Saakshyam

A group of people are forcefully taking away a cow and its calf trying to follow them. The scene shifts to the house of Raju Garu, where the family has gathered for the naming ceremony of his son. Just then, a group of people come there with the calf and inform them that Munuswamy's brothers have kidnapped the calf's mother (who belongs to the temple) along with many other cows. This leads to Raju Garu beating up Munuswamy's brother and bringing the cows back.

The news of his brothers' humiliation reaches Munuswamy, and he and his three brothers, go to Raju Garu's house, where the celebration is going on. They brutally kill every member of the family, except for Raju Garu's wife, who gets injured. Raju Garu manages to distract the brothers while his wife runs away with the child, but she becomes weak and is unable to continue due to her deep injury. Just then, the calf (whose mother was saved by Raju Garu) comes and stands in front of her. Raju Garu's wife takes this as a sign, wraps the child in a shawl, and ties him onto the calf. The villains come just in time to see the calf running away, and a chase ensures. The injured calf manages to evade the villains and land the baby on a truck carrying soil. The villains see the child falling down the cliff and believe him to be dead. In order to conceal their crime, they set fire to the cowshed, because in bad time even animals can become a prime witness to their sins.

The story then goes into a narration where the narrator explains that even though Munuswamy is happy that he has destroyed every witness to his crime, he has forgotten that the five elements of nature that are present everywhere have witnessed his crimes and will surely do justice for his atrocities.

Meanwhile, the child is carried to a soil mine, where the truck dumps him along with the soil. A Hindu saint sees the child, takes him to Kasi, and leaves him in Temple. A childless couple, Siva Prasad and his wife, are there to pray for a child and are overwhelmed to see him. Then the temple priest names him Viswaagna because this is nature's order to rise the child by them. Later the couple leaves for the US with the child.

20 years later, Siva Prasad and his wife are shown to be celebrating the success of their company. A reporter asks about their son Viswa, who would be taking over the multi-billion dollar empire, but Siva Prasad states that Viswa is not interested in taking over the business as he is interested in developing games. Viswa and his friends are introduced. They are in the process of developing a new video game, which they are sending in to a company to be released.

Unfortunately, their video gets rejected due to lack of culture factor. Viswa and his friend run into a girl named Soundarya Lahari, a Hindu Spiritual Preacher who came USA to preach on Indian mythology. Viswa is instantly smitten, so he and his friend follow her to get her help in developing the game with culture elements. However, Soundarya is offended by their offer of money and says flatly that culture is not something to be sold. Viswa and his friend help Soundarya's sister and brother-in-law to secure jobs, using his influence, which leads to Soundarya reluctantly agreeing to help Viswa.

She introduces the group to Valmiki, her childhood friend and an IT professional who has an interest in Indian mythology. He helps by giving them a unique idea for a game which resembles Viswa's life story, about a boy whose entire family was killed by villains and the five elements of nature taking revenge on the villains through the boy. Vishwa impressed with the concept of Valmiki and hired him to develop his game.

Meanwhile, Soundarya leaves for India to see her father Tagore, who was bedridden by Munuswamy's gang for fighting against them in court. Viswa follows her to India and starts developing the video game there.

Meanwhile, Munuswamy is ordered to kill Soundarya as a warning to stop Tagore on his way. Later in a couple situations Soundarya is saved by Vishwa from Veeraswamy, Munuswamy's first brother and eventually kill by him through the air and earth elements in nature.{{what|date=February 2025}} He is shell-shocked when he discovers the story of the video game happening in his real life. When he came to Kasi to give salutations from his mother side to kaasi Vishwanath temple there he accidentally meets 2nd brother of Munuswamy he was killed through him by element of fire. He tries his best to stop it, but in vain. Meanwhile, Munuswamy is on search of his brothers' killer.

Soundarya accepts Viswa's love for his efforts to save her from Munuswamy's brother and agrees to marry him. Meanwhile, Valmiki designs full game and come back to India and meets his grand father practicing the vedic astrology who are looking the bad omens of Munuswamy and his brothers and also fixing the marriage dates of Vishwa and Soundarya.

After hearing Valmiki's game concept he understands that this is a vengeance on Munuswamy and his brothers by the Almighty of Mother Nature because of their sins committed on Vishwa's biological parents. He remembers Valmiki that in his childhood in front of young Valmiki, Youth Munuswamy and his brothers criticizes the astrologer and denies god to leave on their own terms. He reveals to Valmiki that this screenplay was written by the mother nature through him, she witnessed all the incidents and selected him to design the situations and it cannot be stopped by anyone.

