Tollywood

3 days ago

20344 views

The Raja Saab Advance Booking: Prabhas-Starrer Clocks 50+ Crore Worldwide Pre-Sales For Opening Day Without Telangana

Hyderabad, January 8 - Pan India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab has excellent pre-sales at the worldwide box office for the opening day, despite a late start and without a key territory, Telangana. The romantic horror-comedy has crossed 50 crore in worldwide pre-sales, which is superb. Advance bookings of the film, especially in Andhra Pradesh, are superb, driven by premiere sales which are 10+ crore. Overseas markets too have seen good momentum on the last day and clocked nearly 22 crores in sales for day 1+premieres. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The achievement becomes even more remarkable as Telangana remains excluded due to ticket pricing and regulatory issues. The pre-sales, however, are not that good in the Hindi belt, which has deliverd consistant good results for past Prabhas-starrers. Directed by Maruthi, The Raja Saab marks Prabhas' return to a fun, mass-friendly genre blending romance, horror, and comedy. With bookings closing on a strong note, expectations are high for a huge opening day worldwide, as the film heads into release backed by solid momentum and strong audience anticipation. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

3 days ago

16940 views

The Raja Saab Advance Booking: National Chains Yet To Open Bookings In Hindi Amid Dhurandhar 2 and Toxic Show-Sharing Issue

Hyderabad, January 8 - One of the biggest box office clashes of the year, Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar 2 and Yash-fronted Toxic have already started intensifying, with over two months still left for their release, which is on March 19. And the victim of this clash is Pan-India superstar Prabhas-fronted The Raja Saab. The romantic horror-comedy, directed by Maruthi, is scheduled to hit the big screens tomorrow, January 9, but the full-fledged advance booking in Hindi, especially in national chains, is yet open. As of now, only the single-screen cinemas and independent and smaller chains have begun booking for The Raja Saab. Anil Thadani-backed AA Films is distributing The Raja Saab in Hindi, and according to the report by Bollywood Hungama, the distributors are asking the national chains to give considerable shows to Toxic, which will be distributed by the same distribution house. Only then will these cinemas get to play the Prabhas-starrer. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) The report further stated that the theatre chains haven't agreed to the demand as Toxic clashes with Dhurandhar 2 on March 19. The theatres have earned a huge amount of moolah because of Dhurandhar's first part, which is still running in cinemas. It's a given that Dhurandhar 2 will have an earth-shattering opening. The theatre chains are also aware of the fact that Toxic is also a big film and is expected to do very well in Hindi. But they don't want to make any deal at this point for the film, and especially do not want to short-change Dhurandhar 2. This is where the matter regarding the Raja Saab booking has been stuck. Meanwhile, The Raja Saab has paid premieres today, January 8, from 9:00 pm onwards, and the bookings for the same are robust in Andhra Pradesh, while Telangana pre-sales will start after the government order regarding the ticket price hikes. The film's worldwide pre-sales for the opening day have crossed 30 crores and are headed to finish around 40 crores before the premiere shows start. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

3 days ago

1580 views

Prabhas' Box Office Juggernaut: Comparing Advance Bookings of the Rebel Star's Last 5 Blockbusters

