# Josh (2009 Telugu film)

Josh (transl. zeal) is a 2009 Indian Telugu-language coming-of-age political action drama film directed by Vasu Varma in his debut, and produced Dil Raju. The film marks the debuts of Naga Chaitanya (son of Nagarjuna) and Karthika (daughter of Radha) in lead roles, whilst prominent actor J. D. Chakravarthy plays antagonist role. The film's music is scored by Sandeep Chowta.
The plot explores student politics, and the vested interests of politicians in such activities. Released on 5 September 2009, to highly positive reviews for its direction, emotional weight of the story, screenplay, Chaitanya & Prakash Raj's performance, soundtrack & social message, but received criticism for its lengthy runtime. Despite receiving positive reviews, film was not commercially successful.
Over the years, the film attained cult following among the youth.

## Plot

Satya is a student. He discontinues his graduation studies in Vizag and comes to Hyderabad in search of a job. He stays with his uncle in Hyderabad. He runs into a fight with MGM college students who are influenced by political mafia leader Durga Rao. Satya tries to change the students but fails. Then he gets accidentally hit by the students and gets admitted into the hospital. When questioned by his uncle about his rude behavior with students Satya narrates his flashback.
In the flashback we see a carefree Satya with a gang of his classmates. Although he was a topper until schooling, college environment makes him a stubborn guy. His principal keeps on advising him to change but Satya would just feel it as a lecture. He also makes his principal's sincere son, Bujji join his gang. One day they go on for a bike race and Bujji accompanies Satya on Satya's bike. The bike's chain gets loose and the bike slips leaving Satya injured and causing Bujji's death. This makes Satya to realise.
And now after getting discharged from the hospital, Satya joins the college to cleanse the system. On the other hand, there is Vidhya, an elementary school teacher who aspires to go to college but could not as her brother feels that college students are rowdies and she would not be safe in college. She meets Satya and love blossoms between them. Main crux of the movie is how Satya changes the students and brings them out of the bad influence of Durga Rao.

## Cast

* Naga Chaitanya as Satya
* Karthika as Vidhya
* J. D. Chakravarthy as J. Durga Rao
* Prakash Raj as Principal
* Brahmanandam as Durga Rao's personal assistant
* Sunil as Bujji, Satya’s uncle
* Anand as Satya's father
* Sithara as Satya's mother
* Surya
* Hema
* Janaki
* Harsha Vardhan as Vidhya's brother
* Devadas Kanakala
* Kautilya as Guna
* Kamesh
* Mounica as Vidhya's sister-in-law
* Shreya Dhanwanthary as Bhavna, student of MGM college and Satya’s classmate
* Rakesh Varre as Radha
* Sandeep Madhav as a student (Radha batch)
* Siddhu Jonnalagadda as a student
* Vishwa
* Pila Gangadhar
* Priyanka
* Sai Kundana
* Asalatha
* Kotesh Manava
* Satyanarayana Varma

## Soundtrack

The music was composed by Sandeep Chowtha. The soundtrack, released on 18 July 2009 at Shilparama Vedika.

## Release

Initially scheduled to release on 3 September 2009, the film was delayed due to the death of Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy. It was eventually released two days later on 5 September 2009.

## Reception

Josh received highly positive reviews upon its release and was praised for its direction, emotional weight of the story, screenplay, Chaitanya & Prakash Raj's performance, soundtrack & social message, but criticised its runtime.Rediff.com critic Radhika Rajmani wrote, "Josh as such, does not have anything new about it. The theme has been touched upon before. The attraction now is Naga Chaitanya who has the movie on his shoulders," while rating the film 3 stars of 5. Idlebrain.com rated 2.75/5 and stated, "The narration and screenplay given by Vasu Varma diluted the main point."

## Accolades
### Filmfare Awards South

* Won – Filmfare Award for Best Male Debut – South – Naga Chaitanya

### Santosham Film Awards

* Won – Santosham Film Award for Best Debut Actress – Karthika Nair

### CineMAA Awards

* Won – Best Female Debut – Karthika Nair