Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Dominates Sankranthi Box Office

January 18, 2026

The Sankranthi season is traditionally the most crowded and competitive period for Telugu cinema, with several big and small films vying for audience attention. Family viewers dominate theatres during this festive window, making box office survival extremely challenging. Despite this intense competition, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi, has clearly emerged as the biggest winner of the season.

From day one, the film displayed extraordinary box office stamina. In a remarkable achievement, it completed its breakeven target within just six days, a feat rarely seen during a packed festival release. The film also stunned trade circles by surpassing the final BookMyShow ticket sales of They Call Him OG in only six days, while that film required its entire theatrical run to reach the same milestone.

The overseas performance has been equally historic. In the North American market, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu crossed the lifetime collections of Syeraa, becoming Chiranjeevi’s highest-grossing film ever in the region. Trade analysts are confident that the film is heading toward the prestigious $3 million mark, which would stand as a career-best record for the Megastar.

Back home, the film’s box office run continues to gather massive momentum. It is swiftly approaching a ₹300 crore worldwide gross, reflecting its strong acceptance across all sections of the audience. On Day 6, the film registered one of the highest shares ever in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, second only to Sankranthiki Vasthunam, underlining its exceptional hold among family audiences.

Adding to its list of achievements, the film broke the Day-5 industry record previously held by RRR, starring Ram Charan. Achieving such a milestone amid a festive clash makes the success even more significant and memorable.

Directed by hit-maker Anil Ravipudi, the film once again proves that the combination of wholesome entertainment, mass appeal, and Chiranjeevi’s unmatched stardom remains unbeatable. With its current pace and consistent collections, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is steadily inching closer to being celebrated as an all-time regional industry hit.

How Priyanka Chopra Broke Hollywood Barriers

January 18, 2026

Priyanka Chopra has firmly established herself as a global star by successfully transitioning from Hindi cinema to Hollywood through a series of high-profile projects. She made history by becoming the first South Asian actor to headline an American network thriller series with Quantico, marking a major milestone for representation in global entertainment.

However, her rapid rise in Hollywood was far from easy. In a recent television interview, Priyanka’s manager, Anjula Acharia, opened up about the skepticism and resistance they faced during the early stages of Chopra’s international career.

“People told me I was stupid when I brought Priyanka over,” Anjula revealed. “Everyone said, ‘You can’t break a brown Bollywood star in America.’ I even went to Jimmy Iovine because we had signed her together at Interscope Records. I was feeling insecure, and I told him people thought I was crazy. He replied, ‘Do you know everyone thought I was crazy when I wanted to launch a white rapper named Eminem?’”

Anjula emphasized that no one initially expected Priyanka to achieve such widespread success in English-language projects within a short span of time. She also praised the actress for her grounded nature and professionalism.

“She was incredible. She has no ego at all,” Anjula said. “Priyanka has taught me a lot about humility.”

On the work front, Priyanka Chopra is currently filming her upcoming Hollywood project The Bluff. At the same time, she is also involved in her Indian film Varanasi, continuing to balance her career seamlessly across industries.

Naari Naari Naduma Murari Struggles at Box Office Despite Super Hit Talk

January 18, 2026

Generally, Telugu audiences are highly receptive to quality films released during the Sankranti season, a festive window known for delivering massive theatrical revenues. However, that advantage has not fully translated into box office success for the newly released Telugu film Naari Naari Naduma Murari.

Despite receiving super hit talk from audiences, the film is struggling to convert appreciation into strong collections. Viewers who have managed to watch the film are coming out with overwhelmingly positive feedback, calling it one of the best films among the recent Sankranti releases. Word of mouth is clearly working in the film’s favour.

The major hurdle, however, lies elsewhere — inadequate show allocation. Even in key centres like Rajahmundry, Naari Naari Naduma Murari has very limited visibility. While films such as Anaganaga Oka Raju are running in nearly ten theatres with multiple daily shows, Naari Naari Naduma Murari is struggling to secure proper screens even in five theatres. This imbalance has directly impacted its box office performance.

