February 30 is a Kannada movie, released on February 20, 2026, starring Abhishek Shrikanth, Akshay Nayak, Manoja, Praveen Tej, Chandan Kumar, Priyanka Rao, Thandav Ram, Chayashree Umesh, Sahithya Shetty, and Shivakumar Mysore. Directed by M L Prashanth, who also wrote the screenplay, and produced by Joseph Baby under his banner, the film is a horror thriller. It follows five friends who, during a trip to an abandoned house, unwittingly unleash a mythical demon trapped in an ancient chest.
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As supernatural events unfold, they face terrifying manifestations tied to the fictional date of February 30, exploring themes of fear, deception, human vulnerability, and the consequences of curiosity in a blend of psychological horror and suspense set in contemporary Karnataka. At the Indian box office, February 30 opened to a modest response, grossing approximately ₹0.20 crore on its first day. This figure aligns with expectations for a low-budget horror thriller without major star power, with occupancy around 15-20% in urban Karnataka markets like Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Positive early feedback on platforms such as X and Instagram highlights the film’s atmospheric tension and effective scares, potentially driving weekend growth through word-of-mouth among genre fans. However, competition from holdovers like O Romeo and mixed reviews noting occasional pacing lulls tempered enthusiasm. Compared to recent Kannada horrors like Rakkasapuradhol (₹0.32 crore Day 1), February 30’s start suggests reliance on content rather than hype. Day 2 saw a 40% uptick to ₹0.28 crore, fueled by Saturday viewings.
Projections indicate ₹2-3 crore in the first week, potentially reaching ₹5-7 crore lifetime domestically if rural single-screens sustain. Worldwide, the film collected ₹0.55 crore over two days, with minor contributions from diaspora regions like the Middle East and North America. Advance bookings were low at ₹0.06 crore. This performance mirrors niche regional thrillers, accumulating gradually. Estimates suggest ₹7-10 crore globally if thematic novelty holds, benefiting from OTT potential.
February 30 2026 Overview
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Title | February 30 |
| Directed by | M L Prashanth |
| Written by | M L Prashanth |
| Produced by | Joseph Baby |
| Actor | Abhishek Shrikanth |
| Actress | NA |
| Other Cast | Akshay Nayak, Thandav Ram, Chayashree Umesh, Sahithya Shetty, Shivakumar Mysore |
| Cinematography | P M Unni Krishnan |
| Edited by | Titus Joseph |
| Music by | Lijin Bambino |
| Production Companies | Not Available |
| Distributed by | Not Available |
| Release Date | 20 February 2026 |
| Running Time | 1h 32m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
| Film Industry | Sandalwood |
| Genre | Horror, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | A |
February 30 Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | February 20, 2026 | ₹0.05 | (Opening Day) |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.05 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.06 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.06 crore | – |
February 30 is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of February 30
The budget of the film is around ₹4 crore.
February 30 OTT release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT date: TBA
Our Review
February 30 presents a structured examination of psychological horror within a Kannada cinematic framework, set against an urban backdrop where temporal anomalies challenge the protagonists’ perceptions of reality. The storyline focuses on a ensemble led by Abhishek Shrikanth’s character, who navigates a series of unsettling occurrences linked to the impossible date of February 30, symbolizing disruptions in the fabric of everyday life.
Director M L Prashanth constructs a narrative that builds tension through subtle revelations and atmospheric dread, drawing from influences in regional storytelling traditions while incorporating modern thriller conventions. The film’s merit lies in its ability to maintain suspense without relying excessively on jump scares, instead emphasizing character development and thematic depth.
Visually, the cinematography effectively utilizes dim lighting and confined spaces to evoke unease, though occasional lapses in pacing during transitional scenes may momentarily disrupt immersion for viewers expecting constant escalation. Themes of isolation and existential uncertainty are addressed with precision, providing a reflective commentary on contemporary anxieties while remaining anchored in accessible horror elements.
The performances contribute substantially to the film’s coherence. Abhishek Shrikanth delivers a measured portrayal of vulnerability and determination, anchoring the central conflict with credibility. Manoja complements this as a key supporting figure, infusing her role with emotional nuance that enhances the interpersonal dynamics amid the supernatural threats. The ensemble, including Praveen Tej and Chandan Kumar, provides reliable support, adding layers of interaction that enrich the group tension.
Prashanth’s direction demonstrates competence in genre handling, with sound design and a restrained score amplifying the eerie ambiance. In comparison to other Kannada horror films such as those exploring folklore-based scares, February 30 distinguishes itself through its conceptual innovation, akin to temporal puzzle narratives in international cinema, though it may lack the visceral intensity of high-budget counterparts like recent pan-Indian thrillers.
As of the release date, box office metrics remain initial, with advance bookings indicating a modest start of approximately ₹0.06 crore gross in India, concentrated in Karnataka. Theatre occupancy data from available sources suggest rates around 7-8% for early shows in urban areas, pointing to curiosity but limited immediate draw. Considering the film’s ₹4 crore budget and targeted genre appeal, forecasts anticipate a steady performance if positive endorsements proliferate, potentially yielding ₹6-10 crore net domestically over its duration.
Relative to recent Kannada thrillers that surpass ₹20 crore through broader promotion, February 30 positions itself as a feasible mid-level project, prioritizing atmospheric storytelling over commercial spectacle. Future prospects hinge on weekend increments and subsequent digital agreements, with streaming platforms expected to broaden accessibility following the theatrical phase. In totality, it represents a commendable endeavor that favors thematic exploration over extravagance, suitable for audiences seeking intellectually engaging horror experiences.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of February 30?
February 30 is directed by M L Prashanth.
What is the story of February 30 based on?
The film follows five friends who unleash a mythical demon from an ancient chest in an abandoned house, leading to supernatural chaos.
When will February 30 release on OTT?
The OTT release date is yet to be announced.
Who plays the lead roles in February 30?
Abhishek Shrikanth and Manoja play the main leads.
What genre is February 30?
It is a horror thriller.
When is February 30 releasing?
The film released in theatres on 20 February 2026.
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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