Meanwhile, Viswa's business rival, Shakti join hands with Munuswamy for taking over his major stakes in India and abducts them, then he threatens Vishwa to give them the shares documents. Vishwa comes to deal with them finally, the nature elements of fire, water, earth, air take revenge on all the villains through Viswa which was witnessed by the other element Sky.

{{colbegin}}

• Bellamkonda Sreenivas as Viswaagna "Viswa", Raju Garu 's son; a video game developer and designer, Soundarya's husband
• Pooja Hegde as Soundarya Lahari, a woman who teaches Hinduism and culture, Viswa's wife
• Jagapathi Babu as Munuswamy, the main antagonist, who killed Viswa's biological family
• Ravi Kishan as Veeraswamy, Munuswamy's 1st brother
• Ashutosh Rana as Munuswamy's 2nd brother
• Madhu Guruswamy as Munuswamy's 3rd brother
• Kabir Duhan Singh as Viswa's business rival
• Jayaprakash as Siva Prasad, Viswa's adopted father
• Pavithra Lokesh as Viswa's adopted mother
• Vennela Kishore as Viswa's friend
• Rao Ramesh as Tagore, Soundarya's father
• Posani Krishna Murali as Defense Lawyer
• Sameer as Raju Garu's brother
• Jhansi as Soundarya's sister
• Brahmaji as Soundarya's brother-in-law
• Krishna Bhagavaan as Soundarya's paternal uncle
• Hema as Soundarya's aunt
• Annapoorna as Soundarya's grandmother
• Raghu Babu as Siva Prasad's assistant
• Mahadevan as Munuswamy's aide
• Kasi Vishwanath as Advocate Murthy
• Surya as Hindu Saint
• Ananth Babu as Priest

Extended cameo appearance

• Ananta Sriram as Valmiki, a game designer

Cameo appearances

• Sarath Kumar as Raju Garu, Viswa's biological father, who was murdered by Munuswamy and his brothers
• Meena as Viswa's biological mother, who was murdered by Munuswamy and his brothers
• Sri Pusapati as Sri, a Cognos developer

{{colend}}

In February 2017, it was reported that Bellamkonda Sreenivas would collaborate with director Sriwass for his next project.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/young-heros-next-with-sriwass.html|title=Young hero's next with Sriwass | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=16 February 2017}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/160217/sriwass-to-direct-bellamkonda-srinivas.html|title=Sriwass to direct Bellamkonda Srinivas|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=16 February 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Director Sriwass narrated the script to Bellamkonda Sreenivas a couple of months before the release of Jaya Janaki Nayaka (2017). In the first narration itself, Sreenivas liked it and said okay to the project.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/interviews/sai-srinivas-saakshyam-will-give-the-best-cinematic-experience-to-audience.html|title=Sai Srinivas - Saakshyam will give the best cinematic experience to audience|date=23 July 2018}} Writer Sai Madhav Burra was signed for the dialogues for the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saakshyam-teaser-to-be-unveiled-on-april-18-telugu-news-211781|title='Saakshyam' teaser to be unveiled on April 18 - Telugu News|date=17 April 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}} The film was produced by Abhishek Nama under his banner Abhishek Pictures.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/bellamkonda-sai-pooja-hegdes-saakshyam-gets-a-new-release-date.html|title=Bellamkonda Sai, Pooja Hegde's Saakshyam gets a new release date | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=18 February 2018}}

"This is going to be my sixth film. Its story and script is going to be completely different from my previous films. It is written keeping the changing trends in mind, and to suit all sections", Sriwass on the story.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/sriwass-to-team-up-with-bellamkonda-sreenivas-for-mega-project/articleshow/58774581.cms|title=Sriwass to team up with Bellamkonda Sreenivas for mega project|work=The Times of India |date=21 May 2017|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}

The film's launch event with a puja ceremony was held on 21 May 2017 at Ramanaidu Studios, which saw the attendance of noted personalities from the Telugu film industry.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/sriwass-bellamkonda-movie-launched-telugu-news-185910|title=Sriwass-Bellamkonda movie launched - Telugu News|date=22 May 2017|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/young-heros-next-in-sriwass-direction-announced.html|title=Young hero's next in Sriwass' direction announced | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=21 May 2017}} Director Sriwass' daughter Vedaswa handed over the script while popular Raghava Lawrence switched on the camera. Director V. V. Vinayak sounded the clapboard while director Boyapati Srinu take the first shot on Sreenivas.{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/functions1/muhurat-bellamkondasrinivas-srivass.html|title=Bellamkonda Srinivas and Srivass combination film launch - idlebrain.com news|website=www.idlebrain.com}}

