Tollywood has developed a strong track record of delivering multiple ₹1000 crore blockbusters at the global box office, with films like Baahubali 2, RRR, Pushpa 2, and Kalki achieving this massive feat. However, 2025 appears to be shaping up as an underwhelming year in terms of box office milestones, with no major release showing the potential to breach the ₹1000 crore mark.
In fact, Tollywood might even struggle to reach the ₹500 crore milestone this year, judging by the current lineup. The first big-ticket release of the year, Game Changer, failed to make an impact at the box office. Up next is Hari Hara Veera Mallu, slated for a March 28 release. While it is being marketed as a grand historical epic, its prolonged production delays and limited appeal outside the Telugu-speaking market might hinder its box office potential.
Prabhas’ Raja Saab is also set to arrive this year, but it is not being positioned as a pan-India project. The horror drama is expected to perform well regionally, but unless director Maruthi delivers an unexpected blockbuster, its nationwide appeal remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, NTR’s War 2 is undoubtedly a high-profile project, but it is a Bollywood production featuring Hrithik Roshan and directed by Ayan Mukerji. While NTR’s presence will boost its numbers in the South, the film’s earnings will largely be credited to Bollywood rather than Tollywood.
In contrast, 2024 witnessed two massive ₹1000 crore entrants from Tollywood with Pushpa 2 and Kalki. However, 2025 seems poised for a quieter run, lacking a strong contender to continue this streak. While surprises are always possible, the industry might have to wait until 2026 for its next big global sensation.