Prabhas has consistently led high-budget films that command significant attention from the trade, even when commercial results have been mixed. Following the Baahubali franchise, his subsequent projects have often opened to large numbers despite failing to meet long-term recovery targets for distributors. For instance, the 2019 film Saaho grossed over ₹424 crore worldwide but was declared an average performer overall because its earnings did not reach the high threshold required for a hit verdict. Similarly, Radhe Shyam in 2022 saw a worldwide gross of approximately ₹214 crore, which was insufficient to cover its production costs, resulting in a significant theatrical loss. The momentum reached new heights with Adipurush, which, despite controversy, witnessed a thunderous domestic opening of ₹86.75 crore net on its first day, bolstered by an advance booking gross of ₹26.39 crore. This trend of massive pre-sales peaked with the 2024 sci-fi epic Kalki 2898 AD. Made on a staggering budget of ₹600 crore, Kalki became a global phenomenon, grossing over ₹1,000 crore worldwide and recording a massive ₹61.8 crore in Day 1 advance bookings with block seats. These figures cement Prabhas as a unique force capable of drawing audiences in record numbers across diverse languages and formats. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   Prabhas Movies Day 1 Advance Booking Comparison (India Gross)Movie TitleRelease YearAdvance Booking Gross (Day 1)Tickets Sold (Approx.)Kalki 2898 AD2024₹ 55+ Cr2,093,904Salaar: Part 1 – Ceasefire2023₹ 48.94 Cr2,238,346Adipurush2023₹ 26.39 Cr1,074,247Radhe Shyam2022₹ 23.00 Cr1,100,000The Raja Saab2026₹ 8.62 Cr* (with block seats)164,264Note: Excluding paid premieres Looking at the current trajectory for his upcoming horror-comedy, The Raja Saab, the domestic advance booking gross currently stands at ₹8.62 crore. However, this figure is not directly comparable to his previous outings because bookings in the crucial Telangana market—his primary stronghold—opened significantly late due to legal deliberations regarding ticket price hikes. In contrast, the international response has been explosive; the film has already amassed approximately $1.7 million (₹15.3 crore) in overseas pre-sales. Notably, it has crossed the $1 million mark in North America alone, marking the third consecutive film for Prabhas to achieve this milestone in that region. The prospects for The Raja Saab have received an additional, massive boost following the sudden postponement of Thalapathy Vijay's Jana Nayagan. This shift in the Sankranti release calendar has allowed exhibitors to redirect hundreds of extra shows and prime screens to Prabhas's film, particularly in overseas markets like the UK and Malaysia. While domestic pre-sales are currently catching up following the regional booking delays, the steady international demand and the reduced competition suggest that The Raja Saab is set for a solid start at the box office this festive season.

Tollywood

4 days ago

8406 views

The Raja Saab Latest: Can Prabhas Beat His Own Records? Overseas Advance Booking vs Jana Nayagan and Top 5 Career Stats

The global Indian film industry is bracing for the arrival of Rebel Star Prabhas's latest outing, The Raja Saab. Known for his unprecedented box office pull, Prabhas looks to add another feather to his cap with this horror-romantic comedy. However, as the release date approaches, the film is facing intense competition and scrutiny regarding its marketing strategy and advance booking pace. In the international market, the buzz for The Raja Saab appears to be trailing significantly behind the latest sensation, Jana Nayagan. According to the latest pre-sale figures, Jana Nayagan has amassed a staggering 3.90million(approx.₹35crores)in overseas advance bookings. In contrast, The Raja Saab has collected 1.22 million (approx. ₹11 crores) thus far. While $1.22M is a strong number for most actors, for a Prabhas-starrer, the gap between it and Jana Nayagan has become a point of discussion The Raja Saab has been cleared by the CBFC with a U/A certificate. In a recent development, the makers of The Raja Saab and Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu have approached the Telangana High Court. The petition seeks permission to implement ticket price hikes across the state, citing the massive production budget involved in bringing these spectacles to life. While official advance bookings in India have not yet opened, fans have expressed concerns over the timing of these legal moves and the overall promotional rollout. Despite being under production for three years and requiring the highest number of call sheets from Prabhas in recent times, the promotional campaign has faced criticism. Social media buzz indicates that fans are disappointed with the last minute nature of the marketing. Key complaints include the delayed release of the Nachenache song (originally expected in late December) and the highly anticipated interview between Prabhas and director Sandeep Reddy Vanga, which many felt should have been released earlier to maximize momentum. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({})   While the current overseas pre-sales for The Raja Saab ($1.22M / ₹11 Cr) face stiff competition from Jana Nayagan, Prabhas's historical box office dominance remains unmatched. He stands as a gargantuan force in Indian cinema with a track record that includes two 1000+ crore movies, four 500+ crore movies, and a total of seven 100+ crore movies, headlined by the monumental ₹1,788 Cr collection of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. Furthermore, he is the only Indian actor with five films in the elite ₹300Cr+ India Net club ,showcasing an immense pan-India pull that suggests his Box Office King status remains unchallenged despite current market trends. Below is a look at the Top 5 movies of Prabhas based on their India Net Collections: Top 5 Movies of Prabhas - India Net CollectionMOVIE NAMEINDIA NET COLLECTIONSTATUSBaahubali 2 The Conclusion₹ 1,030.42 CrAll-Time BlockbusterKalki 2898 AD₹ 646.31 CrBlockbusterBaahubali₹ 421.00 CrBlockbusterSalaar: Cease Fire - Part 1₹ 406.45 CrHitSaaho₹ 310.60 CrAverage/Hit As The Raja Saab prepares for its grand debut, all eyes will be on the domestic opening day numbers to see if the Rebel Star factor can overcome the slower overseas start and propel the film into his elite top 5 list.