Sreenivas said "Once I greenlighted Saakshyam, I didn't accept any other project. Since the movie has significant action sequences, I wanted to give my best. I went to Dubai to get physically trained".{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saakshyam-is-unique-grand-bellamkonda-srinivas-telugu-news-217885|title='Saakshyam' is unique, grand: Bellamkonda Srinivas - Telugu News|date=24 July 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}} A. S. Prakash served as the production designer for Saakshyam. Prior to starting the first shooting schedule, the team had constructed a set at Ramoji Film City in Hyderabad, for filming an action sequence.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/bellamkonda-sais-next-to-on-floors-soon.html|title=Bellamkonda Sai's next to on floors soon | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=8 June 2017}}

In May 2017, Devi Sri Prasad was reported to compose music for the film,{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/220517/new-beginnings.html|title=New beginnings|first=Pranita|last=Jonnalagedda|date=22 May 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}} but Harshavardhan Rameshwar was signed as the music director.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/unique-musical-treat-in-saakshyam.html|title=Unique musical treat in Saakshyam | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=30 May 2018}} Other technicians includes cinematographer Arthur A. Wilson, editor Kotagiri Venkateswara Rao, production designer A. S. Prakash, stunt director Peter Hein, and costume designers Nischay Niyogi and Neeta Lulla, and dance choreographers Shobi Paulraj, Raghu and Bhanu.{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/the-first-look-of-saakshyam-unveiled/articleshow/62930413.cms|title='సాక్ష్యం' ఫస్ట్ లుక్: డీజే భామతో డీప్ రొమాన్స్!|website=Samayam Telugu}}

According to Bellamkonda Sreenivas, the story revolves around five elements (Panchamahabhuta) – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Aether.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/021117/saakshyam-based-on-natures-5-elements.html|title=Saakshyam based on nature's 5 elements!|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=2 November 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}}

About the theme, director Sriwass said "I was inspired by life. It has always been my aim to make movies in different genres and all my films have been like that so far. Saakshyam, however, is a multi-genre film which will explore five different themes with drastically different backdrops."{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-is-my-dream-come-true-on-celluloid-i-take-full-onus-for-it-sriwass/articleshow/65164481.cms|title=Saakshyam is my dream come true on celluloid; I take full onus for it: Sriwass|work=The Times of India |date=28 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}

"There's been a lot of talk about Saakshyam being a horror thriller. That’s not true. There are no supernatural elements as such — let’s just say, the story incorporates five elements of nature that we all experience in our everyday life, into its screenplay", Sreenivas on the story of the film.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-unveiled-a-side-of-me-that-i-didnt-know-existed-bellamkonda-sai-sreenivas/articleshow/65150964.cms|title=Saakshyam unveiled a side of me that I didn't know existed: Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas|work=The Times of India |date=27 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}

Bellamkonda Sreenivas plays video game developer and designer in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/030118/i-take-everything-in-my-stride-bellamkonda-sreenivas.html|title=I take everything in my stride: Bellamkonda Sreenivas|first=Pranita|last=Jonnalagedda|date=3 January 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Sreenivas trained in BMX racing, flyboarding and jet skiing for his character in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/Apr/09/saakshyam-release-postponed-5452.html|title=Saakshyam release postponed|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=9 April 2018|website=Cinema Express}} In June 2017, Pooja Hegde was confirmed to play the female lead.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2017/Jun/28/pooja-hegde-roped-in-for-bellamkonda-srinivas-film-817.html|title=Pooja Hegde roped in for Bellamkonda Srinivas film|first=Express|last=Features|date=28 June 2017|website=Cinema Express}}{{Cite web|url=https://archive.telugucinema.com/news/pooja-hegde-signs-bellamkonda-movie|title=Pooja Hegde signs Bellamkonda movie|date=28 June 2017|website=telugucinema.com}} Hegde portraits a middle class Brahmin girl from a traditional and conservative family. The makers were confident that she will do full justice to the role. It was reported that her outfits in the film are also going to be the highlight of the film. Neeta Lulla designed her costumes in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tollywood.net/souths-hottest-spicy-girl-turns-brahmin-for-bellamkonda-sreenivas/|title=South's hottest spicy girl turns Brahmin for Bellamkonda Sreenivas|first=Tollywood|last=Desk|date=24 February 2018|website=Tollywood}} About playing a spiritual leader in the film, Hegde said "I have always focused on the character than my look."{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/pooja-hegde-on-playing-spiritual-leader-in-saakshyam-ive-always-focused-on-character-than-my-look-4831761.html|title=Pooja Hegde on playing spiritual leader in Saakshyam: I've always focused on character than my look|date=27 July 2018|website=Firstpost}}

