The power of Mahesh Babu at the box office has once again been proven with the re-release of the 2010 Telugu action-comedy Khaleja. Originally released on October 7, 2010, Khaleja starred Mahesh Babu, Anushka Shetty, and Prakash Raj in pivotal roles. Although the film had a decent theatrical run during its original release, the movie has now become a record-breaking sensation during its re-release, reaffirming Mahesh Babu’s star power and the enduring legacy of this cult classic.
A Cult Classic That Stood the Test of Time
Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, Khaleja was a unique mix of action, comedy, and a subtle philosophical narrative that explored the divine intervention theme in a modern setting. While the movie received mixed reviews at the time of its initial release, over the years, it gained a massive fan following for its intelligent screenplay, witty dialogues, Mahesh Babu’s stellar performance, and the fresh chemistry between the lead pair.
Now, in 2025, Khaleja has been re-released in select theatres across India and overseas, and the response has been nothing short of phenomenal. Fans thronged to cinemas in large numbers, showcasing their undying love for the superstar and the film.
Re-release Box Office Collection: A Bumper Start!
The re-release of Khaleja witnessed massive footfalls and roaring celebrations across theaters. According to trade reports, the film has collected an impressive ₹7.25 crore gross worldwide from its re-release, a staggering figure for a film that hit the screens over 14 years ago.
Here is the detailed breakdown of the re-release collection:
- All India Gross: ₹5.5 crore
- Overseas Gross: ₹1.75 crore
- Worldwide Total Gross: ₹7.25 crore
This phenomenal reception has placed Khaleja among the top Indian film re-releases in recent times, particularly in the Telugu film industry.
Record-Breaking Pre-Sales on BookMyShow
One of the most remarkable aspects of the Khaleja re-release has been its performance on BookMyShow (BMS), India’s largest ticketing platform. The film recorded 193,000 ticket pre-sales, the highest ever for any Indian film re-release!
This new record surpasses even popular re-releases of iconic blockbusters like Magadheera, Sivaji, and Baahubali. The numbers reflect the immense anticipation and craze among fans to watch Mahesh Babu light up the big screen once again.
The ticket sales were driven by massive fan mobilization on social media, trending hashtags like #KhalejaReRelease and #MaheshBabuMania, and fan-organized shows and special screenings across cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, and even in the United States.
Comparison with the Original Release
Let’s take a look at how Khaleja has fared in comparison to its original theatrical run:
- Original Budget (2010): ₹30 crore
- Original Worldwide Gross Collection: ₹36 crore
- Re-release Worldwide Gross Collection (2025): ₹7.25 crore
For a film released 14 years ago to collect over 20% of its original box office revenue in a limited-run re-release is unprecedented in Telugu cinema. These numbers underline how the film has aged like fine wine and continues to resonate with audiences.
Why is Khaleja Still Relevant?
Several factors contribute to Khaleja’s enduring popularity:
1. Mahesh Babu’s Charisma
Even after more than two decades in the industry, Mahesh Babu remains one of the biggest and most bankable stars in Indian cinema. His performance in Khaleja is widely considered one of his best, blending comedy, action, and emotion effortlessly.
2. Trivikram’s Intelligent Storytelling
Trivikram Srinivas is known for crafting stories with deeper meanings cloaked in humor and style. Khaleja was ahead of its time, dealing with themes like spirituality, destiny, and social responsibility, all packaged with mass appeal.
3. Repeat Value and Cult Following
The dialogues, music, and sequences from Khaleja are still fresh in the minds of fans. Lines like “Nuvvu lekapote prapancham lo evvaru ledu ani artham” (If you’re not there, then it feels like nobody is) have become iconic.
Fan Celebrations and Theatre Responses
From garlanding life-sized cutouts of Mahesh Babu to dancing in theaters and fireworks outside cinema halls, the re-release of Khaleja has turned into a full-blown festival. Videos of fans rejoicing inside theaters have gone viral on social media platforms, adding to the film’s already sky-high buzz.
Even in multiplexes, where older films usually don’t get many shows, Khaleja ran with packed audiences, with tickets selling out within hours of listing. This level of excitement has rarely been seen for a re-release.
What’s Next for Mahesh Babu?
With the re-release of Khaleja becoming such a roaring success, all eyes are now on Mahesh Babu’s upcoming film with S.S. Rajamouli. If Khaleja is anything to go by, fans are more excited than ever to see what’s next from their beloved superstar.
Moreover, this re-release may inspire producers and distributors to revisit more classics from the 2000s and 2010s, especially those that have earned cult status over time.
Conclusion: A Re-release That Made History
The re-release of Khaleja has set a new benchmark in Indian cinema, especially in terms of fan engagement and box office collections. The film’s stellar numbers, record-breaking pre-sales, and euphoric public response show that good cinema never gets old—and that Mahesh Babu’s star power continues to grow with time.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a new viewer experiencing Khaleja for the first time, the film offers entertainment that’s both thoughtful and thrilling. It’s not just a movie; it’s an experience—and clearly, one that the audience is still eager to relive.
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