10 July,2026 04:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Akhil Akkineni. Pics via Instagram
Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has extended her support to Akhil Akkineni ahead of the release of his much-awaited film Lenin. Marking Akhil's return to the big screen after a three-year gap, the actress took to social media to wish the team well, earning appreciation from fans for her warm gesture despite her past ties with the Akkineni family.
Akhil's last outing was the 2023 action thriller Agent, which failed to perform at the box office. With Lenin releasing in theatres today, expectations are riding high for the actor's comeback.
Taking to her Instagram Stories, Samantha shared the trailer of Lenin and wished the actor and the entire team success. "Wishing Lenin akkineniakhil and the whole team the very best. Big blockbuster vibes already," she wrote.
The post quickly grabbed attention online, considering Samantha was previously married to Akhil's elder brother, Naga Chaitanya. The couple parted ways in 2021 after four years of marriage. Both have since moved on with their personal lives, with Samantha marrying filmmaker Raj Nidimoru and Naga Chaitanya tying the knot with actor Sobhita Dhulipala.
Directed by Murali Kishore Abburu, Lenin is an action-romance set against the backdrop of Rayalaseema. The film follows a fearless young man caught in the middle of political rivalries and family conflicts as he takes on a powerful local leader. Bhagyashri Borse stars opposite Akhil in the film.
Ahead of the release, Akhil received heartfelt support from his father, actor Nagarjuna, who opened up about the challenges his son has faced in his career. Speaking at a promotional event, Nagarjuna urged people not to compare Akhil's journey with previous generations of the Akkineni family.
"There is always pressure on Akhil because of our family legacy. Let us not compare his career with mine," Nagarjuna said, adding that the setbacks had deeply affected the actor. "There is a certain kind of sorrow in Akhil. This movie's story fits it perfectly. After hearing the story, I felt this definitely needs to be brought to you."
Akhil, who debuted as a lead actor with Akhil in 2015 after appearing as a child artist in Sisindri, has had a mixed career so far, with films like Hello earning appreciation while several others underperformed. With Lenin, the actor hopes to finally deliver the breakthrough that has long eluded him.
