Telugu Cinema: Sankranthiki Vasthunam Hits Rs 122 Crore in Week 1
Venkatesh's Sankranthiki Vasthunam crosses Rs 122 crore in its first week, nearing Game Changer's total. A milestone for Telugu cinema during Pongal.
image for illustrative purpose
Telugu cinema has seen a flurry of activity with three major releases hitting the screens in close succession. Starting with Ram Charan’s "Game Changer," followed by Nandamuri Balakrishna’s "Daaku Maharaj," and concluding with Venkatesh’s "Sankranthiki Vasthunam," the industry has been abuzz with excitement. Each film brought its unique appeal, but it is Venkatesh’s "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" that has emerged as a strong contender at the box office.
Released strategically during the Pongal festival, "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" has achieved remarkable success. The film crossed the Rs 100 crore mark on its sixth day and continued to perform strongly, nearing the collections of "Game Changer," which has been in theaters for 11 days. The opening day earnings for "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" stood at Rs 23 crore, followed by Rs 20 crore on day two, Rs 17.5 crore on day three, Rs 16 crore on day four, Rs 17.25 crore on day five, Rs 19.35 crore on day six, and Rs 8.75 crore on day seven. This brings the first-week total to an impressive Rs 122.35 crore.
Comparatively, "Game Changer" has amassed Rs 126.40 crore over 11 days. While "Game Changer" maintains a slight lead, the rapid ascent of "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" highlights its strong audience reception. Additionally, the film has performed exceptionally well in North America, which continues to be a lucrative market for Telugu cinema. With earnings surpassing $2.2 million, the movie entered the profit zone for its distributors within five days of release.
The success of "Sankranthiki Vasthunam" is particularly noteworthy as it was produced on a relatively modest budget, ensuring profitability for all stakeholders. The film also marks a significant milestone for Venkatesh, delivering the biggest box office opening of his four-decade-long career. Co-starring Meenakshi Chaudhary, Aishwarya Rajesh, and Upendra Limaye, the movie’s ensemble cast has been a significant draw for audiences.
Meanwhile, "Daaku Maharaj," starring Nandamuri Balakrishna, has also carved its niche, appealing to Balakrishna’s loyal fan base. Despite stiff competition, all three films have contributed to a vibrant period for Telugu cinema.
