The advance booking trend for Ustaad Bhagat Singh in the United States has raised concerns, with just a few days left for the premiere and numbers remaining modest. Despite the strong overseas fan base of Pawan Kalyan, early ticket sales in North America have not gained the expected momentum.
According to initial booking data, the film has grossed around $160K in the USA from premiere pre-sales across roughly 1,016 shows, with nearly 6,936 tickets sold. Including Canada, the total North American advance stands at approximately $175K.
For a star of Pawan Kalyan’s stature, a premiere advance under $200K with less than a week to go is considered underwhelming by trade observers. The numbers appear even weaker when compared to his previous benchmark with They Call Him OG, which had recorded a massive $1.9 million in US premiere pre-sales. In comparison, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is currently at barely 8% of that figure.
Industry watchers note that the film faces tough competition from Dhurandhar 2: The Revenge, starring Ranveer Singh, as both are scheduled to release on March 19. With the trailer of Ustaad Bhagat Singh yet to be unveiled, trade circles believe that advance bookings could see an improvement in the coming days, depending on audience response to the promotional material.
Anantha Sriram Reignites Kalki 2898 AD Debate
A fresh discussion has resurfaced around Kalki 2898 AD, the blockbuster film directed by Nag Ashwin and starring Prabhas, after noted Telugu lyricist Anantha Sriram reiterated his earlier criticism regarding the movie’s portrayal of mythological characters. The film, which became one of the biggest box office successes after Baahubali 2, impressed audiences with its grand visuals and futuristic narrative inspired by the Mahabharata. However, some creative choices in the film had sparked debate even during its release.
Anantha Sriram had earlier objected to certain elements in the film, particularly the way the character of Karna was presented. In a recent interview, the lyricist once again defended his remarks and stated that he continues to stand by his earlier criticism. According to him, the film appeared to elevate Karna’s character while comparatively diminishing the stature of Arjuna, which he believes does not align with the traditional narrative of the epic.
He emphasized that epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are not merely stories but an important part of India’s cultural and historical heritage. In his view, filmmakers should exercise caution while adapting such revered texts and avoid altering their core narratives purely for cinematic appeal or commercial entertainment. He also expressed concern that portraying controversial or complex characters as heroic figures for dramatic impact could lead to misinterpretations of the original stories.
Sriram further noted that in earlier times there were limited platforms for people to question such portrayals, but today social media and public discourse have made it easier for audiences to voice their opinions. He stated that he would continue to speak out whenever mythological stories are, in his opinion, misrepresented in films.
His comments have once again triggered mixed reactions on social media. While some people support his stand and believe filmmakers should remain faithful to the original epics, others argue that cinema should allow creative freedom and reinterpretations of traditional narratives. As a result, Kalki 2898 AD has once again become a topic of debate among film enthusiasts and audiences online.