Bellamkonda Sai Sreenivas is set to return to the telugu silver screen with Bhairavam, a high-octane mass entertainer that also stars Manchu Manoj and nara rohit in key roles. Marking his comeback after a significant hiatus, the film carries high expectations, especially with its action-packed trailer gaining good traction online. As the release date approaches—scheduled for May 30th—the makers have intensified promotional activities, touring major cities and engaging with fans across platforms. Positioned as a commercial potboiler, Bhairavam aims to re-establish Bellamkonda’s foothold in tollywood and bring a fresh wave of energy to his career.

However, the timing of the release has unexpectedly collided with the re-release of Mahesh Babu’s cult favorite khaleja, which is returning to theatres on the occasion of Superstar Krishna’s birth anniversary. The re-release has taken fans by storm, with advance bookings selling out rapidly and prompting distributors to add early morning and extra shows across telugu states. The nostalgic pull of khaleja, combined with Mahesh Babu’s massive fanbase, has made it a formidable contender—even as a re-release—against new theatrical offerings. This sudden surge in attention and ticket sales for khaleja has raised concerns for Bhairavam’s box office performance, particularly during the opening weekend, which is crucial for any film’s success.

This isn’t an isolated incident in Tollywood; recent trends have shown that the re-release of popular classics can significantly impact new releases. Films like Pokiri, Jalsa, and kushi in the past have drawn large crowds during re-releases, affecting the performance of contemporary films. In this case, the clash with khaleja might divert a section of the audience, especially in single screens and mass circuits, potentially denting Bhairavam’s initial collections. Still, with the right word-of-mouth and positive audience response, Bhairavam could withstand the competition. Much now depends on the film’s content and its ability to deliver a powerful theatrical experience that resonates beyond the nostalgia wave.

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