When audiences are willing to watch a film but are unable to find shows, the impact on collections is inevitable. Interestingly, industry chatter suggests that the film’s audience response is stronger than that of several competitors, including Anaganaga Oka Raju, which itself has decent feedback but far better theatre allocation.

Another factor under discussion is promotion. The film lacked aggressive publicity during its initial phase. Many believe that had Sharwa and the team pushed harder with promotions from the outset, the situation might have been very different.

With strong content and excellent audience response, Naari Naari Naduma Murari clearly had the potential to achieve much bigger numbers. Trade analysts feel that if the film had released during a less crowded window — with fair show allocation and stronger promotions — crossing the ₹100 crore mark could have been well within reach.

Sankranti Release Rush Worries Telugu Film Trade

January 18, 2026

Sankranti remains the most lucrative festival season for the Telugu film industry, prompting intense competition among producers to secure prime release dates well in advance. Every year, multiple star-led films line up for the festive window, hoping to capitalise on holiday footfalls and family audiences.

However, industry experts maintain that only three or four films can comfortably survive during the Sankranti period. When more movies release simultaneously, theatres and show timings become limited, directly affecting box-office collections. Even films with strong content often struggle due to insufficient screen space, ultimately leading to financial losses for producers.

The same issue surfaced this Pongal season, when five Telugu films arrived in theatres at the same time. With limited screens available, some movies failed to get adequate shows, resulting in disappointing revenues. Trade circles believe that a few of these films could have performed significantly better had they opted for less crowded release dates.

Interestingly, despite these recurring setbacks, the race for future Sankranti releases has already begun. Even before the current festival season concludes, discussions around Sankranti 2027 are gaining momentum. What has surprised many in the industry is that several projects — some yet to go on floors — are already eyeing the same festive slot.

According to industry buzz, nearly six films are targeting Sankranti 2027. These reportedly include a major project starring Chiranjeevi and directed by Bobby, a Teja Sajja film backed by People Media Factory, and a Sharwanand–Srinu Vaitla collaboration. Adding to the competition is a high-profile Tamil film starring Rajinikanth and produced by Kamal Haasan.

Additionally, a Venkatesh-starrer directed by Anil Ravipudi and another project from Sithara Entertainments are also said to be aiming for the same season. With so many big titles planning to clash once again, trade analysts warn that the industry may be heading toward another overcrowded Sankranti — repeating a cycle that continues to hurt producers year after year.

కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్ 2026.. ఆ అంశాలపై కీలక నిర్ణయాలు.? | Union Budget 2026 | Nirmala Sitharaman

January 18, 2026

కేంద్ర బడ్జెట్ 2026.. ఆ అంశాలపై కీలక నిర్ణయాలు.? | Union Budget 2026 | Nirmala Sitharaman

కంటెంట్ ఉన్న సినిమాలకు కలెక్షన్ల వర్షం | Sankranti 2026 Movies

January 18, 2026

కంటెంట్ ఉన్న సినిమాలకు కలెక్షన్ల వర్షం | Sankranti 2026 Movies

తండ్రికి నివాళులర్పించిన నారా భువనేశ్వరి || Nara Bhuvaneswari Pays Tribute To Sr NTR

January 18, 2026

తండ్రికి నివాళులర్పించిన నారా భువనేశ్వరి || Nara Bhuvaneswari Pays Tribute To Sr NTR

కేబుల్ బ్రిడ్జిపై అలుముకున్న చీకట్లు.. అసలు కారణాలేంటి? | Hyderabad Cable Bridge

January 18, 2026

కేబుల్ బ్రిడ్జిపై అలుముకున్న చీకట్లు.. అసలు కారణాలేంటి? | Hyderabad Cable Bridge

ఇండోనేషియాలో అదృశ్యమైన విమానం.. | Indonesia Passenger Plane Goes Missing

January 18, 2026

ఇండోనేషియాలో అదృశ్యమైన విమానం.. | Indonesia Passenger Plane Goes Missing

AR Rahman Addresses BBC Interview Controversy, Says Remarks Were Misunderstood

January 18, 2026

Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman has addressed the recent controversy surrounding his comments about receiving limited work offers in Bollywood, following backlash after his interview with BBC Asian Network.