Bollywood

19 days ago

9315 views

Dhurandhar : No Telugu Release for Part 1; Makers Announce Part 2 Bilingual Release for March 2026

Ranveer Singh's Dhurandhar continues to rewrite the record books at the Indian box office. In a rare cinematic feat, the film's third-weekend collections have outperformed its opening weekend, signaling extraordinary legs and a historic trend in the Hindi market. However, amidst this euphoria, the makers have made a surprise strategic announcement regarding its regional expansion. Despite the massive demand and strong collections already pouring in from the AP/TG (Andhra Pradesh/Telangana) regions for the Hindi version, the makers have officially decided to stall the Telugu dubbed release of Part 1. The decision comes as the film continues to dominate the Hindi circuit. The production house believes that introducing a dubbed version at this late stage might disrupt the current organic momentum the original version is enjoying in Southern territories. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Dhurandhar Box Office Breakdown Worldwide Collection: ₹ 876.5 Cr India Net Collection: ₹ 572.25 Cr India Gross Collection: ₹ 686.5 Cr Overseas Collection: ₹ 190 Cr Recent Hindi Net Performance: Day 18: ₹ 16.5 Cr Day 17: ₹ 38.5 Cr Day 16: ₹ 34.25 Cr Day 15: ₹ 22.5 Cr With the first installment's legacy firmly established, the focus has shifted entirely toward the future of the franchise. The makers have officially confirmed that Dhurandhar Part 2 is slated for a massive global release on March 19, 2026. While the date is locked, the regional strategy for the sequel is reportedly set to be much more expansive. Industry reports suggest that by withholding the Telugu dub for the first chapter, the team is building a massive appetite in the South for the second installment, which is expected to arrive as a simultaneous bilingual launch in both Hindi and Telugu. This move aims to ensure that the Telugu market experiences the sequel as a Day 1 native-language event, potentially yielding a record-breaking opening across South Indian territories.

Bollywood

27 days ago

11217 views

Upcoming Films of Ranveer Singh Post Dhurandhar's Mega Success

Mumbai, December 15 - Ranveer Singh has entered the big league of Bollywood stars with Dhurandhar, which has turned the tide for him in a big way. The actor has been seeking big success for a long time, and his moment finally came when Aditya Dhar's directorial hit the big screen a week ago amid a thunderous response. Dhurandhar has stunned the trade with its extraordinary performance, already grossing over 500 crores worldwide in just 10 days. The spy actioner has become a cultural phenomenon. It is hard to predict where the film will end, but the current trajectory suggests it will become the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, beating Kantara Chapter 1's 850+ crore gross. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) With Dhurandhar delivering the much-needed big success for Ranveer, the question now is what is next for the actor? Well, there is Dhurandhar Part 2, which is already shot and will hit the big screens on March 19, 2026. The buzz for this is sky high, and the trade is already anticipating it to become one of the biggest blockbusters of 2026, which promises to be the best year for Indian cinema ever. Dhurandhar 2 emerged as an unexpected entry in Ranveer's line, as it was originally planned as a one-part film before the makers split it into two parts due to its long runtime. Apart from the spy actioner, Ranveer got a wild ride ahead in the next couple of years, and it will begin with Farhan Akhtar's Don 3. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) It has been quite a time since the reboot of the iconic franchise was announced, with Ranveer coming on board to play the titular character, replacing superstar Shah Rukh Khan. There were doubts about whether Simmba star could pull this iconic Don character off, but the mega success of Dhurandhar has blown away all those doubts and has made Don 3 one of the most anticipated upcoming films. The shoot of Don 3 is expected to kick off in January 2026, for grand worldwide release in late 2026 or 2027. After this, Ranveer will step into another uncharted territory of the Zombie world. While the official announcement of the film is yet to be made, reliable reports have confirmed that the actor is teaming up with director Jai Mehta for a Zombie film, titled Pralay. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Zombie thriller is one of the genres which has been explored much in Indian cinema, and Ranveer Singh is expected to bring his own signature energy in this. It is said that the film revolves around a man trying to protect his family as Mumbai turns into a zombie wasteland. It is expected to be a VFX-heavy and undoubtedly one of the most exciting ones to watch out for. Currently, Ranveer has these aforementioned three films in his pipeline. But according to a recent report, the actor has also discussed a mythological film with Aditya Dhar, which is likely to be their next collaboration after Dhurandhar 2. However, there are not many details available yet regarding this biggie, but it is certain to happen soon. Stay tuned...

