Editing Mukunda

{{Use Indian English|date=November 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2015}}
{{Infobox film
| name            = Mukunda
| image           = Mukunda poster.jpg
| caption         = Film poster
| starring        = [[Varun Tej]]<br />[[Pooja Hegde]]
| director        = [[Srikanth Addala]]
| writer          = Srikanth Addala
| cinematography  = S. Manikandan
| producer        = Tagore Madu<br /> Nallamalapu Srinivas
| editing         = [[Marthand K. Venkatesh]]
| studio          = Leo Productions
| country         = India
| released        = {{Film date|2014|12|24|df=y}}
| runtime         = 142 minutes<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2014 |title=Mukunda's run time locked |url=http://www.123telugu.com/mnews/mukundas-run-time-locked.html |access-date=23 December 2014 |website=123telugu.com}}</ref>
| language        = Telugu
| music           = [[Mickey J Meyer]]
| budget          = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
| gross           = <!--Must be attributed to a reliable published source with an established reputation for fact-checking. No blogs, no IMDb.-->
}}

'''''Mukunda''''' is a 2014 Indian [[Telugu language|Telugu]]-language [[Drama (film and television)|drama film]] written and directed by [[Srikanth Addala]]. The film was produced by Tagore Madhu and Nallamalapu Srinivas (Bujji) under the banner Leo Productions. It stars debutuant [[Varun Tej]] and [[Pooja Hegde]] with [[Prakash Raj]], [[Rao Ramesh]], and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] in supporting roles. [[Mickey J Meyer]] composed the film's soundtrack and background score. [[Marthand K. Venkatesh]] edited the film.

Production began on 27 February 2014 in [[Hyderabad]]. [[Principal photography]] commenced on 24 March 2014 in [[Cochin]] and was completed on 16 December 2014 in Hyderabad. The film was initially titled ''Gollabhama''. Apart from Hyderabad, the film was predominantly shot in [[Andhra Pradesh|Andra Pradesh]] at places like [[Rajahmundry]], [[Bhimavaram]], and [[Amalapuram]] as well as in Cochin and [[Alappuzha|Alleppey]] in [[Kerala]] and at [[Kanyakumari]], [[Pollachi]] in [[Tamil Nadu]]. The film released worldwide on 24 December 2014. 

== Plot ==
Mukunda ([[Varun Tej]]) is a college-going student who goes to any extent for his friends. One day, his best friend falls in love with the daughter of a powerful municipal chairman ([[Rao Ramesh]]). Things take an ugly turn when Mukunda enters the scene and decides to goes against the chairman and his power. The rest of the story is about how he wins and inspires others.

== Cast ==
{{Colbegin}}
* [[Varun Tej]] as Mukunda
* [[Pooja Hegde]] as Gopika
* [[Prakash Raj]] as Jaya Prakash
* [[Rao Ramesh]] as Municipal Chairman
* [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] as DSP Mohan Krishna
* [[Paruchuri Venkateswara Rao]] as Mukunda's father
* [[Abhimanyu Singh]] as Ranga
* [[Ali (actor)|Ali]] as Veeraraju
* [[Raghu Babu]] as Chairman's assistant
* [[Praveen (actor)|Praveen]] as Sathish, Mukunda's friend
* [[Satyadev Kancharana]] as one of chairman's gang
* Krishna Teja as Mukunda's friend
* Deepti Sirdesai
* [[Sekhar Kammula]] ([[cameo appearance]]) as Mukunda's uncle
{{colend}}

