With just days left for its big Sankranthi arrival, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu has found itself at the centre of a heated discussion — even before audiences step into theatres. The Megastar Chiranjeevi–led entertainer, directed by Anil Ravipudi, is scheduled to release on January 12, 2026, but its ratings and reviews have been blocked on BookMyShow following a court directive.
The development has surprised fans and moviegoers alike, especially given the film’s high-profile release window and festive expectations.
What Happened on BookMyShow?
Users checking the film’s page on BookMyShow are now greeted with a message stating:
“Ratings & Reviews disabled as per court order.”
As a result, audiences booking tickets for Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu will have to rely solely on trailers, promotions, and word of mouth — without the usual audience ratings that often influence first-day decisions.
The film carries a UA 13+ certificate and has a runtime of 2 hours and 44 minutes. Its official synopsis describes it as a family thriller, where a peaceful household is thrown into chaos by a dangerous conflict that unfolds during a festive period.
Why Were Reviews Blocked?
According to industry chatter, the move comes after producers raised repeated concerns over negative preview ratings and coordinated review bombing. They reportedly argued that some users were posting reviews without booking tickets, allegedly using bots and organised campaigns to influence public perception and harm a film’s box office prospects.
Following these complaints, the court issued an order that led BookMyShow to temporarily disable the reviews and ratings section for the film.
Not a New Precedent
This isn’t the first time such a step has been taken. In December 2025, BookMyShow similarly disabled audience ratings for The Devil, starring Darshan Thoogudeepa, after receiving court instructions. The repeat occurrence suggests a growing industry push to curb alleged misuse of review platforms.
Cast, Cameos, and Expectations
Apart from Chiranjeevi, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu stars Nayanthara, Catherine Tresa, and VTV Ganesh in prominent roles. Adding to the excitement, Venkatesh Daggubati will appear in a special cameo — a reunion fans are eagerly waiting for.
Given Ravipudi’s track record with festive entertainers and Chiranjeevi’s massive fan base, expectations remain sky-high despite the controversy.
Final Words
Blocking audience reviews may protect Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu from early sabotage, but it also removes a key decision-making tool for regular moviegoers. As debates around fake reviews, bots, and transparency continue, this case has once again spotlighted the fragile balance between creative protection and audience trust.
When the film finally hits screens on January 12, the real verdict will come — not from star ratings on an app, but from packed theatres and post-show chatter.
