Manasa Sharma's Debut Film Rakasa Captivates Audiences and Box Office
Telugu filmmaker Manasa Sharma has suddenly emerged into the spotlight following the release of her debut theatrical film Rakasa. This fantasy comedy, featuring actors Sangeeth Shobhan and Nayan Sarika, has been performing decently at the box office, drawing significant attention to the woman behind the camera. Manasa's unconventional journey from the IT sector to filmmaking is now serving as an inspiring story for many aspiring filmmakers across India.
From Software Engineer to Acclaimed Director
As reported by sources, Manasa Sharma originates from Srikakulam district in Andhra Pradesh. Unlike many in the industry, she does not come from a film family and has followed a non-traditional path into cinema. Initially, like numerous engineering graduates, she began her career as a software engineer. However, she later shifted her focus towards storytelling and content creation, marking a significant career transition.
Early Work and Growth Leading to Rakasa
In earlier conversations, Manasa Sharma discussed her journey in detail. She stated, "I started with Mad House, a YouTube web series, and then worked on Oka Chinna Family Story and Bench Life. Rakasa is a natural progression for me." Her previous projects played a crucial role in building her confidence and honing her craft before she ventured into feature films, providing a solid foundation for her directorial debut.
Vision and Development of Rakasa
Manasa Sharma describes Rakasa as a fantasy adventure that skillfully blends comedy and emotion. She explained, "The film has strong fantasy elements, and the title refers to 'Rakshasudu' (demon). But it's not just about that — it's a layered story with entertaining aspects." Her interest in fantasy stories began earlier when she pitched ideas to a popular OTT platform. One of these concepts eventually evolved into Rakasa after she narrated it to actor Sangeeth Shobhan, leading to its development.
Praise for the Cast and Collaborative Efforts
The director expressed high praise for her lead actors, highlighting their contributions to the project. About Nayan Sarika, she said, "She is a director's actor and a very strong performer. I had worked with her earlier, so I was confident about her capabilities." Additionally, she mentioned how quickly Niharika Konidela agreed to join the project, noting, "I narrated the story to her, and within 20 minutes, she said yes. That kind of trust is very encouraging," underscoring the supportive environment during production.
Box Office Performance and Financial Success
Rakasa was released in theatres on April 3, 2026, and has shown impressive box office results. The film recorded the fourth highest opening weekend of 2026 in Tollywood. According to reports, it earned Rs 2.55 crore on Day 3, bringing the cumulative India net to Rs 8 crore after three days. With a reported budget of Rs 15 crore, Rakasa has already recovered over 50% of its cost, indicating strong financial performance and audience reception.
This success not only highlights Manasa Sharma's directorial prowess but also reinforces the potential for diverse backgrounds in filmmaking. Her story serves as a beacon for those looking to break into the industry from non-traditional paths, emphasizing creativity and perseverance.
