Rs 250 Crore Gamble in Telugu States for Pongal 2025

The Telugu film industry is gearing up for a high-stakes start to 2025, with three major films—“Game Changer,” “Daaku Maharaaj,” and “Sankranthiki Vasthunnam”—slated for release during the lucrative Sankranthi festival.

With Sankranthi being one of the biggest seasons for theatrical business, distributors and exhibitors are betting big, expecting a strong performance at the box office.

₹250 Crore Pre-Release Business

These three films have collectively raked in an impressive ₹250 crore in pre-release business across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Leading the pack is “Game Changer,” which has generated a staggering ₹130 crore in pre-release revenue.

Meanwhile, Nandamuri Balakrishna’s “Daaku Maharaaj” and Venkatesh’s “Sankranthiki Vasthunnam” have together accounted for over ₹100 crore, making this a high-risk, high-reward scenario for all involved.

Recovery Hinges on Festival Period

Given the substantial investments, the pressure is on for these films to recover their costs during the festive window.

“Sankranthiki Vasthunnam” has been sold at a comparatively lower price, giving it a better chance of achieving its break-even point with ease.

“Game Changer” and “Daaku Maharaaj” face steeper challenges, relying heavily on positive word-of-mouth and strong reviews to make a significant impact.

The Stakes Are High

If all three films succeed, it could set a promising tone for the Telugu film industry in 2025. However, anything less than stellar reviews and audience reception could make it difficult for distributors and exhibitors to recover their massive investments.

As the release dates approach, all eyes are on these films to see if they can rise to the occasion and deliver blockbuster performances.