== Production ==

=== Development ===
C. Aswini Dutt approached [[Puri Jagannadh]] to prepare a script and direct the debut film of [[Nagendra Babu|Naga Babu]]'s son Varun Tej. The project failed to materialize and subsequently, Puri Jagannadh produced and directed that script which was titled ''[[Heart Attack (2014 film)|Heart Attack]]'' starring [[Nithiin (actor)|Nithin]] and [[Adah Sharma]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=30 May 2014 |title=Puri was supposed to launch Varun Tej |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/did-you-know-/Puri-was-supposed-to-launch-Varun-Tej/articleshow/35886331.cms |access-date=17 November 2014 |website=[[The Times of India]]}}</ref> [[Srikanth Addala]] was confirmed to direct the film in late January 2014. The film was announced to be shot in the locales of [[Kerala]] and [[East Godavari]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 January 2014 |title=Srikanth Addala to direct Varun Tej's debut film |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Srikanth-Addala-to-direct-Varun-Tejs-debut-film/articleshow/29496451.cms |access-date=17 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film was formally launched at Hyderabad on 27 February 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 February 2014 |title=Varun Tej's Debut Film Launched: Pawan Kalyan, Chiranjeevi, Allu Arjun Attend |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/varun-tej039s-debut-film-launched-pawan-kalyan-chiranjeevi-allu-arjun-attend-540929 |access-date=17 August 2014 |publisher=[[International Business Times]] India}}</ref> The film was confirmed to be produced by Nallamalapu Srinivas and Tagore Madhu jointly on Leo Productions banner. [[Mickey J. Meyer]] was announced as the film's music director while [[V. Manikandan]] was announced as the Director of photography.<ref name="Launch IG">{{Cite web |date=27 February 2014 |title=Varun Tej Launched In Grandeur |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/varun-tej-launched-in-grandeur-telugu-news-104095 |access-date=17 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> The film's opening ceremony was aired live on [[MAA TV]] which was the first time ever for a Telugu film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=26 February 2014 |title=Varun Tej Creating History; His Film Launch To Be Aired Live |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2014/varun-tej-create-history-film-launch-to-be-aired-live-132902.html |access-date=17 November 2014 |publisher=[[Oneindia.in|Oneindia Entertainment]]}}</ref> [[Pooja Hegde]] confirmed the film's title as ''Gollabhama'' in early June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 June 2014 |title='Gollabhama' title confirmed for Varun Tej |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/gollabhama-title-confirmed-for-varun-tej-telugu-news-108738 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> The film's title was changed in early August 2014 with ''Mukunda Murari'' being the possible title.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej's film title changed |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/varun-tejs-film-title-changed-telugu-news-111397 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> However, on [[Janmashtami]], the makers renamed the film as ''Mukunda''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej's film titled Mukunda |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/140819/entertainment-tollywood/article/varun-tej%E2%80%99s-film-titled-mukunda |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=[[Deccan Chronicle]]}}</ref>

=== Casting ===
{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="I was blown away by Srikanth Addala's narration and he has great clarity about what he wants. That sort of makes our job easy on the sets. I'm glad that I have got a chance to play a different character compared to my role in my debut film and my role is one of the key elements in the film."|source=&nbsp;—[[Pooja Hegde]], regarding her character in the film.<ref name="Pooja Hegde">{{Cite web |date=16 December 2014 |title=Mukunda will be a fabulous film, says Pooja Hegde |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Mukunda-will-be-a-fabulous-film-says-Pooja-Hegde/articleshow/45536243.cms |access-date=17 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>}} Prior to this film, Varun Tej underwent training in acting skills under the supervision of Satyanand who trained Varun's uncle [[Pawan Kalyan]]. Either of [[Akshara Haasan]] and [[Parineeti Chopra]] was rumored as the film's female lead.<ref>{{Cite web |date=9 April 2013 |title=Akshara Haasan or Parineeti for Varun Tej's film |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/akshara-haasan-or-parineeti-for-varun-tejs-film-telugu-news-92607 |access-date=17 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> [[Pooja Hegde]] was finalized as the film's female lead later. [[Prakash Raj]], [[Brahmanandam]], Rao Ramesh and [[Nassar (actor)|Nassar]] were confirmed to appear in crucial roles during the film's launch.<ref name="Launch IG" /> Varun Tej was reported to be seen as a volleyball player in the film in late March 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 March 2014 |title=Varun Tej to play a volleyball player? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tej-to-play-a-volleyball-player/articleshow/32677269.cms |access-date=17 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> [[Allu Arjun]] was reported to make a [[cameo appearance]] in the film in mid June 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=18 June 2014 |title=Allu Arjun cameo in Varun Tej's debut film? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Allu-Arjun-cameo-in-Varun-Tejs-debut-film/movie-review/36775297.cms |access-date=17 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film's unit confirmed those reports as rumors later.<ref>{{Cite web |date=20 June 2014 |title=Allu Arjun's cameo in 'Gollabhama' is just a rumour |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/allu-arjuns-cameo-in-gollabhama-is-just-a-rumour-telugu-news-109243 |access-date=17 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> [[Sekhar Kammula]] was reported to make a [[cameo appearance]] in the film.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 December 2014 |title=Sekhar Kammula's cameo in 'Mukunda' |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/Sekhar-Kammulas-Cameo-In-mukunda-telugu-news-121154 |access-date=17 December 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=18 December 2014 |title=Shekar Kammula's cameo in Varun's Mukunda? |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Shekar-Kammulas-cameo-in-Varuns-Mukunda/articleshow/45564976.cms |access-date=19 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

