January 2025 rewind: Hits, flops, and controversies

The Telugu film industry started the year 2025 on a high note, with half a dozen movie releases in the first month, with only one becoming a major blockbuster. On the other side, the film industry gained national news as a result of four-day-long IT raids.

The month began with the release of the Telugu-dubbed Malayalam film “Marco,” starring Unni Mukundan. The blood-soaked, violent action flick did well financially because it appealed to a specific demographic. While it was a tremendous hit in Malayalam and performed well in Hindi, the Telugu version just did okay.

Game changer flops; mixed results for Daaku Maharaaj

During the Sankranthi season, three major films were released in theaters, including the highly anticipated Shankar-directed “Game Changer,” starring Ram Charan, which was a flop, while Nandamuri Balakrishna’s “Daaku Maharaaj” just broke even in some areas, with Venaktesh’s “Sanranthiki Vasthunam” emerging as the actual winner.

Balakrishna’s “Daaku Maharaaj” opened strongly for the first three days but fell significantly after the release of Venkatesh’s film. Due to the festival period, the Balakrishna film became a safe project in the Andhra region except for Krishna district, and it also generated decent money in the United States, grossing $1.5 million. However, the film suffered losses in Rayalaseema (Ceded), Krishna district (Andhra), and Telangana (Nizam).

Blockbuster of the month

Venkatesh’s movie “Sankranthiki Vasthunam” was a blockbuster and the star’s career-best smash. The film made over Rs 200 crore worldwide. The movie is still playing in theaters. By the end of its run, experts predict it will gross more than $3 million in the United States. It became a major source of revenue in Telugu states.

Other film releases, such as “Gandhi Tatha Chettu,” in which director Sukumar’s daughter Sukriti Veni portrayed the protagonist, failed to make an impact at the box office. The final weekend of the month saw two dubbed films, “Premistava” and “Madha Gaja Raja,” hit theaters to a lukewarm reception from the Telugu public.

Director Trinadha Rao created controversy when he made comments about actress Anshu’s body figure. He said he suggested Anshu increase the sizes of certain body parts, as she is too thin. He made these comments during the teaser launch of “Mazaka,” in which Anshu played one of the lead roles. He later apologized as the Telangana Women’s Commission issued notices to him.

Etc.

Kiran Abbavaram and his wife, Rahasya, are expecting their first child, and they have announced their pregnancy.

Urvashi Rautela continued trending on social media thanks to her interviews where she gloated about the “success” of “Daaku Maharaaj”. She became the fodder for trolls and meme makers.

Allu Arjun finally got regular bail in the Sandhya Theater episode case.