Megastar Chiranjeevi has made a triumphant return to cinemas with the release of his much-anticipated family entertainer, 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu'. The film, which hit screens on January 12, 2026, has kicked off its theatrical run with an impressive and robust performance at the ticket windows, delighting fans and trade analysts alike.
Blockbuster Opening at Domestic Box Office
The excitement among fans was palpable from the early morning shows, with theatres reporting packed houses across multiple centres. Celebrating the return of the superstar after his 2023 film 'Bholaa Shankar', audiences turned out in large numbers. According to data from trade analyst Sacnilk, the film collected a formidable Rs 9.03 crore from its morning shows alone. The report noted an overall Telugu occupancy rate of 48.74%, signaling a very strong start for the action-comedy.
International Markets Rally Behind the Megastar
The film's success story is not confined to India. 'Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu' is also enjoying a stellar run in overseas markets, particularly in the United States. As per reports from 123Telugu, the movie has already crossed the coveted $1 million mark from its premiere shows in the US. This is a significant milestone, marking it as Chiranjeevi's second film to achieve this feat in North America, following the historical epic 'Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy'. This achievement solidifies his unique position as the first senior Telugu star to have multiple films reach this benchmark in the region.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the film features Chiranjeevi in the lead role of NSG officer Shankara Varaprasad. The female lead is played by the acclaimed actress Nayanthara, who portrays Sasirekha, a character from a wealthy family entangled in a broken marriage with Chiranjeevi's character. A major highlight for Telugu cinema fans is the special appearance by veteran star Venkatesh Daggubati, marking the first time the two icons have shared the big screen.
The supporting cast includes notable names such as Catherine Tresa, Sachin Khedekar, Harsha Vardhan, and Abhinav Gomatam in pivotal roles. The film is produced by Sahu Garapati and Sushmita Konidela, with music composed by Bheems Ceciroleo.
The powerful opening day numbers, both domestically and internationally, set a positive tone for the film's theatrical journey. This strong commercial response underscores Chiranjeevi's enduring star power and the audience's appetite for a well-made family entertainer. The industry will now keenly watch the film's performance over the crucial first weekend.