The composer took to Instagram to share a video message, clarifying that his words were misinterpreted and reiterating that his commitment has always been to celebrate and honour Indian culture through music.

“Dear friends, music has always been my way of connecting, celebrating and honouring a culture. India is my inspiration, my teacher and my home. I understand that intentions can sometimes be misunderstood, but my purpose has always been to uplift, honour and serve through music. I have never wished to cause pain and I hope my sincerity is felt,” Rahman said.

Emphasising his continued dedication to Indian music and creative collaboration, Rahman highlighted several of his recent initiatives. These include Jhalaa, presented at the Wave Summit in the presence of the Honourable Prime Minister, Ruh-e-Noor, collaborations with young Naga musicians to form a string orchestra, mentoring the Sunshine Orchestra, and building Secret Mountain, India’s first multicultural virtual band. He also spoke about the honour of scoring Ramayana alongside internationally acclaimed composer Hans Zimmer.

The controversy stemmed from Rahman’s earlier remarks to the BBC, where he spoke about decision-making in the industry shifting away from creative individuals. He mentioned that projects sometimes slipped away due to behind-the-scenes changes, adding light-heartedly that it allowed him to spend more time with his family.

Known for maintaining a dignified silence during controversies, Rahman chose once again not to name or target any individuals who criticised him. Instead, he opted for a calm and conciliatory response, making it clear that he does not wish to escalate the issue.

By addressing the matter with grace, Rahman underlined that his focus remains on creating meaningful music and reaffirmed that India continues to be his greatest source of inspiration.

Shah Rukh Khan Ready to Return as Don on One Condition

January 18, 2026

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan continues to dominate headlines as fresh buzz around the iconic Don franchise takes social media by storm. While names like Hrithik Roshan and Ranveer Singh have been doing the rounds as potential contenders, recent reports suggest that the makers are keen on bringing back SRK, the face most closely associated with the stylish gangster.

However, Shah Rukh Khan’s return reportedly comes with a key condition. According to media speculation, the actor is willing to reprise his role as Don only if Atlee Kumar comes on board as the director. Atlee, who delivered the massive blockbuster Jawan with SRK, has earned the actor’s complete trust following their successful collaboration. Their partnership not only created box-office history but also showcased SRK in a powerful and refreshing avatar, making Atlee a preferred choice for such a high-profile project.

That said, there is no official confirmation yet from either Shah Rukh Khan or the production team regarding Atlee’s involvement or the film’s progress. Meanwhile, speculation is also rife about the leading lady. While initial reports hinted at Kiara Advani being part of the project, newer buzz suggests that Kriti Sanon may have replaced her, adding another layer of intrigue.

For now, the makers are maintaining strict secrecy around the project, keeping fans guessing. With SRK, Atlee, and the Don franchise involved, expectations are sky-high, and audiences are eagerly waiting for an official announcement to clear the air.

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Storms Box Office, Breakeven in 6 Days

January 18, 2026

Megastar Chiranjeevi’s Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is turning out to be a massive box-office winner, setting new benchmarks for both the actor and director Anil Ravipudi. The film has achieved a remarkable feat by attaining breakeven status across all territories, including overseas, within just six days of its release.

In North America, the film has already crossed the impressive $2.5 million mark, standing at $2.6 million-plus gross so far. With the weekend momentum kicking in, trade circles expect the movie to comfortably breach the $3 million milestone within its first week itself. Globally, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has amassed a staggering ₹261 crore-plus gross in just six days, underlining its strong theatrical pull.

Adding to its list of achievements, the film has surpassed the full-run booking numbers of Power Star Pawan Kalyan’s OG on BookMyShow within the same six-day period—an astonishing accomplishment that highlights the unprecedented audience response.With trends remaining highly positive, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is expected to continue its solid run for the next few days, further strengthening its position as one of the biggest commercial successes in recent times.

