Johnny (2003 film)

Johnny is a 2003 Indian Telugu-language martial arts film written and directed by Pawan Kalyan. Produced by Allu Aravind, the film starred Pawan Kalyan in the title role, while Renu Desai, Raghuvaran, and Raza Murad played pivotal roles. The film revolves around a martial arts coach who decides to use his skills to earn prize money in competitions required to save his wife suffering from blood cancer.

The theatrical distribution rights of Johnny were sold for over ₹21 crore, the highest price ever for a Telugu film at the time. The film was released on April 25, 2003. It also became the first-ever Telugu film to be released with over 250 prints worldwide including the United States. The film was a disaster. It became the first flop in Pawan Kalyan's career after seven consecutive hits. The film was acknowledged for its stylish presentation and fight sequences, but the writing was criticised. Despite the film's commercial failure, its action choreography is considered to have set new standards in Telugu cinema reflecting a more grounded and believable approach to action. The film was screened at the International Film Festival of India.