First Time is a Telugu movie, released on 22 May 2026 starring Saurabh Dhingra, Anicka Vikramann, Akhil Sarthak and other main cast including Mime Gopi, Ajay Ratnam, Bhupal Raju, Annapurnamma, Gayatri Gupta and more. The film has created massive excitement among Telugu audiences even before hitting the theatres.
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With its fresh story that blends imagination and technology, featuring astronauts, aliens and a futuristic vision of the world, First Time stands out as a clean, high-concept sci-fi mystery thriller in an industry that often leans towards mass action or family dramas. The official trailer has already won praise for its stunning VFX, gripping plot and the strong screen presence of the leads, suggesting it could connect strongly with youngsters, families and anyone who enjoys mind-bending stories with visual grandeur.
The pre-release buzz for First Time points to a solid opening, especially in Telugu states where big VFX spectacles and sci-fi thrillers have always found loyal viewers. Advance bookings indicate healthy interest in single-screen theatres and multiplexes, where audiences prefer stories that mix suspense with breathtaking visuals. Industry observers note that the film’s timing on a Friday release, combined with the summer holiday season, gives it an edge. While big-hero star vehicles often dominate opening day figures, First Time is expected to build steadily through word-of-mouth rather than rely on massive star power alone.
Early trends show decent footfalls in urban and semi-urban centres, where the story of aliens on Earth, supernatural forces and hidden secrets resonates deeply. This approach makes the film’s box office journey unique — not a blockbuster blast on day one, but a steady performer that could stay in theatres for weeks if audiences keep recommending it. Worldwide, Telugu audiences in the US, Canada, Europe and the Gulf are also showing interest, promising respectable overseas collections for this ambitious VFX spectacle.
First Time 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | First Time |
| Directed by | Hemanth Ippalapalli |
| Written by | Hemanth Ippalapalli |
| Produced by | Hemanth Ippalapalli |
| Actor | Saurabh Dhingra |
| Actress | Anicka Vikramann |
| Other Cast | Akhil Sarthak, Mime Gopi, Ajay Ratnam, Bhupal Raju, Annapurnamma, Gayatri Gupta and more |
| Cinematography | To be updated |
| Edited by | To be updated |
| Music by | To be updated |
| Production Companies | To be updated |
| Distributed by | To be updated (theatrical release) |
| Release Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Running Time | 1h 48m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Film Industry | Telugu |
| Genre | Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | UA16+ |
First Time Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Friday, 22 May 2026 | ₹0.01 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | Saturday, 23 May 2026 | To be updated | % |
| Day 3 | Sunday, 24 May 2026 | To be updated | % |
| Total India Net | – | To be updated crore | – |
| Total India Gross | – | To be updated crore | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | To be updated crore | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
First Time is a Hit or Flop
Expected to emerge as a profitable hit if it maintains strong weekend collections and positive word-of-mouth among family and young audiences.
What is the budget of First Time
The exact budget has not been officially disclosed, but it appears to be a modestly budgeted production with ambitious VFX (director used his VFX expertise to control costs).
Our Review
First Time brings a refreshing change to Telugu cinema with its bold and imaginative story that fuses science fiction with mystery and thrill. Directed by Hemanth Ippalapalli, the film follows two aliens who arrive on Earth on a mysterious mission connected to the survival of their race. They encounter supernatural forces, hidden secrets and their journey intersects with two engineering students and a group of astronauts, uncovering a mystery tied to multiple worlds.
Saurabh Dhingra and Anicka Vikramann deliver strong and believable performances that make the characters feel real, while Akhil Sarthak and the supporting cast add depth to the high-stakes plot. The film’s biggest strength is its simple yet mind-bending message about imagination, technology and the unknown — something every young viewer and family can enjoy and discuss after watching.
From the technical side, the VFX is stunning and fits the futuristic mood perfectly, with visuals that are already being called India’s biggest spectacle. The music builds the right amount of tension and wonder, with tracks that stay with you long after the movie ends. The cinematography captures both the everyday world and the alien elements in a grand yet realistic way. Editing keeps the pace tight, ensuring the runtime feels engaging and never slow.
Compared to recent Telugu sci-fi films that sometimes depend only on big stars or heavy action, First Time reminds us why smart storytelling with cutting-edge VFX still works best. It has the intelligent suspense of classic thrillers but adds a fresh futuristic touch that feels very current. This makes it stand out as an original concept rather than a formulaic entertainer. As of the release weekend, early audience feedback from preview shows has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the clean presentation, strong performances and the way it keeps everyone hooked till the end.
Looking ahead, First Time has good potential to become a steady performer at the box office. If the weekend collections hold well, the film could cross respectable figures through sustained family and young viewership over the coming weeks. In a year where big-budget releases have set high benchmarks, this well-made sci-fi thriller proves that good storytelling and impressive visuals can still draw crowds.
It is the kind of film that friends and families will happily watch multiple times. For Saurabh Dhingra, Anicka Vikramann and the team, it marks another step in showcasing meaningful Telugu cinema. Overall, First Time is a welcome addition to Telugu screens — thrilling, imaginative and perfect for a theatre outing. It is sure to leave audiences amazed and thinking about the wonders of the universe long after the movie ends.
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).
