Sankranti is traditionally considered Tollywood’s biggest release season. But Summer and Dasara are equally important windows for big-budget films. While the industry largely wasted the summer season this year, Dasara is now shaping up to become one of the most crowded festival battles in recent memory.
Several major stars are eyeing the lucrative holiday period, raising the possibility of a box office clash featuring some of Telugu cinema’s biggest names.
One of the frontrunners is Chiranjeevi’s Vishwambhara. The socio-fantasy drama has been ready for some time but suffered multiple postponements due to VFX work, post-production issues, and delays in locking OTT deals. With those hurdles reportedly nearing resolution, the makers are now keen on a Dasara release. An official announcement is expected after Chiranjeevi’s meeting with the producers.
Nagarjuna is also targeting the festival season with his landmark 100th film, currently carrying the working title Lottery King. Directed by Karthik, the film is nearing completion, and the makers are expected to unveil the title and first glimpse soon, along with release plans.
Balakrishna’s NBK111, directed by Gopichand Malineni, is another strong contender. The recently released glimpse generated positive buzz, and the team is currently working towards a Dasara release. However, the final decision will depend on how quickly the remaining schedules are completed.
Venkatesh and Trivikram’s Adarsha Kutumbam is also in the race. Initially planned for Summer, the film missed that window and is now being lined up for Dasara. If shooting wraps up by July as expected, the release plan should remain on track.
Adding further competition is Nani’s The Paradise. Originally scheduled for March before being postponed, the film is also reportedly targeting Dasara. However, if multiple senior-star projects lock the season, the makers may be forced to reconsider their plans.
If even three or four of these films arrive during the same festive period, Dasara could generate a box office atmosphere comparable to, or even bigger than, Sankranti. Exhibitors would welcome such a scenario after a disastrous Summer season.
For now, one thing is clear: after a quiet Summer, Tollywood is preparing for a potentially explosive Dasara season.
