RX 100 actor Kartikeya Gummakonda is making his directorial debut with COMEBACK, a boxing drama that he has also written and will headline. Produced by his wife Lohitha Reddy, the film follows a forgotten fighter returning to the ring after a mysterious three-year absence.

Kartikeya announces his directorial debut
Actor Kartikeya Gummakonda, widely known for his breakthrough performance in Ajay Bhupathi’s RX 100, is stepping behind the camera for the first time with COMEBACK. Besides directing the film, Kartikeya has written the script and will play the lead role, making it one of the most personal projects of his career. The announcement was made on September 21 to coincide with the actor’s birthday. A short teaser released alongside the announcement has generated curiosity with its intense tone and mysterious central character.

A forgotten boxer prepares to return
The teaser opens with a conversation between two unidentified characters who are not shown on screen. One of them observes that it has been three years since the boxer’s name was heard inside the ring and admits that he assumed the fighter had left the sport for another profession. The other character is surprised by how much time has passed and questions what the boxer could achieve after such a long absence. Their discussion describes his planned return as something close to a “suicide mission,” suggesting that the odds are heavily stacked against him.

Neither character knows what the boxer was doing during the missing three years. This unanswered question becomes the teaser’s main source of suspense. It hints that the protagonist may have faced personal struggles, failure or a difficult period of reinvention before deciding to fight again. The story appears to centre on a fallen sportsman trying to reclaim his identity and prove that he still belongs in the ring.

Kartikeya undergoes a striking transformation
The teaser eventually reveals Kartikeya training with complete focus, skipping rope and delivering powerful punches. He appears lean, disciplined and physically transformed for the role. Known as one of Tollywood’s most fitness-conscious actors, Kartikeya brings convincing physical intensity to the boxing sequences. His appearance suggests that the film will combine an emotional comeback story with demanding sports action.

COMEBACK is being produced by Lohitha Reddy under the Kartikeya Creative Works banner, marking a professional collaboration between the actor and his wife. Vijay Bulganin is composing the music, while Jagadeesh Cheekati is handling cinematography. The technical team also includes production designer KR Kumar Manne, editor Kalyan Suryaprakash, costume designer Shilpa Tanguturu and creative director Surya Akella. Sudheer Telaprolu serves as the executive producer.

A new chapter in Kartikeya’s career
Kartikeya has developed a varied filmography since RX 100, taking on both lead and supporting roles. His notable appearances include Nani’s Gang Leader and the Ajith-starrer Tamil action film Valimai. With COMEBACK, he is moving into writing and direction while continuing as an actor. The project represents a significant career shift and could establish a new creative path for him if its boxing drama delivers the emotional weight promised by the teaser.