Kartikeya Gummakonda is stepping into a completely new role with his upcoming film Come Back. The actor, who earned recognition with RX 100 and later appeared in films including Valimai, has now decided to take charge from behind the camera as well.
On September 21, 2026, which also marked his 34th birthday, Kartikeya unveiled the title and first glimpse of his next project. The film, earlier referred to as Kartikeya10, is officially titled Come Back. More importantly, the project marks his directorial and writing debut, with Kartikeya also playing the central character.
The first glimpse introduces audiences to a boxing-based story and gives a brief look at Kartikeya’s intense physical transformation. While the makers have kept most of the plot under wraps, the footage suggests that the film revolves around a boxer attempting to return to the sport after a prolonged absence.
Kartikeya10 Gets Its Official Title
For some time, the project was being referred to as Kartikeya10, indicating that it would be the actor’s 10th film. The birthday announcement finally revealed the official title as Come Back.
The title fits the basic premise presented in the glimpse. Kartikeya appears to be playing a boxer who has disappeared from the boxing circuit for around three years. His sudden return raises questions about where he has been and whether he can still compete at the highest level.
Interestingly, the title also carries a second meaning outside the story. Kartikeya himself is returning to the big screen after a gap of roughly two years in a lead role. His previous lead appearance was in Bhaje Vaayu Vegam, making Come Back both a fictional sporting comeback and a new phase in his own career.
First Glimpse Introduces Kartikeya as a Boxer
The promotional glimpse does not reveal the entire storyline. Instead, it builds curiosity around the central character.
A voice-over discusses a boxer who has been away from the sport for three years. The conversation questions what happened during his absence and whether he can really return after such a long break. The footage then shifts attention toward Kartikeya, who is shown preparing for his return to the ring.
The visuals feature boxing preparation and training, including scenes of Kartikeya working on his physical conditioning. The presentation gives the film a gritty sporting atmosphere rather than revealing a conventional commercial-action storyline.
The glimpse deliberately leaves several questions unanswered. Why did the boxer disappear? What happened during those three years? Why is his return being treated as such a difficult challenge?
Those unanswered questions could form an important part of the film’s narrative.
Kartikeya Takes Three Major Responsibilities
The biggest surprise associated with Come Back is not just its boxing backdrop. Kartikeya is taking on three major creative responsibilities.
He is:
- The lead actor
- The writer
- The director
This makes the film his first venture into filmmaking as a director. The project is being made under his production banner, Kartikeya Creative Works, while his wife Lohitha Reddy is serving as the producer.
For Kartikeya, this represents a significant expansion of his role in the filmmaking process. Instead of only portraying the protagonist, he will also be responsible for shaping the story and directing the performances and visuals.
What Makes the Boxing Story Interesting?
Sports films often revolve around more than competition. The central sporting event usually becomes a way to explore failure, discipline, pressure, ambition and redemption.
The first glimpse of Come Back appears to use a similar setup, although the complete story has not been disclosed.
The protagonist has apparently been away from boxing for three years. That immediately creates a conflict. Returning to a physically demanding sport after a lengthy absence is not simply about stepping back into the ring. The character must also prove that he still belongs there.
The film’s title therefore becomes important to the character’s journey.
However, it is too early to determine exactly how the story will develop because the makers have not released detailed plot information yet.
A New Chapter After RX100 and Valimai
Kartikeya Gummakonda became widely recognised after his performance in the Telugu film RX 100. He subsequently explored different kinds of roles, including a negative character in Nani’s Gang Leader. He also appeared in Ajith Kumar’s Tamil action film Valimai.
His career has therefore included both lead performances and character-driven roles.
With Come Back, however, Kartikeya is moving into an entirely different space. The project gives him the opportunity to combine his experience as an actor with his interest in storytelling and filmmaking.
His physical appearance in the glimpse is also noticeably suited to the boxing setup. The footage shows him training and preparing for the role, reinforcing the athletic nature of the character.