Jagapathi Babu was signed in to play main antagonist role in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/jagapathi-babu-feared-he-would-lose-all-his-female-fans-after-saakshyam.html|title=Jagapathi Babu feared he would lose all his female fans after Saakshyam|date=29 July 2018}} Ravi Kishan, Ashutosh Rana, Sarath Kumar, Meena, Jayaprakash, Pavitra Lokesh, Brahmaji, Madhu Guruswamy, and Vennela Kishore were also roped in to play important roles in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/240817/pooja-hegde-joins-bellamkonda.html|title=Pooja Hegde joins Bellamkonda!|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=24 August 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/saakshyam-official-teaser-released/articleshow/63813609.cms|title='సాక్ష్యం' టీజర్: హిట్టుకొట్టేలానే ఉంది!|website=Samayam Telugu}}

File:Canyon River Tree (165872763).jpeg, where parts of the film were shot|left]]

Principal photography of the film commenced on 12 June 2017 in Hyderabad at a specially erected set at Ramoji Film City in the location.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2017-06-14/Bellamkonda-Sreenivas-Sriwass-team-up/306323|title=Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Sriwass team up|first=The Hans|last=India|date=14 June 2017|website=www.thehansindia.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/abhishek-pictures-to-produce-bellamkondas-next.html|title=Abhishek Pictures to produce Bellamkonda's next | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=9 June 2017}} The 10-day schedule was concluded in late 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://filmyfocus.com/pooja-hegde-roped-bellamkonda-srinivas-film|title=Pooja Hegde Roped in for Bellamkonda Srinivas film ! - Filmy Focus|date=28 June 2017}} The second schedule of the film was filmed in July 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/news/today/poojahegde-in-bsreenivas-sriwass-film.html|title=Pooja Hegde Heroine In Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Sriwass, Abhishek Pictures Production No 4 - idlebrain.com news|website=www.idlebrain.com}} In August 2017, a lavish set was constructed at Pollachi, Tamil Nadu designed by A. S. Prakash to shoot third schedule at a Pollachi village.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/bellamkonda-sreenivas-next-to-be-shot-in-pollachi.html|title=Bellamkonda Sreenivas' next to be shot in Pollachi | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=24 August 2017}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2017-september/135035/high-octane-stunts-of-bellamkonda-sai-sreenivas-in-pollachi|title=Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivass High-Octane Stunts In Pollachi|date=13 September 2017|website=www.ragalahari.com}} A high-octane interval episode featuring Srinivas, Hegde was shot in this schedule, which ended on 12 September 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://idlebrain.com/news/today/bsaisrinvias-sriwassfilm-in-pollachi.html|title=Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas - Sriwass film shooting in Pollachi - idlebrain.com news|website=idlebrain.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.telugu360.com/bellamkonda-srinivas-pooja-hegde-film-progress/|title=Bellamkonda Srinivas, Pooja Hegde film progress|date=24 August 2017}} With this forty percentage of the film shoot was over.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/sriwass-bellamkonda-shooting-in-pollachi-malayalam-news-194447|title=Sriwass-Bellamkonda shooting in Pollachi - Malayalam News|date=30 August 2017|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}

The filming resumed at Varanasi on 21 September 2017, where the team shot action sequences. Few scenes were also shot at Tulsi Ghat, Varanasi and at the temple.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/220917/sai-srinivas-bellamkondas-varanasi-action.html|title=Sai Srinivas Bellamkonda's Varanasi action|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=22 September 2017|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Varanasi schedule was wrapped on 3 October.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chitramala.in/bellamkonda-sreenivass-film-wraps-varanasi-schedule-253023.html|title=Bellamkonda Sreenivas's film wraps up Varanasi schedule|date=3 October 2017|website=Chitramala}} A 15-day schedule was begun on mid October 2017 at Hampi and Hospet, Karnataka, where the team shot action sequences choreographed by Peter Hein.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telugu360.com/bellamkonda-sakshyam-locks-february/|title=Bellamkonda's next shooting in Hampi|date=2 November 2017}} On 6 November 2017, the schedule was wrapped at Hospet near Bellary, Karnataka featuring Srinivas, Hegde and 200 other artists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/bellamkonda-sais-saakshyam-wraps-up-an-adventurous-schedule.html|title=Bellamkonda Sai's Saakshyam wraps up an adventurous schedule | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=6 November 2017}}