Tollywood

37 days ago

4605 views

Akhanda 2 Thaandavam Sets New Record for Balakrishna with 114 Crore Pre Release Business

Nata Simham Nandamuri Balakrishna is poised to set the box office on fire with his latest sensational movie, Akhanda 2 Thaandavam. The film has generated massive hype, resulting in the biggest pre-release business of the actor's illustrious career. According to numbers reported by T2BLive, this project marks a significant milestone as it becomes Balakrishna's first-ever movie to cross the 100 crore mark in pre-release business globally, signaling the immense expectations riding on this sequel. A major chunk of this revenue comes from the Telugu-speaking states, where the film remains a dominant force. The report indicates that the combined business for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana stands at a massive 88.25 crores. Outside the home turf, the movie has also secured solid deals. The rights for Karnataka, the Rest of India, and dubbed versions contributed 11.00 crores, while the overseas market has shown strong faith in the film with rights valued at 15 crores. When putting these figures together, the total worldwide pre-release business is valued at 114.25 crores. To be considered a clean hit at the box office, Akhanda 2 Thaandavam needs to achieve a break-even target of approximately 116.00 crores. This sets a high benchmark for the film, but given the massive anticipation surrounding the sequel, fans and trade analysts are eager to see if Balakrishna can crush these targets upon release. Helming this massive project is director Boyapati Srinu, whose previous collaboration with Balakrishna delivered the blockbuster original.The musical prowess of Thaman S returns to provide the thunderous background score that became a hallmark of the first film. Nandamuri Balakrishna reprises his dual role as the fierce Aghora, Akhanda Rudra Sikandar Aghora, and the righteous Murali Krishna. Joining him is Samyuktha as the female lead, while Aadhi Pinisetty steps in as the formidable antagonist.The film also features Harshaali Malhotra in a pivotal role, adding emotional depth to the high-octane narrative. In this sequel, the stakes are higher as the legendary warrior Akhanda returns to fulfill a divine duty. The story follows the Aghora as he battles a menacing new tantric foe and dark forces that threaten to disrupt global peace. Alongside his twin brother Murali Krishna, Akhanda navigates a narrative that blends high-voltage action with deep spiritual themes, focusing on the protection of the innocent and the eternal Shiva Tatva (the essence of Lord Shiva). Akhanda 2 Thaandavam is not just testing Balakrishna's box office stamina but also the appetite of the audience for mass devotional actioners. If the pre-release numbers are any indication, the Thaandavam is set to shake the foundations of the industry, provided the content matches the colossal hype.

