Overview

• The Rishab Shetty-led prequel opened in theatres on October 2 following paid previews on October 1, rolling out in Kannada, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil, Malayalam, Bengali and English.
• Early viewers and several critics highlighted a goosebump-inducing finale and striking animal VFX, with many calling it a theatre-first experience.
• Industry voices, including producer Naga Vamsi, lauded Shetty’s performance and direction, while some noted slower stretches before a strong second half.
• Reports on business vary across trackers, with figures cited for over ₹20 crore in advance bookings, Sacnilk listing ₹6.15 crore since morning, and Andhra Box Office estimating ₹35 crore global pre-sales.
• The launch coincides with other new releases such as Sunny Sanskari Ki Tulsi Kumari and Idli Kadai, and some Mumbai shows saw lower turnout due to heavy rain.