In December 2017, the production moved to Dubai to shoot introductory song and few crucial scenes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/update-on-bellamkonda-sais-saakshyam.html|title=Update on Bellamkonda Sai's Saakshyam | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=17 December 2017}} Some scenes featuring Pooja Hegde, Jayaprakash, Pavithra Lokesh and Vennela Kishore was shot in this schedule.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2017-december/155688/bellamkonda-sreenivas-pooja-hegde-sakshyam-progressing-in-dubai|title=Bellamkonda Sreenivass Sakshyam headed for Dubai|date=17 December 2017|website=www.ragalahari.com}} In early January 2018, Srinivas revealed that "seventy-five percent of the film’s shoot is done. Except for three songs and climax episode, entire shoot part is completed. We are planning to kick-start the climax shoot from this month end and have later planned a New York schedule to shoot three songs."{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/interviews/interview-bellamkonda-srinivas-my-dads-goodwill-is-helping-me-big-time.html|title=Interview : Bellamkonda Srinivas – My dad's goodwill is helping me big time | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=2 January 2018}}

The filming of the climax scenes began in February 2018. Action director Peter Hein choreographed few climax sequences that took place on a huge set in Ramoji Film City, Hyderabad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/Feb/14/saakshyam-first-look-unveiled-4551.html|title=Saakshyam first look unveiled|first=Murali Krishna|last=CH|date=14 February 2018|website=Cinema Express}}

Final schedule of the film was shot at USA, with Sreenivas, Pooja Hegde and Vennela Kishore in April 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.telugu360.com/saakshyam-shoot-progressing-usa/|title=Saakshyam shoot progressing in USA|date=9 April 2018}} The 15-day USA schedule was done at locations New York City, the Grand Canyon and New Jersey.{{Cite web|url=https://idlebrain.com/news/today/saakshyambringshotinexoticlocationsintheusa.html|title=Saakshyam bring shot in exotic locations in the USA - lebrain.com news|website=idlebrain.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/100418/saakshyam-will-be-a-visual-feast.html|title=Saakshyam will be a visual feast'|first=D. C.|last=Correspondent|date=10 April 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}

"We are going to explore some exotic locales in US which haven’t been shown before in Telugu films. It is going to be a visual feast"{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/saakshyam-team-to-explore-exotic-locales-in-us.html|title=Saakshyam Team To Explore Exotic Locales In US | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=10 April 2018}} A song featuring and Hegde shot in this schedule.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/sai-pooja-hegde-shoot-saakshyam-in-exotic-us-locales.html|title=Sai, Pooja Hegde shoot Saakshyam in exotic US locales | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=9 April 2018}} In late April 2018, a 15 minutes dance sequence featuring Sreenivas and Hegde was shot on a busy street at New York City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/sakshyam-in-song-shoot-mode.html|title=Saakshyam in song shoot mode | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=22 April 2018}} Hegde practised for hours to get her moves right.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/movies/regional-cinema/story/pooja-hegde-dance-in-saakshyam-in-15-minutes-1217711-2018-04-22|title=Whoa! Pooja Hegde perfects a dance sequence in just 15 minutes|date=22 April 2018|website=India Today}} Principal photography wrapped by late-April 2018, with filming having lasted 160 working days.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/240718/many-are-openly-jealous-of-me.html|title=Many are openly jealous of me'|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=24 July 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}

"We couldn't have shot in Hyderabad what should be shot in Kaasi. I can't cheat the audience. The media started talking about the making values right after the teaser was out", Abhishek Nama on making of the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saakshyam-is-a-content-driven-film-abhishek-nama-hollywood-news-217835|title='Saakshyam' is a content-driven film: Abhishek Nama - Hollywood News|date=23 July 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}