Bollywood

44 days ago

1866 views

Ranbir Kapoor & Deepika Padukone to reunite? Ayan Mukerji planning a rom-com based on Raj Kapoor-Nargis classic Chori Chori

The magic of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani might be returning to the big screen! In what could be the biggest casting coup of the decade, reports suggest that director Ayan Mukerji is keen to reunite the iconic pair of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone for his next directorial venture. After diving deep into the world of VFX-heavy spectacles like Brahmāstra and War 2, the filmmaker is reportedly looking to switch gears with a classic romantic comedy. According to a report by Mid-day, Ayan Mukerji is developing a script that draws inspiration from the 1956 cult classic Chori Chori, which starred the legendary Raj Kapoor and Nargis. The original film, which itself was inspired by the Hollywood classic It Happened One Night, revolved around a runaway heiress and a freelance reporter who fall in love during a bus journey. The report states that Ayan wants to create a modern-day adaptation of this timeless story, and he believes only Ranbir and Deepika can pull off the chemistry required for such a narrative. For nearly a decade, Ayan Mukerji has been immersed in creating massive, VFX-heavy spectacles. After dedicating eight years to building the Astraverse for Brahmāstra and recently delivering the colossal YRF Spy Universe blockbuster War 2 (starring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR) earlier this year, the filmmaker is reportedly looking for a change of pace. Per the report, Ayan desires a palette cleanser following the grueling schedule of the spy thriller. He is eager to return to the genre that originally launched his career—lighthearted, character-driven romance reminiscent of Wake Up Sid and Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani. If the project materializes, it will mark the fourth collaboration between Ranbir and Deepika, following Bachna Ae Haseeno, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Tamasha. Their on-screen chemistry is regarded as one of the best in Bollywood history, and a reunion directed by Ayan Mukerji—who gave them their biggest hit together—is bound to set the box office on fire. While Ranbir Kapoor is currently occupied with Nitesh Tiwari’s Ramayana and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Love & War (which also stars Alia Bhatt and Vicky Kaushal), and Deepika is juggling her global commitments, fans are hoping this Mid-day report turns into an official announcement soon.

Box Office

51 days ago

15190 views

Sisu: Road to Revenge Box Office Collection | All Language | Day Wise | Worldwide

Here is the English movie Sisu: Road to Revenge box office collection, which is a war action film. This film is directed by Jalmari Helander and produced by Stage 6 Films, Subzero Film Entertainment, and Good Chaos. ## Sisu: Road to Revenge stars Stephen Lang, Jorma Tommila, and Richard Brake in key roles. ## Sisu: Road to Revenge Box Office Collection Day Wise | All Language [See Footfalls] DayIndia Net Collection Change(+/-) Day 1 [1st Friday] ₹ 0.5 CrEnglish: 0.3 Cr Tamil: 0.07 Cr Hindi: 0.1 Cr Telugu: 0.03 Cr - Day 2 [1st Saturday] ₹ 0.75 CrEnglish: 0.45 Cr Tamil: 0.1 Cr Hindi: 0.15 Cr Telugu: 0.05 Cr 50.00% Day 3 [1st Sunday] ₹ 0.65 CrEnglish: 0.35 Cr Tamil: 0.1 Cr Hindi: 0.15 Cr Telugu: 0.05 Cr -13.33% Day 4 [1st Monday] ₹ 0.35 CrEnglish: 0.2 Cr Tamil: 0.03 Cr Hindi: 0.07 Cr Telugu: 0.05 Cr -46.15% Day 5 [1st Tuesday] ₹ 0.2 CrEnglish: 0.1 Cr Tamil: 0.03 Cr Hindi: 0.05 Cr Telugu: 0.02 Cr -42.86% Day 6 [1st Wednesday] ₹ 0.2 CrEnglish: 0.1 Cr Tamil: 0.02 Cr Hindi: 0.06 Cr Telugu: 0.02 Cr 0.00% Day 7 [1st Thursday] ₹ 0.2 CrEnglish: 0.1 Cr Tamil: 0.03 Cr Hindi: 0.05 Cr Telugu: 0.02 Cr 0.00% Week 1 Collection ₹ 2.85 CrEnglish: 1.6 Cr Tamil: 0.38 Cr Hindi: 0.63 Cr Telugu: 0.24 Cr - Total ₹ 2.85 CrEnglish: 1.6 Cr Tamil: 0.38 Cr Hindi: 0.63 Cr Telugu: 0.24 Cr (estimated) - ## Take Subscription To See Footfalls ## India Net Collection ₹ 2.85 Cr ## Worldwide Collection ₹ 55 Cr ## Overseas Collection ₹ 32 Cr ## India Gross Collection ₹ 3.35 Cr ## Sisu: Road to Revenge Budget: ₹ - Cr * Approx ## Sisu: Road to Revenge Verdict: Coming Soon ## Sisu: Road to Revenge Screen count ## India: - ## Overseas: - ## Worldwide total: - ## Release Date: 21st November 2025 ## For more and the latest news about Hollywood Box Office Collection, Stay tuned to us.