Akhil’s Century Powers Telugu Warriors to CCL 12 Victory

January 18, 2026

The star-studded Celebrity Cricket League (CCL) is back with its 12th edition, which kicked off in Visakhapatnam on January 16. Featuring artists from various film industries, this season sees eight teams competing across multiple venues nationwide in a round-robin and knockout format.

Tollywood’s Telugu Warriors, captained by Akkineni Akhil, opened their account in emphatic fashion on Saturday night. After suffering a 41-run defeat to the Bhojpuri Dabanggs in their opening match, the Warriors staged a strong comeback by registering a convincing 52-run victory over defending champions Punjab De Sher.

Leading from the front, Akhil Akkineni produced a sensational batting display, smashing a blistering century off just 56 balls. He was well supported by Ashwin Babu, who played a crucial knock of 60 runs. With the ball, Samrat and Vinay Mahadev stood out as the pick of the bowlers.

Batting first, Telugu Warriors posted a daunting total of 185 runs. In response, Punjab De Sher were bowled out for 132, despite a lone resistance from Karan Wahi. The loss marked back-to-back defeats for the reigning champions, effectively ending their campaign in this season.

With this much-needed win, Telugu Warriors keep their knockout hopes alive, with one more group-stage match remaining. As per the tournament format, each team plays three league matches, and the top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.

Is Puri Jagannadh can Bounce Back with Slum Dog Movie ? | Vijay Sethupathi | Samyuktha

January 18, 2026

Is Puri Jagannadh can Bounce Back with Slum Dog Movie ? | Vijay Sethupathi | Samyuktha

Minister Nara Lokesh And Kalyan Ram Pays Tribute to Sr NTR on 30th Anniversary

January 18, 2026

Minister Nara Lokesh And Kalyan Ram Pays Tribute to Sr NTR on 30th Anniversary

పెద్దవాడైపోయాడు మరి | Mom and Son | Happy Moments in Vizag |Sushma Kiron

January 18, 2026

పెద్దవాడైపోయాడు మరి | Mom and Son | Happy Moments in Vizag |Sushma Kiron

Medak: మెదక్ జిల్లాలో GPS ట్రాకర్ ఉన్న రాబందు సంచారం

January 18, 2026

Medak: మెదక్ జిల్లాలో GPS ట్రాకర్ ఉన్న రాబందు సంచారం

Nandamuri Balakrishna Pays Tribute To Sr NTR at NTR GHAT

January 18, 2026

Nandamuri Balakrishna Pays Tribute To Sr NTR at NTR GHAT

Accident on Lucknow–Delhi National Highway: 12 మందికి పైగా గాయాలు

January 18, 2026

Accident on Lucknow–Delhi National Highway: 12 మందికి పైగా గాయాలు

Tamannaah’s Old Revelation Sparks Fresh Debate in South Cinema

January 17, 2026

Tamannaah’s recent comments about an incident from nearly two decades ago have sparked intense debate online. The actress reportedly recalled an early experience in her career where a senior male star—almost 20 years older than her—allegedly insisted on intimate scenes and later threatened to remove her from the film’s leading lady role when she resisted. Tamannaah spoke about this while reflecting on the challenges she faced as a young actress entering the industry.

While her remarks have gone viral, the response from sections of South Indian fans has been largely critical. Many argue that Tamannaah built her stardom primarily in the South, enjoyed immense popularity, and earned substantial remuneration over the years. They question why such allegations are being spoken about now, after she has spent over two decades in the industry, and feel that her silence all these years weakens the timing of her claims.

Some observers have also drawn parallels with past comments made by Radhika Apte regarding the Telugu and South Indian film industries. This has led to a broader discussion, with critics suggesting that certain actresses leverage South cinema to gain fame and recognition, only to later speak critically about the industry after their peak phase. According to this viewpoint, such narratives come across as selective and hypocritical.

At the same time, others point out that speaking up about uncomfortable experiences—regardless of when—should not be dismissed outright, and that power imbalances in the film industry have long discouraged young actors from voicing concerns.

As the debate continues, Tamannaah’s statements have once again brought conversations about consent, power dynamics, and timing of revelations in the film industry into the spotlight, sharply dividing public opinion.

More Film News

More Political News