Mahesh Babu fails to beat Pawan Kalyan’s record

The much-anticipated 4K re-release of Mahesh Babu’s 2010 cult classic Khaleja on May 30, 2025, has set the box office ablaze with a stellar performance.

Khaleja, directed by Trivikram Srinivas, grossed Rs 4.22 Crore on day in in India.

In North America, Khaleja grossed $72,807 by Day 2, surpassing Gabbar Singh’s $66,000 for the highest re-release gross in the USA, cementing Mahesh Babu’s overseas dominance.

Overall, “Khaleja” collected massive money both in India and North America.

Gabbar Singh retains its supremacy

However, “Khaleja” failed to surpass the all-time record for a re-release opening day set by Pawan Kalyan’s Gabbar Singh. Despite generating unprecedented buzz and breaking multiple pre-sale records, Khaleja’s Day 1 worldwide gross could not topple the benchmark established by Gabbar Singh’s re-release in September 2024.

Gabbar Singh’s re-release on September 2, 2024, celebrating Pawan Kalyan’s birthday, remains the gold standard for Day 1 collections in India. The Harish Shankar-directed blockbuster grossed Rs 8.02 crore worldwide on its opening day, with ₹7 crore from India alone, setting an all-time record for re-releases.

In contrast, Khaleja’s Day 1 worldwide gross is estimated at Rs 6 crore worldwide, with Rs 4.22 coming from India.

The gap is attributed to Gabbar Singh’s massive fan-driven turnout on Pawan Kalyan’s birthday, bolstered by its 2012 blockbuster status and widespread screenings across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and overseas markets.

Khaleja, despite its cult following and strong performance in Hyderabad, Vijayawada, and Bengaluru, faced challenges due to its re-release not being backed by Mahesh Babu’s traditional team, relying heavily on fan-driven promotions.

Re-release trend

Despite falling short, Khaleja’s re-release has been a resounding success.

The re-release mania in Tollywood continues to captivate audiences, with Khaleja and Gabbar Singh showcasing the enduring star power of Mahesh Babu and Pawan Kalyan.