February marked the theatrical business running the shows with full capacity. As the governments had agreed for selling the tickets for 100% occupancy, the Telugu film industry embraced it by releasing several movies.
The month saw about 22 new movies hitting the screens. Of them, only a few clicked.
In the first week of February, 10 films had seen the theatrical release. “Zombie Reddy” was the only film that had attracted audiences. Opened to mixed reviews, “Zombie Reddy” had managed to bring in good openings in the first weekend. The film, however, could not sustain at the theaters beyond that mark.
Though makers have claimed it collected Rs 15 crores, it can best be said an average grosser.
“Bomma Adirindi Dimma Tirigindi”, “Pranavam” “Radha Krishna”, and other films tanked at the box-office in the first week.
The second week saw a storm at the box-office. A high tide of collections! The much-hyped Mythri Movie Makers’ “Uppena”, Jagapathi Babu starrer “FCUK” and other films competed with each other.
“Uppena” not only became a huge hit, but it also became a clear defining film post-COVID19 theatrical business. Vaishnav Teja and Krithi Shetty got introduced through this film in this maiden directorial of Buchi Babu. The film is now heading towards Rs 100 crore gross. Trade pundits say it has become the all-time second biggest hit among romantic dramas in Tollywood. Truly, a massive hit.
Jagapathi Babu’s “FCUK” had no takers from the morning show itself.
The third week saw a flurry of more releases that include Allari Naresh’s “Naandhi”, “Kapatadhari”, “Chakra”, and “Pogaru”.
Allari Naresh’s “Naandhi” surprised trade pundits as well. The critical acclaim and word-of-mouth have helped the film massively. It has ended the flop streak for Allari Naresh. The rest of the films bombed.
The last week saw the release of Nithin’s “Check”, “Kshana Kshanam” and “Akshara”. Poor ratings and negative talk from the common audiences are going against Nithin’s film. It will likely be another flop in his career.