The Manchu family, prominent in the Telugu film industry, is once again making headlines, this time due to a shocking claim by Vishnu Manchu against his brother, Manoj Manchu. Vishnu has alleged that Manoj's staff members were involved in the theft of a hard disk containing crucial footage from his upcoming film, "Kannappa." This incident has further strained the already tense relationship between the brothers, adding another chapter to their ongoing family feud.
According to reports, the hard disk contained vital VFX work and pivotal scenes from "Kannappa," a mythological drama set for release on June 27, 2025. Vishnu, during a media interaction in Chennai while promoting the film, stated that the disk was sent from Hive Studios in Mumbai to their father, Mohan Babu's residence in Film Nagar, Hyderabad. This location serves as the usual delivery point for packages intended for the Manchu siblings.
The disk was reportedly handed over to two individuals named Raghu and Charitha, who have since gone missing. Vishnu has alleged that these individuals are connected to Manoj Manchu, with Raghu supposedly working as his personal assistant and Charitha linked to his office. The theft reportedly occurred about four weeks ago.
Vishnu stated that the production team initially attempted to contact Manoj and his associates to resolve the issue, but their efforts were unsuccessful. Following these failed attempts, a police complaint was filed. Vishnu expressed concern over the potential leak of the footage but reassured that the hard disk is password-protected, making unauthorized access unlikely. He urged the public not to watch any leaked content, emphasizing the immense effort that has gone into making the film.
"You all know what happened within our family. We tried to reach Manoj through our friends, but to no avail. We don't know if they stole it or acted upon someone's orders. It was after these attempts we filed a police complaint," Vishnu said, addressing the media in Chennai. He also requested the media to refrain from probing into family matters during the promotional event.
Manoj Manchu has so far refrained from directly addressing the allegations. When questioned about the issue during a recent event, he stated that he did not want to comment on the matter and that he still wishes the best for "Kannappa".
This is not the first time the Manchu family has been embroiled in controversy. Over the past few years, the brothers have been involved in a public feud, with reports of property disputes and allegations of physical altercations. In 2024, Mohan Babu filed a complaint against Manoj and his wife, Bhuma Mounika, alleging that he feared for his safety. Manoj countered by claiming that goons had entered his home and attacked him, leaving him injured. Vishnu's wife, Viranica, has also spoken about the impact of the family feud on their children, stating that it has been a difficult time for them.
The Manchu family's troubles have been a subject of public interest for a while. In December 2024, reports surfaced about property disputes involving assets estimated at ₹600 crore, including prime properties in Hyderabad, a farmhouse in Jalpally, and the Sri Vidyanikethan university in Tirupati. There have also been allegations of favoritism toward Vishnu, with claims that he continues to receive financial backing despite some of his films not performing well, while Manoj has faced budget issues with his projects.
The current allegation regarding the theft of the "Kannappa" hard disk has further intensified the spotlight on the Manchu family and their internal conflicts. As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what the outcome will be and how it will impact the relationship between Vishnu and Manoj.
