Kichcha Sudeep to play Devaraaya in ambitious historical film, release in 2027

Actor Kichcha Sudeep is celebrating his 55th birthday with the announcement of another ambitious project in his already packed line-up. Titled Devaraaya, the upcoming historical film will see Sudeep take on the role of Sri Krishna Devaraaya, the celebrated emperor of the Vijayanagara Empire.The project was officially announced on September 2, unveiling Sudeep’s first look as Sri Krishna Devaraaya as a birthday surprise for fans. The film also marks the actor’s return to a larger-than-life historical setting.Sudeep shared the first-look poster and an announcement video on his birthday.Devaraaya is jointly produced by Telugu production house People Media Factory, who recently produced Prabhas' The Raja Saab and Priya Sudeep’s Supriyanvi Picture Studios, with TG Vishwa Prasad and Krithi Prasad backing the project. The film is expected to be mounted on a grand scale. While the makers have revealed the title and Sudeep's association with the film, the director's name is being kept under wraps for now. The team is reportedly allowing considerable time for the film's technical preparations and production, with a December 2027 theatrical release being planned. Sudeep will portray Krishnadevaraya, one of the most prominent rulers of the Vijayanagara Empire, whose reign is remembered for military victories, administrative achievements and patronage of literature and the arts. The role also carries a significant legacy in Kannada cinema, as legendary actor Dr Rajkumar had previously portrayed the historical ruler on screen. Meanwhile, Sudeep is also working on Billa Ranga Baashaa: First Blood, his ambitious pan-India collaboration with filmmaker Anup Bhandari. The project reunites the actor and director after their hit film, Vikrant Rona and is being mounted as a futuristic action drama.Set in a dystopian world in 2209 AD, the film is expected to combine action, adventure and futuristic elements. The first look of Billa Ranga Baasha: First Blood offered a glimpse of Sudeep's rugged avatar, with the actor seen riding a motorcycle across a snow-covered battlefield. The film is produced by K Niranjan Reddy and Chaitanya Reddy and backed by Primeshow Entertainment.Adding to his busy schedule, Sudeep will also return to television as the host of Bigg Boss Kannada Season 13. The new season is set to premiere on September 6 on Colors Kannada and JioHotstar, just days after his birthday.With a historical epic, a futuristic action spectacle and a popular television franchise on his slate, Sudeep's 55th birthday has brought several major announcements and projects into focus.- EndsPublished On: Sep 2, 2026 15:31 IST