Bollywood

55 days ago

14188 views

Sholay Set for Historic Re-Release with Original Climax in India – 4K Restoration Coming December 12, 2025

After decades of cinematic legend and countless re-runs, the iconic Bollywood classic Sholay is officially poised for a special theatrical re-release across India, featuring its fabled original ending. The Film Heritage Foundation has announced that "Sholay - The Final Cut," restored in stunning 4K and Dolby 5.1, will be released by Sippy Films in 1500 screens across India on December 12, 2025. This groundbreaking news has sent a ripple of excitement through film enthusiasts and cinephiles, promising a rare opportunity to experience the cult phenomenon as its creators originally envisioned. For years, whispers and anecdotal accounts have circulated about a different, more visceral climax for the 1975 blockbuster directed by Ramesh Sippy. It's widely known that the film underwent a last-minute alteration to its ending before its initial release, primarily due to concerns from the Censor Board regarding its violent content. The version audiences have come to cherish sees the villain Gabbar Singh (Amjad Khan) arrested by the police, thus upholding the notion of justice within the legal framework. However, the original cut reportedly depicted a much grittier resolution. The wait is finally over!! “Sholay - The Final Cut” restored by Film Heritage Foundation in 4K with the original ending being seen for the first time is slated to be released by Sippy Films in 1500 screens across India on December 12, 2025!!! pic.twitter.com/ftM5rTA789— Film Heritage Foundation (@FHF_Official) November 15, 2025 According to various reports from film historians and industry insiders, the initial ending featured Thakur Baldev Singh (Sanjeev Kumar) brutally killing Gabbar Singh in a fit of rage and vengeance, tying into the character's relentless pursuit of his nemesis. This darker, more cathartic conclusion was deemed too intense for the audiences of the time and was subsequently trimmed, leading to the version that cemented Sholay's place in cinematic history. The re-release with this restored ending marks a significant moment for Indian cinema. It offers a chance to delve deeper into the artistic choices made during the film's production and to understand the impact of external pressures on creative expression. The restoration by the Film Heritage Foundation in 4K with Dolby 5.1 promises an unparalleled viewing experience, bringing the visuals and sound of this masterpiece into the modern era while retaining its original essence. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}) Sholay Box Office Collection | Day Wise | Worldwide. Film critics suggest that this move will appeal to both nostalgic fans eager to rediscover the film in a new light and younger audiences keen to witness a piece of cinematic history previously unseen. The re-introduction of the original climax is expected to add another layer of depth to the narrative, particularly to Thakur's character arc and the themes of retribution and justice that run through the core of Sholay. This official announcement, specifying the date, technical restoration, and widespread release, underscores the enduring legacy of Sholay as more than just a film; it's a cultural touchstone. Its dialogues, characters, and music are deeply ingrained in the Indian psyche. A return to theaters on this scale, especially with such a historically significant alteration and a state-of-the-art restoration, is set to be a landmark event. Industry experts believe that this re-release will not only be a box office success but also a testament to the timeless appeal and powerful storytelling of one of India's most beloved films. Mark your calendars for December 12, 2025, to witness "Sholay - The Final Cut" as never before.

