The 2018 Telugu action spy film 'Goodachari,' directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka and starring Adivi Sesh, drew significant inspiration from the classic 1966 film 'Gudachari 116,' which featured the actor Gopi Krishna. While Gopi Krishna declined a cameo role in the new film, he granted permission for clips from his older movies to be used. The protagonist of 'Goodachari' is named Agent Gopi, with the code number 116, as a direct homage to the earlier work.

The film itself follows the story of Arjun Kumar, who dreams of joining the intelligence agency RAW after his father's death during a mission. He is recruited into a secret wing called 'Trinetra' and becomes entangled in a complex plot involving a terrorist organization and a mole within the agency. The narrative involves double agents, betrayal, and a personal quest for truth, culminating in a confrontation with his own father, who had faked his death and become the leader of the terrorist group. The film was a commercial success and received positive reviews for its screenplay and action sequences.

The film 'Goodachari' directly acknowledges its cinematic roots, with actor Adivi Sesh explicitly stating that the 1966 film 'Gudachari 116,' starring the renowned actor Gopi Krishna, was the primary inspiration. This influence is woven into the fabric of the new film through its protagonist, Arjun Kumar, who adopts the codename 'Agent Gopi' with the number 116. This choice serves as a clear tribute to Gopi Krishna's iconic role and the original film that established the spy genre in Telugu cinema. Although Gopi Krishna was approached for a potential cameo appearance, he was unable to participate but generously permitted the use of footage from his past cinematic works, further enriching the legacy connection.

The narrative centers on Arjun Kumar, who joins the secret intelligence agency 'Trinetra' after his father's demise during a covert operation. His journey is fraught with danger as he uncovers a deep-seated conspiracy involving a terrorist group and a traitor within his own organization. Arjun navigates a treacherous path, facing personal betrayals, including discovering that his love interest, Sameera, was an operative sent to deceive him. The plot escalates as Arjun confronts the shocking revelation that the leader of the terrorist organization, Rana, is his own father, Raghuveer, who had faked his death years earlier. The climax involves Arjun making a difficult choice to eliminate his father to protect the nation.

'Goodachari' achieved significant commercial success and garnered positive critical reception upon its release. Reviewers praised its tight screenplay, suspenseful plot, and engaging action sequences, often highlighting its ability to deliver a compelling spy thriller experience. The film was recognized as one of the '25 Greatest Telugu Films Of The Decade' by Film Companion, underscoring its impact. The success of 'Goodachari' has paved the way for a sequel, 'G2,' which is currently in development, indicating the enduring appeal of the spy narrative and the character of Agent Gopi.