At a time when most films are struggling to secure breakeven business, Korean Kanakaraju has reportedly closed a massive non-theatrical deal worth around ₹26 crore, covering a major portion of its budget and putting the makers in a comfortable position ahead of its August 7 theatrical release.
What the Non-Theatrical Deal Means for Varun Tej
Varun Tej hasn’t delivered a solid hit in years, and the actor is waiting to score a true-blue blockbuster with his upcoming film. At such a crucial juncture, Korean Kanakaraju securing a non-theatrical deal worth around ₹26 crore is welcome news for both the actor and the makers.
Non-theatrical deals typically include OTT streaming rights, satellite television rights, and dubbing rights across multiple languages. With ₹26 crore already locked in before theatrical release, the film has significantly reduced its financial risk, allowing the team to focus on box office performance without pressure.
For context, Rashmika Mandanna's The Girlfriend secured ₹21 crore in non-theatrical business, making Korean Kanakaraju‘s ₹26 crore deal notably strong for a film in this space.
About Korean Kanakaraju
Korean Kanakaraju, as the name suggests, is a horror comedy with an Indo-Korean mixup. Starring Varun Tej, Ritika Nayak, and Satya, the film is directed by Merlapaka Gandhi and scheduled for a worldwide theatrical release on August 7, 2026.
The movie blends rural Rayalaseema humor with supernatural possession by a Korean spirit, offering a unique cross-cultural premise. With the non-theatrical business already secured, all eyes are now on the film’s theatrical performance to determine if Varun Tej can finally deliver the blockbuster he’s been chasing.