Mahesh Babu’s blockbuster film Pokiri was planned for a grand re-release in May. However, the latest reports suggest that the re-release has been stopped, and another movie of the actor (Athidi) is taking its place.
Puri Jagannadh’s Legal Troubles Block Re-Release
Reportedly, Puri Jagannadh’s legal issues are the reason for the Pokiri re-release getting stalled. It is being said that the director still owes money to distributors who lost money on Liger.
He reportedly promised to pay them back after his next film, Double iSmart (which was also a big disaster), but he has not done so yet.
A team led by distributor Suniel Narang, and the affected parties have decided to block the release of any movie associated with Puri Jagannadh until they get their money.
Pokiri’s Legacy in Tollywood
Released in 2006, Pokiri, starring Mahesh Babu, was not only a blockbuster but also an all-time industry hit at that time. The film marked a significant milestone in Mahesh Babu and Puri Jagannadh's collaboration.
In 2022, the film’s special shows were screened and received a sensational response. The success of those special screenings had raised expectations for this re-release, making the cancellation a disappointment for fans.
The distributors’ decision to block Puri Jagannadh films until financial settlements are made reflects the ongoing challenges filmmakers face when projects underperform at the box office.