Lohitha Reddy Produces the Film
Come Back is also a closely connected creative project for Kartikeya’s family.
His wife, Lohitha Reddy, is producing the movie under the Kartikeya Creative Works banner. This means the film brings together Kartikeya as actor, writer and director, while Lohitha takes charge of production.
The production is currently underway, with the makers targeting a theatrical release in 2027. A specific release date has not yet been announced.
Who Is Working Behind the Camera?
The film has a technical team that includes several established names.
Vijay Bulganin is composing the music, while Jagadeesh Cheekati is handling cinematography. Kalyan Suryaprakash is serving as the editor. Additional reports also list KR Kumar Manne as production designer, with Shilpa Tanguturu handling costumes and Surya Akella working as creative director.
The technical setup will be particularly important for a boxing-focused film. Training sequences, fight choreography, editing and camera movement can significantly influence how the physical intensity of the sport translates to the screen.
The first glimpse has already established a serious and physically driven tone, but the full scale of the action will only become clearer through future promotional material.
When Will Come Back Release?
As of September 22, 2026, Come Back is still in production.
The film is expected to arrive in theatres in 2027, but the makers have not announced a specific release date yet.
More details about the supporting cast, complete storyline and theatrical release schedule are expected to emerge as production continues.
Why Fans Are Curious About Kartikeya’s Directorial Debut
There are two separate reasons why Come Back has attracted attention.
First, it brings Kartikeya back as a lead actor after a considerable gap.
Second, he is making that return while taking on the additional responsibility of directing and writing the film.
That combination makes the project different from a conventional comeback movie. Kartikeya isn’t simply returning with another acting assignment. He is attempting to establish himself in a new creative role at the same time.
The boxing storyline further strengthens the connection between the film’s title and its protagonist.
At this stage, however, the glimpse has intentionally revealed only the basic premise. Audiences will have to wait for additional promotional material to understand the character, conflict and overall story.
Come Back Movie: Key Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Film Title | Come Back |
| Earlier Name | Kartikeya10 |
| Lead Actor | Kartikeya Gummakonda |
| Director | Kartikeya Gummakonda |
| Writer | Kartikeya Gummakonda |
| Producer | Lohitha Reddy |
| Production Banner | Kartikeya Creative Works |
| Genre | Sports Action |
| Music | Vijay Bulganin |
| Cinematography | Jagadeesh Cheekati |
| Editing | Kalyan Suryaprakash |
| Expected Release | 2027 |
The core details above are based on current reports about the September 2026 announcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kartikeya Gummakonda’s upcoming movie?
Kartikeya Gummakonda’s upcoming movie is titled Come Back. It is a sports-action project centred around a boxer and is expected to release in 2027.
Is Come Back Kartikeya Gummakonda’s directorial debut?
Yes. The film marks Kartikeya Gummakonda’s first project as a director. He has also written the film and plays the lead role.
What role does Kartikeya play in Come Back?
The first glimpse indicates that Kartikeya plays a boxer who is attempting to return to the sport after an absence of around three years.
Who is producing Come Back?
Lohitha Reddy, Kartikeya Gummakonda’s wife, is producing the film under the Kartikeya Creative Works banner.
When will Come Back release?
The movie is currently in production and is expected to release theatrically in 2027. An exact release date has not been announced yet.
What is the genre of Come Back?
The project is being presented as a sports-action film, with the first glimpse establishing boxing as a major part of the story.
Final Take
Come Back marks a significant change in Kartikeya Gummakonda’s career. The actor is returning to the screen after a lengthy gap, but this time he is doing much more than acting.
With Kartikeya serving as the actor, writer and director, the boxing-based project gives him an opportunity to tell a story from his own creative perspective. The first glimpse keeps the narrative deliberately mysterious while establishing a boxer preparing for a difficult return after three years away.
The film is currently being shot and is expected to reach theatres in 2027. For now, the biggest question surrounding Come Back is simple: what happened to Kartikeya’s boxer during those three missing years, and what will happen when he finally steps back into the ring?