Post-production of the film began simultaneously with the wrapping-up and continuation of film production.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tollywood.net/bellamkonda-sai-srinivass-saakshyam-teaser-to-be-out-on-18th-april/|title=Bellamkonda Sai Srinivas's Saakshyam teaser to be out on 18th April|first=Tollywood|last=Desk|date=17 April 2018|website=Tollywood}} Pete Draper and Alan Badger Brayshaw served as the visual effects supervisor of the film, along with Makuta VFX,{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/real-reason-behind-saakshyam-postponement-telugu-news-214541|title=Real reason behind 'Saakshyam' postponement - Telugu News|date=28 May 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}} Pixelloid, Work Flow Studios, Knack Studios and the EFX, the film's principal visual effects studio. Over 400 technically skilled artists worked for the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2018/May/29/saakshyam-gets-a-release-date-6229.html|title=Saakshyam gets a release date|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=29 May 2018|website=Cinema Express}} Extensive visual effects work took place several months during the post-production process.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-05-28/Baahubali-team-works-for-Saakshyam/384706|title=Baahubali team works for Saakshyam|date=28 May 2018|website=www.thehansindia.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ragalahari.com/tollywood-news-2018-may/156809/saakshyam-trying-to-get-the-best-vfx|title=Saakshyam trying to get the best VFX|date=28 May 2018|website=www.ragalahari.com}} Hari Haran and Sachin Sudhakaran worked on sound design and IGENE handled digital intermediate. Ranga did the colouring for the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinejosh.com/news/3/62189/saakshyam-shows-cancelled.html|title=Saakshyam Shows Cancelled!|first=RamBabu|last=Parvathaneni|date=27 July 2018|website=cinejosh.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ragalahari.com/movies/info/64752/saakshyam-cast-crew.aspx|title=Saakshyam (2018) | Cast & Crew | News | Galleries | Movie Posters | Watch Saakshyam Movie Online|website=www.ragalahari.com}}

The final copy of the film was ready by late July 2018, and was submitted to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) that month.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-07-20/Saakshyam-audio-evokes-tremendous-response/399768|title='Saakshyam' audio evokes tremendous response|first=The Hans|last=India|date=20 July 2018|website=www.thehansindia.com}} According to the reports, the censor board was not willing to certify the film as they reportedly believed that many birds and animals were hurt during the shooting of the film. The producers clarified that no birds or animals were hurt during the making of the film and everything has been shot in CGI.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-the-film-to-release-on-july-27-as-per-schedule/articleshow/65118121.cms|title='Saakshyam': The film to release on July 27 as per schedule|work=The Times of India |date=24 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/actor-bellamkonda-srinivas-slammed-pic-posing-elephant-s-tusk-89009|title=Actor Bellamkonda Srinivas slammed for pic posing on elephant's tusk|first=Digital|last=Native|date=26 September 2018|website=The News Minute}} Later, on 24 July 2018, the film received a U/A certificate from the Censor Board, with a finalised runtime of 164 minutes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/saakshyam-completes-censor-all-set-for-a-grand-july-27-release.html|title=Saakshyam completes censor, All set for a grand July 27 release|date=24 July 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-gets-u/a-certificate/articleshow/65130272.cms|title='Saakshyam' gets U/A certificate|work=The Times of India |date=25 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}

{{Main|Saakshyam (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack of this film is composed by Harshavardhan Rameshwar. All the lyrics are written by Ananta Sriram.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-07-20/Saakshyam-audio-evokes-tremendous-response/399768|title='Saakshyam' audio evokes tremendous response|first=The Hans|last=India|date=20 July 2018|website=www.thehansindia.com|access-date=2024-05-09|archive-date=2022-10-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221018114609/https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-07-20/Saakshyam-audio-evokes-tremendous-response/399768|url-status=live}} The music released on Junglee Music.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/saakshyam-junglee-music-acquires-the-music-rights-of-the-much-awaited-telugu-film/articleshow/65038612.cms|title='Saakshyam': Junglee Music acquires the music rights of the much-awaited Telugu film|work=The Times of India |date=18 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India|access-date=9 May 2024|archive-date=8 April 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200408192410/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/saakshyam-junglee-music-acquires-the-music-rights-of-the-much-awaited-telugu-film/articleshow/65038612.cms|url-status=live}} The complete audio was released on 7 July 2018 in Hyderabad.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyams-audio-launch-was-a-starry-affair/articleshow/64904822.cms|title=Saakshyam's audio launch was a starry affair|work=The Times of India |date=8 July 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India|access-date=9 May 2024|archive-date=9 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509091616/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyams-audio-launch-was-a-starry-affair/articleshow/64904822.cms|url-status=live}}

