The Telugu cinema industry is buzzing with **WILD** speculation and intense debate following the dramatic outcome of the Sankranti box office battle. What was anticipated to be a fierce contest between two titans has culminated in an **UNEXPECTED** landslide victory for one and a heartbreaking defeat for the other. Megastar Chiranjeevi's 'Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu' has not only emerged as the undisputed festive season champion but has also cast a long shadow over Rebel Star Prabhas' 'The Raja Saab', which has been officially declared the first major flop of 2026.
Released on January 12, 2026, Anil Ravipudi’s directorial 'Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu' quickly found its rhythm with audiences, propelled by strong word-of-mouth and a perfect blend of comedy and action. The film, also starring Nayanthara opposite Chiranjeevi and featuring an extended cameo by Venkatesh, has been an overseas sensation, crossing the USD 2.5 million benchmark in North America. Domestically, its performance is equally commendable, raking in an impressive Rs 139.85 crore in India and a colossal Rs 200.74 crore worldwide within just six days of its release. This makes 'Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu' the first Telugu film of 2026 to enter the prestigious Rs 200 crore club worldwide.
In stark contrast, Prabhas' Maruthi-directed horror-comedy 'The Raja Saab', which hit screens earlier on January 9, 2026, has faced a **BOMBSHELL** rejection from audiences. Despite opening with a respectable Rs 53.75 crore on Day 1, the film’s collections plummeted drastically in the subsequent days, showing no signs of recovery. By its ninth day, 'The Raja Saab' had managed a meager Rs 136.33 crore in India, struggling to even touch the Rs 200 crore worldwide mark. With an astounding reported budget ranging between Rs 400 crore and Rs 500 crore, its current earnings represent a devastating loss, leading to its official declaration as a colossal failure. The trailer itself had reportedly disappointed fans, and mixed reviews coupled with poor word-of-mouth further sealed its fate against the strong competition from Chiranjeevi’s film.
The **TRUTH BEHIND** 'The Raja Saab's downfall lies in a combination of factors: an over-inflated budget, lukewarm critical reception, and perhaps most crucially, the overwhelming preference of the audience for 'Mana Shankara Varaprasad Garu'. Industry insiders are now openly discussing the **MAJOR** financial blow this represents for Prabhas, whose recent track record has seen more misses than hits. Fans are divided, with social media platforms ablaze with discussions about Prabhas' script choices and the mounting pressure on the Rebel Star to deliver a definitive blockbuster.
This dramatic turn of events reinforces Chiranjeevi's enduring appeal and highlights Anil Ravipudi's knack for delivering crowd-pleasing entertainers. For LagerCinema readers, this isn't just a box office report; it's an **INSIDE STORY** of ambition, fierce competition, and the unpredictable nature of audience verdict that truly changes everything in Tollywood. What does this mean for Prabhas' upcoming projects? Only time will tell, but the pressure has certainly intensified!
