The theatrical run of Akhil Akkineni’s Lenin is almost over, with new releases gradually taking over theatres. Directed by Murali Kishor Abburu and co-starring Bhagyashri Borse, the rural action drama has emerged as the biggest hit of Akhil’s career.
During the film’s successful theatrical run, industry reports claimed that the makers had signed a performance-based OTT deal. According to the buzz, the streaming platform agreed to pay an additional Rs. 3 crore if Lenin crossed the Rs. 100 crore worldwide gross mark.
However, trade circles believe Lenin fell short of that milestone. Interestingly, the makers have now released a poster claiming the film has crossed the Rs. 100 crore gross mark, triggering fresh discussion within trade circles.
According to industry sources, the reported OTT bonus is one of the key reasons behind the aggressive push for the Rs. 100 crore figure. If the deal is indeed performance-linked, crossing that milestone could unlock an additional Rs. 3 crore for the producers. Whether the OTT platform accepts the reported collections, however, remains to be seen.
Performance-based OTT deals are fast becoming the new normal in the Telugu film industry. Instead of paying the entire amount upfront, platforms are increasingly linking a portion of the deal to theatrical collections or post-release streaming performance. This model helps OTT players reduce risk while rewarding films that genuinely deliver at the box office.
Regardless of where the final worldwide gross settles, Lenin has already achieved its biggest victory. It ended Akhil Akkineni‘s long dry spell, became the biggest success of his career, and significantly revived his market. The only question that remains is whether the makers will also succeed in unlocking the reported OTT bonus tied to the Rs. 100 crore mark.
