Megastar Chiranjeevi’s latest film, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, has emerged as one of the biggest box office successes of the Sankranti season. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film was released on January 12, 2026, strategically timed to coincide with the festive holidays. Blending action, comedy, and nostalgia, the movie has struck a chord with audiences across age groups, making it a family entertainer with mass appeal.
Promoters of the film claim that the worldwide gross has crossed ₹375 crore in just 25 days, a remarkable feat for a Telugu-language release. However, independent box office trackers such as Sacnilk present slightly more conservative numbers, estimating the film’s global collections at ₹290 crore, with an India net of ₹210 crore. Regardless of the discrepancy, the film has already proven profitable, given its reported ₹200 crore budget.
The movie features Nayanthara in a pivotal role, adding star power and elegance to the narrative, while Venkatesh makes a special appearance that has delighted fans. Critics and audiences alike have praised Chiranjeevi’s effortless charm, comic timing, and ability to carry action sequences with ease even at this stage of his career. The film’s screenplay, peppered with Ravipudi’s trademark humor, ensures that it appeals not only to die-hard fans but also to families looking for wholesome entertainment.
Industry analysts point out that the film’s success lies in its balanced mix of nostalgia and modern storytelling. References to Chiranjeevi’s earlier hits, combined with contemporary humor and slick action choreography, have created a sense of familiarity while keeping the narrative fresh. The festive release window also gave the film a strong opening, with packed theaters across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka.
Despite competition from other Sankranti releases, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has maintained steady legs at the box office, with weekday collections holding up better than expected. Overseas markets, particularly in the US and Gulf countries, have contributed significantly to the gross, reflecting Chiranjeevi’s enduring popularity among the Telugu diaspora.
Looking ahead, the film is set to premiere on ZEE5 next week, which is expected to further expand its reach to audiences who missed the theatrical run. With strong word-of-mouth and positive reviews, the digital release could add another layer of success, ensuring that the film continues to generate buzz well beyond its theatrical window.
In the broader context of Telugu cinema, the film’s performance underscores the commercial viability of action-comedy hybrids and the enduring star power of Chiranjeevi. As the industry gears up for more big-budget releases in 2026, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu stands as a reminder that well-crafted family entertainers can still dominate the box office, even in an era of pan-Indian blockbusters.
