Super Hit While it didn't beat Waltair Veerayya in the overall race, Veera Simha Reddy was a massive success in the Nizam (Hyderabad) and Ceded regions. The film’s action choreography and Balakrishna’s dialogue delivery were major draws.
Leading the charge was megastar Chiranjeevi’s Waltair Veerayya , directed by Bobby Kolli (K.S. Ravindra). Released as a Sankranti gift to fans, the film was an out-and-out mass action entertainer. The plot follows the titular character, a notorious smuggler from Visakhapatnam (historically known as Waltair), who is recruited by the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) to extradite a dangerous drug lord from Malaysia.
, it boasted a massive opening, grossing over ₹134 crore worldwide. Dubbed Contenders
For the first time in several years, the two biggest names in Telugu cinema went head-to-head during the festive period. Sankranthi Madness In TFI: From Titles To Release Dates
: Films that had their theatrical runs earlier in late 2022 or early 2023, such as , began their digital journeys during this period. Box Office Recap Estimated Worldwide Gross Waltair Veerayya Veera Simha Reddy ₹120.75 Cr Sankranthi Release Telugu Movies 2023
: Chiranjeevi, Ravi Teja, Shruti Haasan, Catherine Tresa Director : Bobby Kolli Worldwide Box Office Gross : ~₹236 crore
Unfortunately, the film was completely crushed by the star power of the other releases. With limited screens and almost zero marketing buzz compared to the Balakrishna and Chiranjeevi films, it failed to make any significant impact at the box office. It was a low-budget film that became a victim of the Sankranthi clash.
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The film’s X-factor was an extended, high-octane cameo by Mass Maharaja Ravi Teja. The brotherly chemistry and high-voltage action sequences between Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja drove audiences into an absolute frenzy. Complemented by a chart-topping soundtrack by Devi Sri Prasad (featuring hits like "Boss Party" and "Poonakaalu Loading"), the movie dominated theater sharing and pulled in a massive worldwide gross of ₹236 crore, becoming the third highest-grossing Telugu film of the year. 2. Veera Simha Reddy : January 12, 2023 Super Hit While it didn't beat Waltair Veerayya
(January 13, 2023) : Starring Megastar Chiranjeevi and Ravi Teja, this action-comedy emerged as the clear commercial winner of the season. Despite mixed critical reviews, it resonated deeply with the masses, grossing approximately worldwide. The film was praised for its "vintage Chiru" moments and the energetic "Boss Party" soundtrack. Veera Simha Reddy
The season was a masterclass in "fan-service" cinema. The core narrative centered on the in Waltair Veerayya , featuring his iconic comedy timing and lungi-clad mass appeal. Simultaneously, Balakrishna’s Veera Simha Reddy doubled down on the factionalism-based heroism that has defined his career, complete with powerful dialogues and high-stakes action.
If you have a personal favorite among this lineup, or want to share your thoughts on the 2023 Sankranthi releases, be sure to share this article with your movie fanatics and let us know in the comments below!
Commercial Action-Comedy
: Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shruti Haasan, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar, Honey Rose Director : Gopichand Malineni Worldwide Box Office Gross : ~₹134 crore
This particular Sankranthi was unique because played the lead actress in both the major competing films ( Waltair Veerayya and Veera Simha Reddy ), which released within 24 hours of each other—a rare feat for any modern actress. Furthermore, both major blockbusters were produced by the same banner, Mythri Movie Makers , dominating the festive market share. How Telugu cinema quietly took the lead in early 2026
This strategy was highlighted by producer Dil Raju, who postponed the release of Vaarasudu by three days to ensure that the Telugu biggies, Veera Simha Reddy and Waltair Veerayya , received a wide release in theaters. “I’ve no qualms if my film comes later. I always think that everyone should prosper,” he said, demonstrating a rare spirit of collaboration in the industry. This decision ensured a win-win situation for all distributors involved.
To understand the success of this season, one must look at the audience sentiment post-pandemic. Ravindra)
A mass action drama directed by Gopichand Malineni. Balakrishna plays a dual role in a story centered on family, loyalty, and revenge.
The Sankranthi 2023 season in Tollywood was a massive box office event, dominated by a historic clash between two of the industry's biggest veterans, Chiranjeevi and Nandamuri Balakrishna. Major Theatrical Releases Release Date Veera Simha Reddy Nandamuri Balakrishna, Shruti Haasan Jan 12, 2023