges as he fights for justice. The film appears to weave together courtroom tension, emotional trauma, and political commentary, making it both a personal and collective reckoning.
23 evokes the raw realism of revolutionary Telugu films like Osey Ramulamma and People’s Encounter, but with Raj R’s signature emotional depth and narrative craftsmanship. After his recent work 8 AM Metro, this film signals a bold shift into high-voltage drama meant to spark conversation and confront uncomfortable truths.
Produced by Studio99 and distributed by Rana Daggubati’s Spirit Media, 23 features a promising cast including Teja, Tanmai, Jhansi, Pawon Ramesh, Thagubothu Ramesh, and Praneeth. The film is set for release on May 16, and is already generating buzz for its unapologetic storytelling and timely subject matter.
