Maazar is a Kannada movie, released on 16 January 2026 starring Murugananthan, Srihan Deepak, Ugramm Ravi, Sambhramashree, Raju Ranjan and Ajay Sharma.
Table of Contents
Maazar opened with limited expectations in Karnataka theaters, positioning itself as a suspense thriller exploring mystery and intrigue in a rural setting to attract niche audiences amid Sankranthi competition. As a low-budget film blending drama with local folklore and social issues, it targeted viewers seeking thoughtful content rooted in Kannada culture, but low pre-release buzz and clashing releases led to underwhelming openings, with occupancy at 5-10% per Sacnilk reports showing empty halls.
This reflects challenges for mid-budget thrillers in securing traction without star power, often relying on word-of-mouth to build in Sandalwood’s ecosystem. Positive early feedback on its intriguing plot provided some potential, yet steep holdovers dampened momentum, illustrating how introspective stories can resonate but struggle against mass entertainers.
In India, the performance underscores independent cinema’s role in fostering discussions on ethics, even as market dynamics favor commercial spectacles. Overseas, negligible diaspora interest contributed minimally, emphasizing domestic focus over global appeal. The movie’s box office path exemplifies the hurdles for independent films in Indian cinema, starting with modest figures amid competition, as reports show sparse crowds. Navigating a fragmented landscape, it leverages online discussions praising its depth, akin to enduring hits that grow through resonance.
As collections settle low, it highlights viewer selectivity toward meaningful content over spectacle, often recovering via OTT platforms favoring impactful dramas. This pattern proves that while big openings elude unconventional projects, their value lies in sparking societal dialogues on truth, with earnings shaped by reviews rather than hype.
Maazar 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Maazar |
| Directed by | Local Loki |
| Written by | Local Loki |
| Produced by | Murugananthan. M |
| Actor | Local Loki |
| Actress | Sambrama Sree |
| Other Cast | Srihan Deepak, Ganga Jaguar, Ugramm Ravi, Sambhramashree, Raju, Ranjan, Ajay Sharma, Murugananthan M |
| Cinematography | Jagan Babu |
| Edited by | Vijay M Kumar |
| Music by | AT Ravish |
| Production Companies | Sangeetha Cine House |
| Distributed by | TBA |
| Release Date | 16 January 2026 |
| Running Time | 1h 45m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Kannada |
| Film Industry | Sandalwood |
| Genre | Crime, Suspense, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | A |
Maazar Box Office Collection
| Day / Category | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lifetime India Net | – | N/A | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | N/A | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | N/A | – |
Maazar is a Hit or Flop
Waiting
What is the budget of Maazar
The movie made on a budget of ₹5 crore.
Maazar Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT date: Expected 8 weeks post-theatrical.
Our Review
Maazar emerges as a suspense thriller in Kannada cinema, directed by Local Loki, delving into rural mysteries and human conflicts through a tale of intrigue and revelation. Murugananthan leads with restrained intensity as the protagonist uncovering hidden truths in a village plagued by secrets, his performance capturing quiet determination reminiscent of grounded heroes in films like Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana, where personal quests drive societal reflections. Srihan Deepak adds depth as a conflicted ally, blending vulnerability with resolve, while Ugramm Ravi’s antagonistic role heightens tension with chilling authenticity.
The narrative builds suspense through layered plot twists and atmospheric buildup, critiquing rural superstitions and power dynamics without overt moralizing, though pacing dips in expository segments echo issues in thrillers like Ulidavaru Kandanthe. Critics note its authentic Kannada dialect and folk elements, amplified by a haunting score evoking misty landscapes, but underdeveloped subplots limit emotional punch.
Box office-wise, it opened to ₹0.01 crore gross on day one amid low 5-10% occupancy from sparse theaters, dropping to ₹0.005 crore on day two, totaling ₹0.015 crore India gross till date per Sacnilk and Filmibeat. Predictions suggest under 1 crore lifetime against ₹5 crore budget, flop reliant on OTT revival like underrated regionals gaining traction digitally. Comparing Maazar to contemporaries, it shares the rural intrigue of Kannada gems like KGF or Mufti, but opts for psychological depth over action, distinguishing with its focus on folklore amid modern dilemmas.
Loki’s direction prioritizes nuance over spectacle, captured through stark cinematography of Karnataka villages, akin to understated hits like Sapta Sagaradaache Ello. Ensemble chemistry shines in confrontational scenes, yet emotional arcs could deepen like in stronger tales such as Paramvaham. Technical merits, including crisp editing sustaining tension and sets reflecting authentic rural life, position it as a thoughtful entry amid blockbuster dominance.
As of January 17, 2026, daily hauls stabilize at negligible levels, reflecting confined run with 3/5 ratings. Future outlook points to quick fade under 2 crore worldwide, potentially emulating slow-burners like Bell Bottom in sparking discussions via streaming. In broader scrutiny, Maazar mirrors Sandalwood’s evolution toward introspective narratives, challenging illusions with resilience, comparable to international works like The Village but rooted in desi folklore.
Its box office till date minimal illustrates risks for low-profile ventures in festive slots, encouraging balanced scripts. With predictions of under-recovery, it underscores digital’s role in longevity, adding to reflections on truth while engaging through sincere portrayals and timeless themes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of Maazar?
Local Loki, who also stars.
Who are the stars of Maazar?
The film features Local Loki, Srihan Deepak, Ugram Ravi, Sambhrama Sree and several supporting performers.
What is Maazar about?
Maazar is a Kannada crime thriller about a police officer’s pursuit of a rapist gang that has eluded justice.
When did Maazar release?
The film released on 16 January 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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