=== Filming ===
[[Principal photography]] was supposed to start from 15 March 2014 in [[Kerala]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 March 2014 |title=Telugu Films Shooting in 'God's Own Country' |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/telugu-films-shooting-in-gods-own-country-telugu-news-104376 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> The filming began on 24 March 2014 at [[Cochin]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 March 2014 |title=Varun Tej's debut film is ready to roll |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tejs-debut-film-is-ready-to-roll/articleshow/32554598.cms |access-date=17 August 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film was reported to be shot in the locales of [[Alappuzha|Alleppey]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=28 March 2014 |title=Varun Tej's film starts shoot in Cochin |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/varun-tej-s-film-starts-shoot-in-cochin-news-telugu-od2podjicbhsi.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150130190017/http://www.sify.com/movies/varun-tej-s-film-starts-shoot-in-cochin-news-telugu-od2podjicbhsi.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=30 January 2015 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=[[Sify]]}}</ref> Varun Tej suffered a fracture during the filming of an action sequence at Alleppey and shooting resumed after his recovery.<ref>{{Cite web |date=5 April 2014 |title=Varun Tej injured during shoot |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/varun-tej-injured-during-shoot-telugu-news-105820 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> On its completion, the next schedule began in [[Konaseema]]. The film was shot in places like [[Rajahmundry]], [[Bhimavaram]], [[Samalkota]] and adjoining areas for four weeks. The film was also shot in areas like [[Pollachi]], [[Kanyakumari]] and [[Yanam]] in early June 2014. The schedule ended almost after 33 days on 4 July and the team returned to Hyderabad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 June 2014 |title=Varun Tej's debut film is titled Gollabama |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tejs-debut-film-is-titled-Gollabama/articleshow/36207702.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 July 2014 |title=Gollabhama's marathon schedule wrapped up |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Gollabhamas-marathon-schedule-wrapped-up/articleshow/37769003.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> A new schedule began at Hyderabad on 29 July on whose completion, the filming continued in [[Amalapuram]] from 5 August.<ref>{{Cite web |date=27 July 2014 |title=Gollabhama's new schedule to begin from July 29 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Gollabhamas-new-schedule-to-begin-from-July-29/articleshow/39105234.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

By then, the film entered [[Dubbing (filmmaking)|dubbing]] phase.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej's debut film gets into dubbing phase |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tejs-debut-film-gets-into-dubbing-phase/articleshow/39754540.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Varun Tej began dubbing for his role in late August 2014 and by then, filming neared completion except for few songs.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej dubs for Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tej-dubs-for-Mukunda/articleshow/40867159.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> At Amalapuram, a crucial scene featuring Varun Tej, Rao Ramesh and Pooja Hegde was shot where Varun Tej was seen taking part in a municipal election campaign visiting several houses in the locality to create awareness among the people.<ref>{{Cite web |date=31 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej takes part in an election campaign in Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tej-takes-part-in-an-election-campaign-in-Mukunda/articleshow/41346564.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> After shooting the film there for 10 days, a song was shot on the lead pair in [[Switzerland]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=7 September 2014 |title=Varun Tej, Pooja Hegde groove in Switzerland for Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Varun-Tej-Pooja-Hegde-groove-in-Switzerland-for-Mukunda/articleshow/41937894.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The schedule ended on 16 September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 September 2014 |title='Mukunda' completes Swiss schedule |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/mukunda-completes-swiss-schedule-telugu-news-114257 |access-date=5 December 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> In mid November 2014, Srikanth Addala said that the remaining part of the film would be shot in Hyderabad and a big set is being planned for a song.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2014 |title=It's Varun Tej versus uncle Pawan Kalyan |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141117/entertainment-tollywood/article/it%E2%80%99s-varun-tej-versus-uncle-pawan-kalyan |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> The last song was shot in a special set erected at Nanakramguda in mid December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 December 2014 |title=Mukunda is ready |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141213/entertainment-tollywood/article/mukunda-ready |access-date=14 December 2014 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref> Pooja Hegde confirmed that the filming came to an end on 16 December 2014.<ref name="Pooja Hegde" />