Bollywood

58 days ago

1401 views

Rewriting the Verdict The Decades-Long Journey of Bollywoods Most Misunderstood Masterpieces

In the unforgiving world of Bollywood, the Friday box office verdict is often seen as the final word. Yet, history is littered with cinematic gems that were dismissed upon arrival, only to be resurrected by a generation of viewers who saw the magic that critics and initial audiences missed. These are the films that failed to make money but went on to make history, transitioning from box office disasters to beloved cult legends. Their journeys prove that a film's true worth isn't always measured in opening weekend collections but in its enduring ability to connect, entertain, and provoke thought long after the "flop" label has faded. Here’s a look at some of Bollywood's most celebrated phoenixes that rose from the ashes of commercial failure. Mera Naam Joker (1970): The Magnum Opus That Broke Its Creator Raj Kapoor's four-hour epic was a financial catastrophe that nearly bankrupted him. Audiences rejected its melancholic tone. Years after its failure, its ultimate cult status was cemented when television allowed viewers to watch the full director's cut at their own pace. This home-viewing experience allowed audiences to finally appreciate the profound, autobiographical masterpiece that was too overwhelming for a single theatrical viewing. Mera Naam Joker: Fact File Director: Raj Kapoor Starring: Raj Kapoor, Simi Garewal, Manoj Kumar, Rishi Kapoor The Turning Point: Home viewing of the full director's cut on television. Defining Legacy: Considered Raj Kapoor's most personal, ambitious, and autobiographical project. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro (1983): The Satire That Was Ahead of Its Time Released in just four theaters, Kundan Shah's biting satire on corruption sank without a trace. The film's legacy was built through its circulation on home video (VHS tapes) and its broadcast on Doordarshan, India's national television network. This brought its genius to a wider audience, and the legendary Mahabharata scene is now considered a textbook example of satire in film schools across the country. Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro: Fact File Director: Kundan Shah Starring: Naseeruddin Shah, Ravi Baswani, Om Puri, Pankaj Kapur The Turning Point: Broadcasts on Doordarshan & circulation on VHS tapes. Defining Legacy: The chaotic and legendary Mahabharata climax scene. Andaz Apna Apna (1994): The Comedy That Laughed Last A shocking commercial failure upon release due to poor marketing, this comedy masterpiece found its second life in a way no one could have predicted. Its true resurrection came via satellite television, where endless reruns on channels like Sony Max turned it into a national phenomenon. Its quirky characters and endlessly quotable dialogues became ingrained in India’s pop culture, ensuring its legacy not in theaters, but in the living rooms of millions. Andaz Apna Apna: Fact File Director: Rajkumar Santoshi Starring: Aamir Khan, Salman Khan, Raveena Tandon, Karisma Kapoor The Turning Point: Constant reruns on satellite television. Defining Legacy: The characters of Crime Master Gogo and Teja; dialogues becoming everyday slang. Swades (2004): The Understated Gem That Found Its Home Considered too slow and didactic upon release, this Shah Rukh Khan starrer was a box office disappointment. The film's incredible turnaround is quantified by its massive success on television, where it has consistently garnered huge TRPs (Television Rating Points) with every broadcast. This overwhelming response proved that the film's heartfelt patriotism resonated deeply, confirming its status as a classic that simply needed a different medium. Swades: Fact File Director: Ashutosh Gowariker Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Gayatri Joshi The Turning Point: Consistently high television ratings (TRPs) during broadcasts. Defining Legacy: The song "Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera" becoming an unofficial anthem for Indians living abroad. Lakshya (2004): The Coming-of-Age Story That Found Its Target Despite critical acclaim, Farhan Akhtar's film underperformed commercially. Its powerful legacy is marked by its enduring influence on Indian youth; the film is widely credited with inspiring a surge of interest in joining the armed forces. Its adoption as a motivational anthem has cemented its place as a film whose cultural impact far outweighs its box office numbers. Lakshya: Fact File Director: Farhan Akhtar Starring: Hrithik Roshan, Preity Zinta, Amitabh Bachchan The Turning Point: Adoption by youth as a go-to motivational film. Defining Legacy: Credited with inspiring a renewed interest among youth to join the Indian Army. Tumbbad (2018): The Horror That Rewrote Its Own Fate This visually stunning folk tale had a quiet run at the box office. Its resurrection was driven by streaming platforms, leading to a theatrical re-release in 2024 where its first week's collection surpassed the lifetime earnings of its original run. This is a powerful modern example of how a passionate fanbase can directly rewrite a film's financial and critical history. Tumbbad: Fact File Director: Rahi Anil Barve Starring: Sohum Shah The Turning Point: Word-of-mouth phenomenon on streaming platforms. Defining Legacy: Its 2024 re-release out-earning its entire original theatrical run. These films serve as a vital reminder that the Friday verdict is not always final. True cinematic art often requires time to find its audience, proving that while box office numbers fade, the impact of a great story is eternal.

