Athadu (2005)

In the labyrinthine underbelly of the city, a street urchin, Nandu, finds himself adopted by the shadows, molded into a skilled hitman by a merciless gangster. Alongside his compatriot Malli, they become entangled in the diabolical machinations of Baaji Reddy, a corrupt politician seeking to stage his own assassination for political gain. The plan takes a sinister turn when, at the moment of execution, an unknown hand pulls the trigger, killing Siva Reddy and leaving Nandu framed for a murder he didn't commit. Caught in the crossfire of fate and deception, Nandu flees from the relentless pursuit of the law, finding refuge on a train where he crosses paths with Parthu, a prodigal son returning home after years of estrangement. Tragically, Parthu's life is cut short in a police shootout, leaving Nandu with a chance for a new identity and a new life. Thus begins his sojourn in Parthu's village, where he is embraced as the long-lost kin, and even kindles a romance with an unsuspecting cousin. But as he attempts to navigate through this new life, the past refuses to stay buried. The determined CBI officer Anjaneya Prasad is hot on the trail of Siva Reddy's real killer, and Nandu finds himself in a deadly game of cat and mouse. His quest to prove his innocence becomes a journey of self-discovery and redemption, as he unravels the conspiracy that placed him in the crosshairs. Amidst all this, he must face the wrath of a family he has deceived, and a life he might have to leave behind. The film, Athadu, is an enthralling blend of action, drama, and emotional depth, exploring the complexities of identity, guilt, and the price of a second chance.

Athadu is an action movie featuring Mahesh Babu.

Athadu is currently streaming on aha.