== Music ==
{{Infobox album
| name       = Mukunda
| type       = Soundtrack
| artist     = [[Mickey J. Meyer]]
| cover      =
| alt        =
| released   = 3 December 2014
| recorded   = 2014
| venue      =
| studio     =
| genre      = [[Film soundtrack|Feature film soundtrack]]
| length     = 26:06
| language   = [[Telugu language|Telugu]]
| label      = [[Aditya Music]]
| producer   = Mickey J Meyer
| prev_title = [[Chakkiligintha]]
| prev_year  = 2014
| next_title = [[Kerintha]]
| next_year  =2015
}}

[[Mickey J Meyer]] was selected to compose the film's soundtrack and background music continuing his association with Srikanth Addala after ''[[Kotha Bangaru Lokam]]'' (2008) and ''[[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu]]'' (2012). The soundtrack features 6 songs and a Theme music whose lyrics were penned by [[Sirivennela Sitaramasastri]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2014 |title=Tracklist |url=http://play.raaga.com/telugu/album/Mukunda-A0003445 |access-date=5 December 2014 |publisher=Raaga.com}}</ref> [[Aditya Music]] acquired the soundtrack rights in mid August 2014 for an undisclosed high price.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 August 2014 |title=Aditya Music bags Varun Tej's debut film audio rights |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Aditya-Music-bags-Varun-Tejs-debut-film-audio-rights/articleshow/40270011.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

The soundtrack was expected to be launched in September 2014 initially.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 August 2014 |title=Mukunda's audio to be launched in September |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Mukundas-audio-to-be-launched-in-September/articleshow/40607692.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The release was postponed to November 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2014 |title=Varun Tej's Mukunda audio to release in Nov |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Varun-Tejs-Mukunda-audio-to-release-in-Nov/articleshow/44774961.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The release date was later finalized as 3 December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=29 November 2014 |title=Mukunda's audio to be unveiled on Dec 3 |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Mukundas-audio-to-be-unveiled-on-Dec-3/articleshow/45318897.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> [[Shilpakala Vedika]] was announced as the venue on 2 December and also, a song teaser was unveiled as a part of promotion.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2014 |title=All eyes on Mukunda's audio |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/All-eyes-on-Mukundas-audio/articleshow/45347124.cms |access-date=2 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> [[Chiranjeevi]] attended the audio launch along with [[Allu Arjun]] as the chief guests and unveiled the soundtrack.<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2014 |title=Chiranjeevi unveiled Mukunda audio albums |url=http://www.sify.com/movies/chiranjeevi-unveiled-mukunda-audio-albums-news-telugu-omeloJeeicaeh.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208084743/http://www.sify.com/movies/chiranjeevi-unveiled-mukunda-audio-albums-news-telugu-omeloJeeicaeh.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 December 2014 |access-date=4 December 2014 |publisher=Sify}}</ref>

Reviewing the soundtrack, Karthik of ''Milliblog'' wrote "Chaala baagundi, with its brilliant vocal plus guitar interplay, is the soundtrack’s best, with Haricharan proving his value again! Mickey on top of his game, again!".<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 December 2014 |title=Mukunda (Music review), Telugu – Mickey J Meyer |url=http://itwofs.com/milliblog/2014/12/04/mukunda-music-review-telugu-mickey-j-meyer/ |access-date=5 December 2014 |publisher=Milliblog}}</ref> ''[[The Times of India]]'' stated that the soundtrack has some peppy and melodious tunes, calling "Dumdaredum" and "Chala Bagundi" as the best songs of the album.<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2014 |title=Music review: Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/Music-review-Mukunda/articleshow/45478061.cms |access-date=11 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> ''IndiaGlitz'' wrote "Mickey J Meyer's imprint is write over the album. It's a mix of melody and youthfulness. Sirivennela writes all the songs to a profound effect. Getting choicest of singers on board, Mickey delivers a music lover's album."<ref>{{Cite web |date=11 December 2014 |title=Mukunda Music Review |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/channels/telugu/musicreview/18484.html |access-date=11 December 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref> Avad M of ''123telugu'' selected "Nandalaala" and "Chaala Bagundi" as the picks of the album and wrote "Mickey J Meyer once again proves that he is a class apart and provides a chart topping romantic album which is quite soothing and melodious".<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 December 2014 |title=Music Review : Mukunda – Classy Album |url=http://www.123telugu.com/reviews/audio-reviews/music-review-mukunda-classy-album.html |access-date=5 December 2014 |publisher=123telugu.com}}</ref>