The soundtrack consists of the songs "Design Your Destiny", "Ishq Karle", "Soundarya Lahari", "Dung Dung Dung Dung", "Shivam Shivam", "Cheliya Choode", "Bhava Maaya", "Thatra Gandhavathi Pruthvi", "Om Agnirwa Apa", "Sapdha Gunakam" and "Gange Jayamu".{{Cite web|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/3626/saakshyam/songs|title=Saakshyam Telugu Movie - Music|website=www.moviecrow.com|access-date=2024-05-09|archive-date=2024-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509091627/https://www.moviecrow.com/movie/3626/saakshyam/songs|url-status=live}} The songs were trending on all FM stations and charts.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-the-film-to-release-on-july-27-as-per-schedule/articleshow/65118121.cms|title='Saakshyam': The film to release on July 27 as per schedule|work=The Times of India |date=July 24, 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India|access-date=May 9, 2024|archive-date=May 9, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240509024552/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-the-film-to-release-on-july-27-as-per-schedule/articleshow/65118121.cms|url-status=live}}

File:Pooja Hegde at Saakshyam poster launch.jpg

The title logo of the film was revealed on 18 October 2017, through a forty five second motion poster, coinciding Diwali.{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/bellamkonda-sreenivas-sakshyam-movie-motion-poster-released/articleshow/61140779.cms|title=బెల్లంకొండ వారి 'సాక్ష్యం' ఇదిగో!|website=Samayam Telugu}} The motion poster showcases the five elements (Panchamahabhuta) – Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Aether, inside a giant eye.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/saakshyams-intriguing-motion-poster-raises-curiosity.html|title=Saakshyam's intriguing motion poster raises curiosity | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=18 October 2017}} The motion poster launch event was held on the same day in Hyderabad, with the film's cast and crew present at the event.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshi.com/photos/movies/saakshyam-movie-motion-poster-launch-945041|title='సాక్ష్యం' మోషన్‌ పోస్టర్‌ లాంచ్‌ | Sakshi|website=www.sakshi.com}} The first look of the film featuring Srinivas and Hegde was released on 14 February 2018, coinciding Valentine's Day.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/the-first-look-of-saakshyam-unveiled/articleshow/62917843.cms|title=The first look of 'Saakshyam' unveiled|work=The Times of India |date=14 February 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}} Later, on 18 April 2018 the film's official teaser trailer was released, which received good response.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-teaser-bellamkonda-sreenivas-starrer-proves-that-no-one-can-escape-from-hidden-karma/articleshow/63816947.cms|title='Saakshyam' teaser: Bellamkonda Sreenivas starrer proves that no one can escape from hidden karma|work=The Times of India |date=18 April 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}}{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/saakshyam-the-teaser-of-the-bellamkonda-sreenivas-starrer-receives-a-good-response/articleshow/63858625.cms|title='Saakshyam': The teaser of the Bellamkonda Sreenivas starrer receives a good response|work=The Times of India |date=21 April 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}} The film's theatrical trailer was released at audio launch event on 7 July 2018 and later on social medias.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saakshyam-trailer-out-release-date-finalized-kannada-news-216988|title='Saakshyam' trailer out, release date finalized - Kannada News|date=8 July 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/saakshyams-trailer-gets-everyone-talking.html|title=Saakshyam's trailer gets everyone talking | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=8 July 2018}}

Saakshyam was theatrically released on 27 July 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-07-26/Saakshyam-movie-Twitter-review/401366|title='Saakshyam' movie Twitter review|date=27 July 2018|website=www.thehansindia.com}} The film was released by Eros International globally.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/saakshyam-censor-done-release-announced-telugu-news-217958|title='Saakshyam' censor done, release announced - Telugu News|date=25 July 2018|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/top-bollywood-distribution-house-acquires-saakshyams-worldwide-rights.html|title=Top Bollywood distribution house acquires Saakshyam's worldwide rights|date=21 July 2018}}

Red Heart Movies released the film in North America.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshipost.com/news/2018/05/21/saakshyam-overseas-rights-sold|title=Saakshyam Overseas Rights Sold|date=21 May 2018|website=Sakshi Post}} Dil Raju acquired the distribution rights of the film in Nizam (Telangana) region.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/200518/dil-raju-picks-up-saakshyam.html|title=Dil Raju picks up Saakshyam|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=20 May 2018|website=Deccan Chronicle}}

