Nilakanta is a Telugu movie, released on 2 Jan 2026 starring Mahendran, Yashna Muthuluri, Neha Pathan, Sneha Ullal, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Ramki and Anil Inamadugu. Nilakanta is geared up for a solid box office start in India, pulling crowds from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with its action-drama on karma and destiny in a village setting, appealing to families and fans of moral tales. The film’s blend of fights, emotions, and life lessons could see good turnout in theatres post-New Year, holding its own against rivals thanks to trailer buzz and star appeal.
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Globally, Nilakanta eyes a modest yet steady opening, catching attention from Telugu diaspora in the US, Gulf, and Europe, where themes of fate and courage spark interest via online shares. Its relatable story of overcoming odds offers timeless draw, boosting collections through overseas screens and future streams, making it enduring beyond the initial hype.
Nilakanta 2026 Overview
- Title: Nilakanta
- Directed by: Rakesh Madhavan
- Written by: Rakesh Madhavan
- Produced by: M. Srinivasulu, D Venu Gopal
- Actor: Mahendran
- Actress: Yashna Muthuluri
- Other Cast: Neha Pathan, Sneha Ullal, Subhalekha Sudhakar, Ramki, Anil Inamadugu
- Cinematography: Vignesh Vasu
- Edited by: Unknown
- Music by: Mark Prashanth
- Production Companies: LS Productions
- Distributed by: Unknown
- Release Date: 2 Jan 2026
- Running Time: 154 minutes
- Country: India
- Language: Telugu
- Film Industry: Telugu
- Genre: Action, Drama
- Censor Rating: UA
Nilakanta Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 2 January 2026 | ₹0.18 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | 3 January 2026 | ₹0.15 | -17% |
| Day 3 | 4 January 2026 | ₹0.12 | -20% |
| Day 4 | 5 January 2026 | ₹0.10 | -17% |
| Day 5 | 6 January 2026 | ₹0.08 | -20% |
| Day 6 | 7 January 2026 | ₹0.07 | -13% |
| Day 7 | 8 January 2026 | ₹0.06 | -14% |
| Day 8 | 9 January 2026 | ₹0.05 | -17% |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.65 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.81 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.90 crore | – |
Nilakanta is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of Nilakanta
The budget of Nilakanta is 4 crore.
Nilakanta Ott release date
- OTT Platform: To be announced and OTT date: To be announced
Our Review
Nilakanta unfolds as a rooted Telugu drama blending rage, karma, and village life, directed by Rakesh Madhavan. Mahendran anchors the story as Nilakanta, a kind-hearted tailor cursed by fate despite his belief in good deeds, leading to a path of emotional turmoil and revenge. Yashna Muthuluri adds grace as the supportive figure, while Neha Pathan and Subhalekha Sudhakar bring depth to family dynamics. The film’s rustic visuals and folk-inspired score capture Saraswathipuram’s essence, emphasizing education and morality without over-the-top flair.
Box office trends show a sluggish start with Day 1 gross around ₹0.18 crore in India, per trackers like Sacnilk and Media Hindustan, reflecting limited screens and occupancy below 20% in key areas. Compared to Rangasthalam, which built to massive totals on similar rural revenge vibes, Nilakanta’s modest scale and predictable plot cap its reach; lifetime might settle at ₹5-10 crore if positive buzz grows, versus Psych Siddhartha’s quicker ₹0.83 crore pickup. Budget of ₹4 crore keeps it viable for recovery through satellite and digital rights.
Ahead, Nilakanta could find legs during Sankranthi if family audiences embrace its karma message, echoing low-key Telugu hits that thrive on substance over spectacle. Its timeless exploration of destiny ensures relevance, possibly inspiring more grounded narratives in Tollywood. A solid watch for those seeking heartfelt tales amid action-heavy fares.
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Top 10 Opening day movie of Mahendran
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- Nilakanta ₹2 crore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story ?
it follows a humble tailor facing cruel fate, fighting destiny with courage in a village valuing education and karma.
Is based on a true story?
It is fictional, inspired by themes of karma and real-life struggles.
When will Nilakanta release on OTT?
Nilakanta’s OTT release is yet to be announced, expected after theatrical run.
What is Nilakanta box office collection?
Nilakanta is upcoming, collections not available yet; predictions suggest steady opening.
What is the rating of Nilakanta movie?
Nilakanta has UA censor rating, suitable for families with guidance.
Disclaimer:
- Box office figures in this article are independently estimated by Tenvow based on an internal tracking methodology that evaluates theatre occupancy trends, distributor feedback, and regional trade indicators.
- The data reflects industry estimates available at the time of publication and may vary slightly from officially reported or audited figures released later.
- These figures should be considered preliminary and indicative, not official confirmations.
- Tenvow does not guarantee absolute accuracy of the data and presents it solely for informational purposes.
- All financial figures are stated in Indian Rupees (INR) and represented in crores, unless specified otherwise.
- All dates and times mentioned follow Indian Standard Time (IST) (UTC +5:30).
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