Tollywood

59 days ago

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Sankranthi 2026 A Five Way Box Office Battle Royale as Prabhas Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja Lock Horns

Get ready for a cinematic spectacle, as the Sankranthi 2026 festival is gearing up to be one of the most explosive box office clashes in recent Tollywood history. Like a sky buzzing with festive kites, the Telugu film industry is set for a multi-cornered fight as five major films, headlined by some of the biggest names, are slated to hit the screens. With superstars Prabhas, Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, and Ravi Teja in the mix, this is shaping up to be a festive showdown that will keep fans on the edge of their seats. Theatres across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are already bracing for the frenzy. Here’s the complete breakdown of the titans clashing this festive season. The Raja Saab: Prabhas in a Horror-Comedy Extravaganza Leading the charge is Rebel Star Prabhas with The Raja Saab, set for a grand worldwide release on January 9, 2026. Directed by the talented Maruthi, this film is a high-budget romantic horror-comedy that promises to blend spooky thrills with laugh-out-loud moments. The story reportedly revolves around a young man trying to reclaim his ancestral property, only to get entangled with supernatural forces. With just a few weeks of shooting left, the film's non-theatrical rights are already closed, and the digital rights are set to be acquired by JioPlusHotstar. The star-studded cast also includes Malavika Mohanan, Niddhi Aggarwal, and a pivotal role for Sanjay Dutt, with music composed by Thaman S. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu: Two Legends in One Frame Get ready for a historic moment as Megastar Chiranjeevi and Victory Venkatesh share the screen for the first time in a full-fledged collaboration. Titled Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, this Anil Ravipudi directorial is touted as the ultimate family entertainer for Sankranthi 2026. Fans are buzzing to see the on-screen chemistry between the two legends, promising a perfect blend of humor and emotion.While the final leg of shooting is still in progress, theatrical deals are closing with high quotes. The digital rights are in final talks with Amazon Prime and ZeeStudios, making this one of the hottest properties of the season. The film also stars Nayanthara as the female lead. Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi: Ravi Teja's Signature Mass Appeal Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja is set to bring his trademark energy to the festival with Bhartha Mahasayulaku Wignyapthi. Directed by Kishore Tirumala, this film's shooting is complete, and it is now in the post-production phase.The movie is expected to be a wholesome family entertainer packed with Ravi Teja’s signature wit and charm.The film is operating on a controlled budget with a profit-sharing model and has already secured its digital and satellite rights with ZeeStudios. Anaganaga Oka Raju :Naveen Polishetty's Hilarious Comeback After a brief hiatus, the incredibly talented Naveen Polishetty is back to tickle your funny bone with AnaganagaOkaRaju.Teaming up with Meenakshi Chaudhary, this rom-com is nearing completion and is already making waves in the business circles.The makers are reportedly in profit even before the release, with non-theatrical deals progressing at a brisk pace. The much-awaited film has its digital rights secured by Netflix. Naari Naari Naduma Murari: Sharwanand's Festive Family Entertainer Adding another strong contender to the mix is the charming star Sharwanand with his feel-good family entertainer, Naari Naari Naduma Murari.Directed by Ram Abbaraju, who delivered the blockbuster hit Samajavaragamana, the film is set to bring a perfect blend of fun and emotion to the festival. Sharwanand is paired with the talented Sakshi Vaidya and Samyuktha Menon.While the shooting is in its final schedule and non-theatrical deals are being closed, the release date is yet to be confirmed, with more clarity expected in December 2025. The digital rights also remain to be finalized. If it does join the Sankranthi race, it could be the surprise element in this star-studded lineup. With a mix of horror, family drama, mass action, and comedy, Sankranthi 2026 is poised to be an unforgettable celebration for Telugu cinema. As these titans gear up for their festive releases, all eyes are on the box office to see who will emerge victorious in this epic cinematic battle.