Abhiruchi Cookery Show – 25th May

Ahead of the 2019 elections, films like NTR Kathanayakudu and NTR Mahanayakudu failed to make an impact at the box office. In contrast, Yatra, based on the life of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, emerged as a success. Around the same time, Lakshmi’s NTR also generated significant buzz. Despite not being released in Andhra Pradesh, many viewers traveled to Telangana to watch it, indicating strong public curiosity.

These trends were seen by some as reflecting the public mood, which later translated into Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy securing a massive victory in the 2019 elections.

By 2024, the scenario appeared to shift. Yatra 2 underperformed, while films like Vyooham and Sapatham, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, failed to generate significant interest. This phase coincided with a major electoral setback for Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy in 2024.

Currently, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan, is reportedly witnessing weak collections in several centers across Andhra Pradesh. Interestingly, even in Pithapuram, the constituency represented by Pawan Kalyan, the film is said to be drawing limited crowds.

Some observers interpret this as a possible indication that public enthusiasm—particularly on the political front—may not be as strong as before. If there had been stronger support, the film might have seen better footfalls. Even a solid turnout from fans and party supporters could have boosted collections, but that momentum appears to be missing.

That said, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is not entirely without merit. It is considered reasonably watchable, though some viewers feel its narrative leans towards an outdated format. The scale of its underperformance, however, has come as a surprise.

For Pawan Kalyan, this phase could serve as an opportunity to reassess public perception. At the same time, cinema remains a powerful medium for stars to directly gauge audience response through box office trends and reactions, offering valuable insights into changing public sentiment.