Telugu cinema’s megastar Chiranjeevi is back on the big screen, and audiences clearly showed up for the nostalgia. His latest release, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, directed by Anil Ravipudi, opened to mixed critical reactions but strong fan enthusiasm — translating into a solid first-day box office performance.
A steady opening despite weekday release
According to early trade estimates, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu collected Rs 28.50 crore on Day 1, a respectable figure considering the film hit theatres on a Monday, traditionally a slower box office day. The film had already gained momentum a day earlier, earning Rs 8.6 crore from special preview shows on Sunday.
With preview figures included, the film’s total opening haul now stands at approximately Rs 37.1 crore, giving it a healthy start and placing it firmly among the stronger Telugu openers of recent times.
How it stacks up against recent big releases
Chiranjeevi’s opening-day numbers have managed to edge past Ranveer Singh and Aditya Dhar’s blockbuster Dhurandhar, which earned Rs 28 crore on its first day. However, the film falls short when compared to some of the biggest Telugu openings.
For instance, The Raja Saab, starring Prabhas, had a much larger opening at Rs 62.9 crore, including previews. Meanwhile, OG, headlined by Pawan Kalyan, remains the biggest Telugu opener of last year with Rs 84 crore.
Within Chiranjeevi’s own filmography, the numbers tell an interesting story. Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has comfortably beaten the Day 1 figures of Bhola Shankar (Rs 16.25 crore) and sits close to Waltair Veerayya (Rs 29.6 crore). However, it couldn’t cross the towering opening of Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, which debuted at Rs 62 crore.
Fans cheer ‘vintage’ Chiranjeevi
While reviews have been divided, fan response has leaned strongly positive — particularly toward Chiranjeevi’s comic timing. Social media reactions praised his effortless humour, expressive performance, and throwback energy, with many calling it a return to his “vintage form.”
The film also features Nayanthara, Zarina Wahab, and Catherine Tresa in key roles, with Venkatesh making an extended cameo that has drawn cheers from audiences.
Can it sustain beyond the opening?
The big question now is sustainability. Films in the mass-comedy space often depend heavily on word of mouth after the initial rush. While Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has started on a confident note, the coming weekdays will determine whether it follows the successful trajectory of Waltair Veerayya or faces a sharp drop like The Raja Saab, which struggled to maintain momentum after a huge opening.
Final words
With Rs 37.1 crore already in the bag including previews, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has laid a solid foundation. Chiranjeevi’s screen presence, humour-driven narrative, and festive fan turnout have worked in its favour so far. Whether that goodwill translates into a long, steady run at the box office will become clear in the days ahead — but for now, the megastar’s return has landed on a promising note.
