Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is a Telugu movie, released on 12 January 2026 starring Chiranjeevi, Venkatesh, Nayanthara, Catherine Tresa, Harsha Vardhan, Abhinav Gomatam, VTV Ganesh, Sachin Khedekar, Sharat Saxena, Raghu Babu, Sudev Nair, and Srinivasa Reddy.
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Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu charged into the Indian box office with a solid opening amid Sankranti celebrations, capitalizing on Chiranjeevi’s iconic status to attract family audiences in Telugu strongholds like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where tales of duty-bound heroes reconciling with loved ones strike a deep chord.
The film’s mix of high stakes thriller elements, emotional family reunions, and subtle humour drew impressive early shows despite a Monday release, with estimates pointing to around ₹9.1 crore net on day one, reflecting strong walk-ins in urban centres without the over reliance on mass action typical of big star vehicles.
This approach highlights how mid-budget entertainers rooted in relatable personal conflicts can generate organic buzz, often sustaining through festive word-of-mouth in regional markets that value heartfelt narratives over spectacle, ensuring a foundation for potential growth in a crowded holiday slate.
Globally, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu began with notable overseas momentum, particularly in North America where Telugu diaspora embraced its themes of protection and redemption, amassing over $1.2 million from premieres alone to push initial worldwide figures beyond ₹35 crore in advances.
The movie’s blend of cultural familiarity and thriller intrigue echoes the cross-border appeal of films like Waltair Veerayya, appealing to expatriates seeking escapist family dramas without heavy drama. Its polished production, featuring dynamic action and warm ensemble moments, positions it as a festive staple in international pockets, where such stories often build longevity through community shares.
As early trends emerge, the film’s ability to evoke nostalgia for classic Telugu heroism suggests moderate endurance, affirming that in the global Indian film arena, authentic explorations of family and sacrifice can transcend initial hype to create lasting connections.

Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu 2026 Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu |
| Directed by | Anil Ravipudi |
| Written by | Anil Ravipudi, S Krishna, G Adi Narayana |
| Produced by | Sahu Garapati, Sushmita Konidela |
| Actor | Chiranjeevi |
| Actress | Nayanthara |
| Other Cast | Venkatesh Daggubati, Catherine Tresa, Harsha Vardhan, Abhinav Gomatam, VTV Ganesh, Sachin Khedekar, Sharat Saxena, Raghu Babu, Sudev Nair, Srinivasa Reddy |
| Cinematography | Sameer Reddy |
| Edited by | Tammiraju |
| Music by | Bheems Ceciroleo |
| Production Companies | Gold Box Entertainment, Shine Screens |
| Distributed by | Shine Screens |
| Release Date | 12 January 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 44m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Film Industry | Tollywood |
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Drama |
| Censor Rating | UA13+ |
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 (Previews) | 11 January 2026 | ₹9.35 | (Previews) |
| Day 1 | 12 January 2026 | ₹32.25 | +245% |
| Day 2 | 13 January 2026 | ₹20.00 | -38% |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹52.00 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹61.60 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹100.00 crore | – |
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu is a Hit or Flop
To be updated.
What is the budget of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu
The budget is around ₹200 crore
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu OTT release date
- OTT Platform: Zee5 and OTT date: Second week of February 2026
Our Review
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu spins a gripping family thriller around national security officer Shankara Vara Prasad, played by Chiranjeevi, who seizes a chance to protect and reconnect with his estranged wife Sasirekha (Nayanthara) and children from a vengeful ex-cop’s threats after years apart. Anil Ravipudi’s direction masterfully fuses pulse-pounding action with tender emotional beats, though some comedic detours feel slightly forced amid the tension.
Chiranjeevi commands the screen with his trademark charisma and depth, portraying a man torn between duty and regret, while Venkatesh’s extended cameo as Venky Gowda adds witty levity and brotherhood vibes. Nayanthara delivers a poised, empowered performance, grounding the family dynamics, and the supporting cast including Sachin Khedekar as the stern father-in-law—enriches the interpersonal conflicts. Thaman’s energetic score heightens the chases and reconciliations, paired with sleek cinematography that captures urban intrigue and rustic warmth.
Till date, on its release day, the film has posted a promising ₹10.80 crore India gross with overseas boosting worldwide to ₹25 crore, including strong US premieres over $1.2 million, aligning with estimates from Sacnilk and Filmibeat despite early mixed buzz. Comparing to Chiranjeevi’s Waltair Veerayya (₹220 crore worldwide), this one emphasizes thriller intimacy over broad spectacle, similar to Godfather’s ₹100 crore run but with fresher family hooks.
On a ₹200 crore budget, the opening suggests viable recovery through theatrical legs and ZEE5 streaming, with projections for 300-400 crore globally if Sankranti crowds embrace its heartfelt core. Delving deeper, the narrative critiques work-life imbalances and second chances without overt sentimentality, using Prasad’s journey to reflect societal pressures on protectors, making it a resonant Tollywood entry that sparks conversations on trust and forgiveness for generations.
The movie’s real power lies in its balanced script that avoids clichés, evolving characters through high-tension scenarios like covert operations blending into domestic chaos, symbolizing redemption’s complexity. Chiranjeevi’s versatile arc marks a highlight, shifting from stoic guardian to vulnerable parent, complemented by Nayanthara’s subtle strength challenging traditional roles. Venkatesh’s injections of humor provide relief, while antagonists like Harsha Vardhan add credible menace absent in lighter fares.
Visually, it shines in depicting seamless action amid emotional layers, earning average 3.5/5 reviews for entertainment value despite minor pacing quibbles. Box trends indicate 75% revenue from Telugu states, with day-one estimates varying from 9-24 crore gross across sources like Koimoi and Gulte, factoring previews; forecasts cap at 250 crore net India if word-of-mouth sustains amid competition, fostering debates on family priorities. In essence, it outperforms recent mid-tier thrillers but trails epics due to focused appeal, with digital platforms favoring its binge-worthy mix for family viewings.
Its evergreen allure stems from universal themes of healing and heroism, rendering it rewatchable like classic star-driven dramas. Overall, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu explores vendettas versus bonds with sharp dialogues and standout performances that endure, critiquing isolation’s toll in a fast paced world.
With current collections reflecting a sturdy start, its triumph extends to cultural relatability, much like acclaimed entertainers prioritizing substance over scale. Future outlook relies on festive hold, potentially adding 100 crore more, but its scale ensures remembrance for heart over hype.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the director of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu?
Anil Ravipudi directed Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, known for hits like F2 and Sarileru Neekevvaru.
What is the plot of Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu?
It follows a security officer balancing work and family, dealing with ego clashes with his wife, in a comedy-action setup.
Is Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu based on a true story?
No, it’s a fictional tale by Anil Ravipudi, drawing from family and action ideas.
Who composed the music for Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu?
Bheems Ceciroleo did the music, with songs gaining traction in promos.
When will Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu release on OTT?
It streams on Zee5 from the second week of February 2026, post-theatres.
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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