{{Tracklist
| headline        = Track-List
| extra_column    = Artist(s)
| total_length    = 26:06
| all_writing = [[Sirivennela Seetharama Sastry]]
| title1          = Chesededo
| extra1          = [[Rahul Nambiar]], Revanth
| length1         = 04:24
| title2          = Daredumdadum
| extra2          = [[Mickey J Meyer]], Sai Shivani
| length2         = 03:55
| title3          = Chaala Bagundi
| extra3          = [[Haricharan]]
| length3         = 04:45
| title4          = Gopikamma
| extra4          = [[K. S. Chithra]], [[Ramya Behara]]
| length4         = 04:21
| title5          = Arere Chandrakala
| extra5          = [[Karthik (singer)|Karthik]], Anjana sowmya
| length5         = 03:26
| title6          = Nandalaala
| extra6          = [[Shweta Pandit]]
| length6         = 04:09
| title7          = Mukunda Theme
| note7          = [[Instrumental]]
| length7         = 01:09
}}

== Release ==
The film's overseas theatrical distribution rights were acquired by Asian Movies and CineGalaxy, Inc.<ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2014 |title=Asian Movies & Cine Galaxy pick up Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Asian-Movies-Cine-Galaxy-pick-up-Mukunda/articleshow/44309610.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film was initially scheduled for a [[Sankranthi]] release i.e. in mid January 2015.<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 November 2014 |title=Rudhramadevi, Gopala Gopala And Mukunda To Release For Sankranthi |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2014/rudhramadevi-gopala-gopala-and-mukunda-to-release-for-sankranthi-164709.html |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment}}</ref> However, the film's release was advanced to 25 December 2014 as a [[Christmas]] release to avoid clash with ''[[Gopala Gopala (2015 film)|Gopala Gopala]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 November 2014 |title='Mukunda' Release Advanced To Avoid Clash with Pawan Kalyan's 'Gopala Gopala' |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mukunda-release-advanced-avoid-clash-pawan-kalyans-gopala-gopala-615088 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=International Business Times India}}</ref> The film was awarded an 'U/A' certificate by [[Central Board of Film Certification]] on 19 December 2014 and the release date was locked as 24 December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 December 2014 |title='Mukunda' censor completed |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/mukunda-Censor-Completed-telugu-news-121301 |access-date=19 December 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=20 December 2014 |title=Varun Tej's Mukunda gets U/A from censor |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tejs-Mukunda-gets-U/A-from-censor/articleshow/45582538.cms |access-date=20 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The film released in 75 theaters across [[United States]] and premiere shows were held on 23 December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2014 |title='Mukunda': Will Varun Tej Starrer Strike Gold at Box Office? |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mukunda-will-varun-tej-starrer-strike-gold-box-office-618086 |access-date=23 December 2014 |publisher=International Business Times India}}</ref> The film however clashed with ''[[Chinnadana Nee Kosam]]'' which released in equal number of theaters across the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=23 December 2014 |title=Varun Tej's 'Mukunda' to Clash with Nithiin's 'Chinnadana Nee Kosam' at Box Office |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/varun-tejs-mukunda-clash-nithiins-chinnadana-nee-kosam-box-office-618119 |access-date=23 December 2014 |publisher=International Business Times India}}</ref>

It was later dubbed in Hindi as ''Dushman No.1.''{{cn|date=August 2021}}

=== Marketing ===
The film's first look posters featuring Varun Tej were unveiled on 21 August 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 August 2014 |title=Varun Tej's first look from Mukunda Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/Varun-Tejs-first-look-from-Mukunda-Mukunda/articleshow/40616376.cms |access-date=30 November 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> The first look teaser was unveiled by Varun Tej on 2 September 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 September 2014 |title=Varun Tej's 'Mukunda' Teaser Unveiled on Pawan Kalyan's Birthday [VIDEO] |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/varun-tejs-mukunda-teaser-unveiled-pawan-kalyans-birthday-video-608126 |access-date=30 November 2014 |publisher=International Business Times India}}</ref> A video teaser of the song ''Chesededo'' featuring Varun Tej was unveiled a month later on 2 December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2014 |title='Mukunda' Chesededo Video Song Teaser Released |url=http://www.filmibeat.com/telugu/news/2014/mukunda-chesededo-video-song-teaser-released-166325.html |access-date=2 December 2014 |publisher=Oneindia Entertainment}}</ref> A new trailer was unveiled on 6 December 2014.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 December 2014 |title=New Trailer: Varun Tej's Mukunda |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/New-Trailer-Varun-Tejs-Mukunda/articleshow/45396848.cms |access-date=7 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref>