The film's digital rights were acquired by ZEE5 and Zee Network acquired the satellite rights of the Telugu version. The deal of satellite rights was reported to be {{INR Convert|13.5|c}}.{{Cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/tv/news/telugu/the-satellite-rights-of-bellamkonda-sreenivas-and-pooja-hegdes-saakshyam-sold-for-rs-13-5-cr/articleshow/63126687.cms|title=The satellite rights of Bellamkonda Sreenivas and Pooja Hegde's 'Saakshyam' sold for Rs 13.5 Cr|work=The Times of India |date=1 March 2018|via=The Economic Times - The Times of India}} The original Telugu-language version of the film was premiered on television on 23 September 2018 on Zee Telugu.{{Cite tweet |author=ZEE TELUGU |user=ZeeTVTelugu |number=1043435988675117057 |title=1 day to go for #Saakshyam World Television Premier}} The film premiered on ZEE5 on 27 December 2018.{{Cite tweet |author=ZEE5 TELUGU |user=Zee5Telugu |number=1077102426610589696 |title=#Saakshyam సినిమా #WorldDigitalPremiere చూడండి డిసెంబర్ 27, 2018న! కేవలం #ZEE5లో!}}

The Hindi dubbed version titled Pralay: The Destroyer premiered on Zee Cinema on 15 November 2020.{{Cite web|url=https://businessnewsthisweek.com/entertainment/zee-cinema-presents-the-hindi-television-premiere-of-the-ultimate-action-entertainer-pralay-the-destroyer-on-15th-november/|title=Zee Cinema presents the Hindi Television Premiere of the ultimate action entertainer 'Pralay: The Destroyer' on 15th November|date=16 November 2020}} The film was later telecasted on & Pictures on 18 March 2022.{{Cite tweet |author=AndPicturesIN |user=Zee5Telugu |number=1504452605162197000 |title=Watch the &Pictures Premiere of Pralay The Destroyer on Friday, 18th March at 7:30 PM only on &Pictures.}} The film was later dubbed and released in Tamil in 2022.{{fact|date=March 2025}}

Saakshyam received mixed reviews from critics with praise for the VFX, dialogue, direction, lead casts performances, concept, music, background score and action sequences while criticism was directed towards the screenplay.

123 Telugu rated the film 3 out of 5 and wrote, "On the whole, Saakshyam is a regular action entertainer with an interesting theme. As long as the superb fights and mass elements take center stage, things look good. The mass audience will surely love the film as it has been packed with good episodes which will keep them entertained."{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/saakshyam-telugu-movie-review.html|title=Saakshyam Telugu Movie Review|date=28 July 2018}}

Murali Krishna C H of The New Indian Express wrote "Bellamkonda achieves believability with a graceful, restrained performance. Pooja Hegde gets more screen time in this film compared to her last outing DJ and she does a good job. Jagapati Babu makes a menacing Munuswamy and he is aided well by Ravi Kishan and Ashutosh Rana."{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/review/2018/Jul/27/saakshyam-movie-review-interesting-premise-marred-by-slipshod-narration-1849574.html|title='Saakshyam' movie review: Interesting premise marred by slipshod narration|first=Murali Krishna C.|last=H|date=28 July 2018|website=The New Indian Express}}

In his review, Krishna Sripada of The News Minute wrote "Sriwass’ fantasy tale tells the story of how Vishwa, whose entire family was wiped out in a violent massacre, gets his revenge".{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/sakshyam-review-supernatural-revenge-drama-tiring-watch-85541|title='Sakshyam' review: This supernatural revenge drama is a tiring watch|first=Krishna|last=Sripada|date=27 July 2018|website=The News Minute}}

Vyas of The Hans India reviewed the film and wrote "The major highlight of the film is definitely the striking visuals by the cinematographer. The first half has a lot of comedy, a romance which entertains the audience. The second half lacks a bit of pace and embedded a lot of action sequences. Though the second half is a little bit boring when compared the first half, the spectacular visuals and backgrounds engage the viewers well."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/posts/index/Cinema/2018-07-27/Saakshyam-Movie-Review-Rating-2755/401551|title=Saakshyam Movie Review & Rating {2.75/5}|date=27 July 2018|website=www.thehansindia.com}}

Varaprasad Makireddy of Samayam Telugu opined "The movie is definitely new. If not, it would have been better if it had been shown better. All in all the theater goer is satisfied. If you enjoy the movie without looking for logic, you will definitely like it."{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/movie-review/saakshyam-movie-review-rating-in-telugu/moviereview/65158094.cms|title=Saakshyam Movie Review|website=Samayam Telugu}} Jeevi of Idlebrain.com write "Saakshyam is a large canvas film with a different concept and an innovative use of Karma and nature’s elements. The movie starts off really well with high energy killing sequence and hero riding on calf."{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/saakshyam.html|title=Saakshyam review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivasa, Pooja Hegde|website=www.idlebrain.com}}

Saakshyam grossed {{INR Convert|22.7|c}} in its theatrical run. It was a success at the box office.

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Category:2018 films

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