The pre-release event of KJQ (King – Jackie – Queen) turned into an emotional tribute to late director Kiran (KK), with the cast, filmmakers and industry guests remembering his passion for cinema while expressing confidence that the film will become a fitting tribute to his legacy. The period crime drama is set for a grand theatrical release on August 7.

An Emotional Tribute to Director Kiran

The makers of KJQ (King – Jackie – Queen) hosted a grand pre-release event ahead of the film’s release, bringing together the cast, crew and several prominent personalities from the Telugu film industry. Produced by Sudhakar Cherukuri under the SLV Cinemas banner in association with Nakkina Narratives, the film is directed by the late Kiran (KK), making it his final directorial venture. Set in the backdrop of the 1990s, the period crime drama stars Deekshith Shetty, newcomer Sashi Odela and Yukti Tareja in pivotal roles. With the recently released trailer generating positive responses, the event focused on celebrating Kiran’s vision and dedication while building anticipation for the film’s theatrical release on August 7.

Cast Reflects on Kiran’s Vision and Hard Work

Lead actor Deekshith Shetty described the event as both emotional and special, saying the team deeply missed director Kiran’s presence. He remembered Kiran as a visionary filmmaker who trusted him with the role and thanked producer Sudhakar Cherukuri for completing the film despite numerous challenges. Deekshith also praised the technical crew, including cinematographer Nagesh and art director Srikanth, while expressing confidence that audiences would appreciate the performances of the entire cast, especially debutant Sashi Odela.

Sashi Odela thanked the producers for believing in a fresh story and giving him his acting debut. He recalled his friendship with Deekshith Shetty and shared how much he had learned from Kiran during the making of the film. Actress Yukti Tareja echoed similar emotions, stating that Kiran’s faith in her helped her secure the role. She called KJQ a heartfelt tribute to the late filmmaker and urged audiences to watch the film in theatres.

Industry Guests Extend Their Support

Blockbuster director Srikanth Odela described KJQ as Kiran’s dream project and wished for the film to become a massive success in his memory. He praised the late filmmaker’s passion and commitment, saying the best tribute would be the audience embracing the movie after its release.

Producer Sudhakar Cherukuri admitted that Kiran’s absence was deeply felt during the event but expressed confidence that the film would not disappoint viewers. Mythri Movie Makers producer Y. Ravi Shankar appreciated the unique title, gripping trailer and the effort put in by every department. He compared the trailer’s visual quality to an international production and encouraged movie lovers to support the film as a tribute to Kiran.

Director Sampath Nandi shared emotional memories of his two-decade friendship with Kiran, recalling his fearless personality and uncompromising approach to filmmaking. He praised Sudhakar Cherukuri for standing by the filmmaker during difficult times and ensuring that his final work reached audiences. Director Sandeep Raj also wished the team success, saying he had followed the project from the beginning and believed it would stand out as a unique film.

KJQ Heads for a Grand Release

Music director Poornachandra Tejaswi said the team worked hard to bring Kiran’s vision to life and described KJQ as a unique story rather than a routine commercial entertainer. Featuring a period setting, intense crime drama and emotionally driven storytelling, the film has already generated encouraging buzz through its teaser and trailer. With heartfelt speeches from the cast, crew and industry guests, the pre-release event reinforced the belief that KJQ will serve as a lasting tribute to director Kiran while aiming to deliver an engaging cinematic experience when it releases worldwide on August 7.