Ustaad Bhagat Singh marks the second collaboration of the blockbuster trio – Pawan Kalyan, Harish Shankar, and Devi Sri Prasad, and the expectations on this combination are naturally sky-high, as they have delivered a sensational hit, Gabbar Singh, in the past.
The makers recently announced that the film will hit theatres on March 26, positioning it as one of the first major releases of the summer season.
Adding to the promotional momentum, the second single titled “Aura of Ustaad” is scheduled to be released on February 22. The team is planning aggressive promotions over the next month to build strong pre-release buzz.
150 Crore Target in Telugu States?
Coming to the business front, the producers are reportedly quoting around ₹150 crore for the Telugu States theatrical rights. Andhra (6 territories) is quoted in the ₹72+ crore range, and the negotiations are said to be happening around the ₹60 crore mark. Other territories are also seeing active discussions.
However, distributors feel that a valuation of around ₹120 crore would be safer given current market conditions. With producers firm at ₹150 crore and buyers comfortable near ₹120 crore, the final deal is expected to be settled somewhere in between. Trade circles expect the agreements to be finalized very soon.
Competition and Challenges Ahead
Being the first major biggie of the summer, Ustaad Bhagat Singh is expected to open strongly, thanks to Pawan Kalyan’s strong stardom and fan base. But if we observe from a business perspective, there are a few challenges from a business perspective. Two big films: Toxic and Dhurandhar 2 are releasing just a week earlier on March 19. This could impact screen availability and theatre allocations.
Additionally, securing ticket price hikes and permission for extra shows in Telangana has become increasingly challenging in recent times. All these factors are being carefully considered during the ongoing negotiations.
Despite the hurdles, the film remains one of the most anticipated projects of the season. If the promotional campaign clicks in a big way, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has every potential to dominate the summer box office if it meets expectations.
