Khaleja Re-release Box Office Collection Day 1 Prediction: Mahesh Babu's Film Off To A Strong Start

Khaleja Re-release Box Office Collection Prediction: Fourteen years after it first hit theaters, Mahesh Babu's Khaleja has returned to the big screen in a remastered 4K format. Originally released in 2010, the film struggled commercially during its initial run, but it has since garnered a cult following, especially for its unconventional storytelling and Trivikram Srinivas' directorial style. The re-release on May 30, 2025, is already making waves in Telugu states and beyond, with strong early signs at the box office.

According to data from Sacnilk, Khaleja has registered over ₹3.50 crore in gross advance bookings across India, including special fan shows that were held late on May 29. The number is considered impressive for a re-released film, putting Khaleja on track to potentially achieve the highest day-one earnings for a re-release in Indian cinema.

Industry tracker NEWS Boxoffice has reported a surge in occupancy levels, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. Key centers in both states have witnessed near-full shows since early morning, with some locations adding additional screenings to meet demand. Early estimates suggest that the total Day 1 gross-including premieres and regular shows-could cross ₹4.75 crore worldwide.

Khaleja returns with renewed relevance and box office buzz

The renewed interest in Khaleja is largely credited to the evolving perception of the film. Once seen as a commercial misfire, the film is now widely regarded as a significant entry in Telugu cinema, even earning a place on Film Companion's "25 Greatest Telugu Films of the Decade."

Starring Mahesh Babu as Raju, a reluctant taxi driver turned savior, the film blends action, satire, and socio-political commentary. The plot revolves around a remote village plagued by a mysterious illness and a corporate conspiracy that Raju inadvertently uncovers. Anushka Shetty plays Subhashini, Raju's romantic interest, while Prakash Raj appears as the antagonist GK.

While a strong Day 1 shows clear promise, it remains to be seen how the film will perform in the coming days. Sustained interest through the weekend and beyond will be crucial in determining whether Khaleja can set a new benchmark for re-released films. Regardless of its box office trajectory, the film's re-release marks an important moment-bringing a once-overlooked story back into the spotlight.