4 minutes of readingHyderabadFebruary 6, 2026 05:22 pm IST
When Ram Charan and Jr NTR appeared on the cover of Japan’s iconic Anan magazine in 2023, it marked a watershed moment for Telugu cinema. The duo, fresh off the global phenomenon that was RRR, had captured Japanese hearts with their explosive on-screen chemistry and the film’s spectacular action sequences. Their joint appearance signaled something significant: Telugu cinema had officially entered the consciousness of Japanese pop culture.
Now, almost three years later, another Telugu superstar is making waves in the Land of the Rising Sun, this time flying solo.
PrabhasThe pan-Indian actor who first won over Japanese audiences with the Baahubali franchise, has created history by becoming the first Indian actor to appear solo in Anan magazine. Appearing on the back cover of issue 2483, scheduled for release on February 10, Prabhas’ “real audience etching” under the magazine’s “Irresistible Feelings” theme represents a new milestone for the presence of Indian cinema in Japan.
The RRR revolution
To understand the importance of Prabhas’ solo feature film, one has to remember the groundbreaking moment when Ram Charan and Jr NTR shared the cover of Anan in 2023. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. RRR had just taken international markets by storm, challenging language barriers and cultural boundaries with its high-octane action and emotional storytelling.
Director SS Rajamouli’s epic about two freedom fighters resonated deeply with Japanese audiences, who have long appreciated great visual spectacles and stories of honor and friendship. The film’s success at the Japanese box office was unprecedented for a Telugu film, and Anan magazine, known for featuring A-list celebrities and tastemakers, recognized the cultural moment by featuring both actors on its cover.
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Fast forward to 2026, and Prabhas’ solo feature film represents the next chapter of this evolving story. While sharing a cover demonstrates collective appeal, a solo feature film speaks to the power of an individual star, and Prabhas has it in abundance in Japan.
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His journey to Japanese stardom began with the Baahubali films, which introduced audiences to the grandeur and scope of Indian period epics. The success of the franchise laid the foundation for a dedicated fan base that has only grown with subsequent releases like Salaar and kalki 2898 AD
Anan’s cover photoshoot was done during Prabhas’ visit to Tokyo in December 2025, where he traveled to promote his films and connect with fans. The magazine’s description of the article as a “royal audience etching” is particularly apt, given Prabhas’ larger-than-life screen persona and his portrayal of kings and warriors in many of his biggest hits.
For those unfamiliar with the Japanese media landscape, Anan magazine holds a special place in popular culture. First published in 1970, it is one of the most influential and longest-running women’s lifestyle magazines in Japan. While he covers fashion, beauty and relationships, Anan is perhaps best known for his celebrity features and annual special issues that have become cultural touchstones.
The relationship between Telugu cinema and Japanese audiences did not begin with RRR or even Baahubali. Japan has long been a market for Indian films, but the recent success of Telugu cinema represents something different: not just acceptance, but genuine enthusiasm.
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Several factors have contributed to this growing connection. Japanese audiences appreciate the grand scale and visual spectacle that have become hallmarks of major productions.budget Telugu Productions. The emphasis on honor, loyalty and sacrifice in many Telugu films resonates with Japanese cultural values. And the rise of streaming platforms has made it easier for Japanese viewers to discover and follow Telugu stars and their filmography.
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Additionally, Telugu filmmakers have been strategic in their Japanese releases, often tailoring promotional campaigns specifically for the market and ensuring proper localization and distribution. This attention to the Japanese market has paid off, creating a virtuous cycle in which success generates more interest, which in turn generates more success.
For Prabhas specifically, Anan’s feature film reinforces his status as one of the biggest international stars in Indian cinema. With upcoming projects promising to be even more ambitious in scale and scope, his Japanese fan base is likely to continue to grow.