The Sankranthi 2026 season is set to witness a major clash at the Tollywood box office. Two highly anticipated big-budget films, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu starring Megastar Chiranjeevi and The Raja Saab featuring Rebel Star Prabhas, are gearing up for festive release. However, even before hitting theatres, both films have landed in the legal spotlight.
Producers seek relief from High Court
The producers of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu and The Raja Saab have approached the Telangana High Court seeking permission for a ticket price hike. They have requested the court to stay earlier orders that restricted any increase in ticket prices. The matter is scheduled for hearing, and the verdict is expected soon.
Along with the price hike, the film teams have also sought approval to conduct premiere shows during the Sankranthi festival period. Given the massive fan following of Chiranjeevi and Prabhas, the demand for special shows and revised pricing remains high.
Background of the ticket price controversy
The issue gained prominence after Justice Sravan Kumar of the Telangana High Court stayed a memo issued by the Chief Secretary that allowed a ticket price hike for Akhanda 2. The court clearly directed authorities to prevent arbitrary increases in ticket prices. Following this verdict, Telangana Cinematography Minister Komatireddy Venkat Reddy announced that the state government would no longer entertain applications seeking ticket price hikes.
In this backdrop, producers T.G. Vishwa Prasad, Ishan Saxena, and Sahu Garapati moved the High Court, requesting a stay on the single judge’s earlier orders.
High expectations for Sankranthi releases
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is scheduled to release on January 12, 2026, as a Sankranthi special. A Chiranjeevi film during the festive season traditionally creates a celebratory atmosphere among audiences. Meanwhile, Prabhas’s The Raja Saab, directed by Maruthi, is set to hit screens on January 9, 2026. The film promises a unique mix of horror, fantasy, emotion, and entertainment, which has already generated strong buzz.
All eyes on the court verdict
Now, the entire film industry is watching the Telangana High Court closely. The decision on ticket price hikes could significantly influence the Sankranthi 2026 box office collections. The verdict is expected to set a crucial precedent for future big releases in Telangana.
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