Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, starring Megastar Chiranjeevi, is among the biggest Tollywood releases lined up for Sankranti 2026.
The film is crucial for Chiranjeevi, who is aiming for a strong comeback after the debacle of Bholaa Shankar. Expectations are high, but the challenge at the box office is significant.
Post-COVID, Chiranjeevi’s theatrical run has been largely disappointing, with Waltair Veerayya being the lone success.
However, fans and trade circles are optimistic this time, largely due to director Anil Ravipudi.
Known for consistently delivering mass entertainers, Anil scored a blockbuster in 2025 with Sankranthiki Vasthunam, strengthening confidence in his collaboration with Chiranjeevi.
That said, the numbers present a tough reality. Though the makers haven’t officially confirmed the budget, industry reports suggest Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has been made on a massive budget of around â¹200 crore.
To merely enter the “safe zone” and avoid a loss, the film needs to collect at least â¹200 crore net in India.
For comparison, Waltair Veerayya—Chiranjeevi’s most successful post-COVID film—collected â¹161.06 crore net.
This means Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu must earn about 24% more than Waltair Veerayya just to break even, a target achievable only with strong word of mouth.
As the Sankranti clash approaches, all eyes are now on audience reception to see whether Chiranjeevi and Anil Ravipudi can defy the odds and deliver a much-needed box-office turnaround.