== Reception ==
The film received decent reviews from critics who praised the performances, dialogues, songs and background score besides criticizing the screenplay, editing and slow pace of the film according to [[International Business Times]] India.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2014 |title='Mukunda' Movie Review Roundup: Decent Debut for Varun Tej |url=http://www.ibtimes.co.in/mukunda-movie-review-roundup-decent-debut-varun-tej-618196 |access-date=24 December 2014 |publisher=International Business Times India}}</ref> Y. Sunitha Chowdary of ''[[The Hindu]]'' wrote "Since most of the story centres on the debate and dialogue, rather than an expected logical ending, it is likely that many regular cine goers will go home dissatisfied. But for those who appreciate truth, facts of life and intelligent conversations, this is a film smartly interspersed with action and village politics for today’s youth".<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2014 |title=Mukunda: One for the discerning viewer |url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/cinema/cinema-reviews/mukunda-movie-review/article6724993.ece |access-date=26 December 2014 |website=The Hindu}}</ref>

Hemanth Kumar of ''[[The Times of India]]'' rated the film 3 out of 5 and wrote "Every once in a while there comes a film, which stands apart from the rest in terms of the subject it explores and the tone of narrative, although the nuances might not be blatant. You know it's different because it tries to break free from the template of an action comedy, a genre that has become synonymous with Telugu cinema these days. Mukunda is exactly that kind of film and much more. It's a film which is so aware of the milieu that it's exploring that you get sucked into the narrative to have a ringside look at the complex characters that inhabit the canvas the story unfolds on."<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2014 |title=Mukunda Movie Review |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/Mukunda/movie-review/45631199.cms |access-date=24 December 2014 |website=The Times of India}}</ref> Suresh Kavirayani of ''[[Deccan Chronicle]]'' rated the film 3 out of 5 and stated "Finally it’s not a regular commercial film, a typical Srikanth Addala kind of film, without the double meaning dialogues and vulgarity".<ref>{{Cite web |date=25 December 2014 |title=Movie Review 'Mukunda': Rao Ramesh is the surprise element |url=http://www.deccanchronicle.com/141225/entertainment-movie-review/article/movie-review-mukunda-rao-ramesh-surprise-element |access-date=26 December 2014 |publisher=Deccan Chronicle}}</ref>

In contrast, ''IndiaGlitz'' wrote "Sans loudness and crassness, Mukunda has a scent of [[Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu|SVSC]]. But it lacks a good story and barring less than four scenes, it hardly has anything to keep up our interest" and rated the film 2.75 out of 5.<ref>{{Cite web |date=24 December 2014 |title=Mukunda Review – Varun comes in |url=http://www.indiaglitz.com/Mukunda-telugu-movie-review-18484 |access-date=24 December 2014 |publisher=IndiaGlitz}}</ref>

== Awards ==
;[[CineMAA Awards]]
;;Won
* 2015 – [[CineMAA Awards]] for Best Female Playback Singer – Telugu – [[K. S. Chithra]] for "Gopikamma"

;[[Nandi Awards]]
;;Won
* 2014 – [[Nandi Awards]] for Best Female Singer –  [[K. S. Chithra]] for "Gopikamma"

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* {{IMDb title|4305752}}

{{Srikanth Addala}}

[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:Indian drama films]]
[[Category:Films shot in Hyderabad, India]]
[[Category:Films directed by Srikanth Addala]]
[[Category:Films scored by Mickey J Meyer]]
[[Category:Films shot in Alappuzha]]
[[Category:Films shot in Kochi]]
[[Category:Films shot in Pollachi]]
[[Category:Foreign films shot in Switzerland]]
[[Category:Films shot in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films set in Andhra Pradesh]]
[[Category:Films shot in India]]
[[Category:2010s Telugu-language films]]
[[Category:2014 romance films]]
[[Category:2014 romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Indian romantic drama films]]
[[Category:Films set in Konaseema]]