Some movies leave an impact in theatres, others on the streets—quite literally. As Vedam turned 15 this week, fans and the film’s cast reflected on its legacy, but one wild story from its promotional days stole the spotlight. As per reports in the 123Telugu, back in 2010, a giant hoarding featuring Anushka Shetty’s character, Saroja—a bold and seductive pose from her portrayal of her character, reportedly led to over 40 minor road accidents at Hyderabad’s Punjagutta Circle. Director Krish shared that the frenzy forced the team to take the hoarding down after multiple police complaints. It was a bizarre testament to the buzz surrounding the film and Anushka’s commanding screen presence.

Directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, Vedam was ahead of its time—a hyperlink drama that wove together five diverse lives, from a slum-dweller (Allu Arjun) to a soldier aspirant, a sex worker (Anushka Shetty), a rockstar (Manchu Manoj), and a weaver (Manoj Bajpayee). They all end up at the same hospital under tense circumstances, their stories converging into a narrative rich in emotion, social commentary, and sacrifice.


Reflecting on the film’s anniversary, Allu Arjun took to social media to call Vedam a turning point in his career. He thanked the team for crafting something “so honest” and praised co-stars Anushka, Manoj, and Manoj Bajpayee for their performances. He also credited the bold vision of producers Shobu Yarlagadda and Prasad Devineni and the evocative music by MM Keeravani.
At the heart of Vedam was Anushka Shetty’s fearless performance as Saroja, a vulnerable yet strong, raw yet dignified woman. Despite the sensitivity of the role, her portrayal won hearts and critical acclaim, and just admiration. The film received various awards and widespread acclaim for breaking formulaic tropes in Telugu cinema.And now, 15 years later, Anushka and director Krish are teaming up again for Ghaati, a rural crime drama where she plays a weed trader in what’s being called her most intense role yet. Scheduled for release on July 11, 2025, the film promises to revisit the bold storytelling that once made Vedam a cult classic.