Nandamuri Balakrishna has delivered multiple hit films throughout his extensive successful career. His exceptional partnership with iconic filmmaker Kodi Ramakrishna became the primary factor which propelled him to achieve global stardom. The two of them produced successful films together which included Mangamma Gari Manavadu and Muddula Mavayya and Muvva Gopaludu, with Mangamma Gari Manavadu serving as a significant milestone in Balakrishna’s professional development.

The ambitious folk film that never released

The Balakrishna–Kodi Ramakrishna partnership decided to create their first folk film with Vikrama Simha Bhupathi. Kodi Ramakrishna had always wanted to make folk cinema movies and this project would fulfill his lifelong dream. The film project which had generated great anticipation was canceled after the team had completed approximately 60 percent of their filming work.

Astrology and unexpected setbacks

In a later interview, Kodi Ramakrishna revealed that even he was unsure about the exact reasons behind the film’s sudden halt. During the shoot, producer Gopal Reddy became gravely ill. At that moment, astrologers from Nellore advised him to halt the film production because they claimed that planetary positions were currently unfavorable.

Taking the astrologers’ advice seriously, the producer decided to halt the project. The situation was communicated to Balakrishna who approved the decision to postpone filming until a better time for shooting the movie. He even proposed that they should finish another work while they waited.

A project that never resumed

Unfortunately, Gopal Reddy’s health did not improve, and the film was never restarted. Kodi Ramakrishna later said that the portions already shot were of excellent quality and could have resulted in a remarkable folk epic if completed.

Balakrishna’s faith in horoscopes

The team attempted to bring Vikrama Simha Bhupathi back to life but their efforts led to the project remaining unexecuted. Kodi Ramakrishna also noted that Balakrishna has a strong belief in horoscopes and astrology, a factor that influenced the decision-making process.The film continues to be a highly discussed unfinished work that Balakrishna has ever done.