Operation Padma is a Telugu movie, released on February 6, 2026, starring Naresh Medi, Kannayagari Rajitha Sandy, Ranadheer Beesu, Raghupathi Reddy, Raag, and Peddi Raju. Directed by Karthikeya V, who also handled the screenplay and dialogues, this action thriller follows Intelligence Officer Veda, who uncovers a deadly plot to assassinate former Home Minister Nandi Kishore. The mastermind hires Kuldeep, a ruthless assassin with an impeccable track record, prompting Veda to form a special covert unit called Operation Padma, comprising strategist Madhura and agents Vasu, Ramana, Padma, Rupa, and Avantika.
Index
The story unfolds as a high-stakes cat-and-mouse game filled with undercover missions, psychological warfare, and intense confrontations, emphasizing themes of loyalty, deception, and national security. Produced by Mandalapu Raghavayya and Mandalapu Rambabu under their banner, the film features music by Subhash Anad, stunts by Akhil Nakirekanti, and editing by JK. At the Indian box office, Operation Padma has accumulated a cumulative India gross of ₹0.08 crore up to February 8, 2026 (Day 3), as verified through Sacnilk data, which reports Day 1 at ₹0.02 crore with subsequent days showing modest fluctuations due to its niche regional appeal.
The film opened with ₹0.02 crore on Day 1, saw a 50% increase to ₹0.03 crore on Day 2, and rose to ₹0.03 crore on Day 3, potentially attributable to nascent affirmative critiques. Worldwide collections parallel the domestic outcomes at ₹0.08 crore, with marginal additions from overseas territories. Theatre occupancy on Day 1 averaged 8-10%, improving to 10-12% on Day 2 and 12-15% on Day 3 in principal venues such as Hyderabad.
In juxtaposition to recent Telugu action thrillers that have surpassed ₹5 crore, Operation Padma’s figures suggest a tempered progression unless patterns exhibit amelioration. The film’s commercial evolution will be predicated upon enduring screen allocation and prospective digital dissemination to augment its audience spectrum.
Operation Padma 2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Operation Padma |
| Directed by | Karthikeya V |
| Written by | Karthikeya V |
| Produced by | Mandalapu Raghavayya, Mandalapu Rambabu |
| Actor | Naresh Medi |
| Actress | Kannayagari Rajitha Sandy |
| Other Cast | Ranadheer Beesu, Raghupathi Reddy Gunda, Mandalapu Raghavayya |
| Cinematography | Varikoppula Manikanta Pavanmani |
| Edited by | Jagadeesh KK |
| Music by | Subhash Anand |
| Production Companies | Not Specified (Independent Production) |
| Distributed by | Not Specified |
| Release Date | 6 February 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 28m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Film Industry | Tollywood |
| Genre | Action, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | UA16+ |
Operation Padma Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | February 6, 2026 | ₹0.02 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | February 7, 2026 | ₹0.03 | +50% |
| Day 3 | February 8, 2026 | ₹0.03 | 0% |
| Day 4 | February 9, 2026 | ₹0.01 | -67% |
| Day 5 | February 10, 2026 | ₹0.01 | 0% |
| Day 6 | February 11, 2026 | ₹0.005 | -50% |
| Day 7 | February 12, 2026 | ₹0.005 | 0% |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.035 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.04 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.04 crore | – |
Operation Padma is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of Operation Padma
The budget is around ₹8 crore.
Operation Padma Ott release date
- OTT Platform: TBA
- OTT Date: Expected in March 2026 or later
Our Review
Operation Padma, directed by Karthikeya V, delivers a taut action thriller that immerses viewers in the high-pressure world of intelligence operations and assassination plots. The narrative centers on Veda, portrayed with commanding presence by Kannayagari Rajitha Sandy, a dedicated officer racing against time to thwart a conspiracy targeting a prominent politician. Naresh Medi as Ramana and Ranadheer Beesu as part of the elite team bring grit and camaraderie to their roles, enhancing the film’s ensemble dynamic.
Karthikeya’s screenplay builds suspense through strategic twists and intense action sequences, complemented by Subhash Anad’s pulsating score that amplifies the tension. While the cinematography captures the urgency of covert missions effectively, some supporting characters, like the antagonist Kuldeep, could benefit from deeper backstory to elevate the conflict beyond standard thriller tropes.
Compared to earlier Telugu action films like Dhruva, Operation Padma refines its approach by focusing on team-based espionage rather than solo heroics, drawing parallels to international thrillers such as the Bourne series in its emphasis on tactical intelligence. In box office terms, Operation Padma’s cumulative India gross of ₹0.08 crore up to February 8, 2026, as verified through Sacnilk, reflects the hurdles for niche Telugu releases in a crowded market.
Day 1 at ₹0.02 crore, Day 2 at ₹0.03 crore (+50%), and Day 3 at ₹0.03 crore (0%) indicate a challenging start, typical for films without A-list backing. This figure contrasts sharply with pan-Indian action openers exceeding ₹5 crore, underscoring the economic challenges for films without A-list backing. Worldwide, collections remain minimal at ₹0.08 crore, with negligible overseas input emphasizing its regional orientation.
With occupancy at 8-15%, lifetime projections are conservative, estimating ₹1-2 crore in India if reviews drive further attendance. However, the film’s thematic intensity and ₹8 crore budget position it for potential recovery through post-theatrical streams. Looking ahead, Operation Padma’s run appears reliant on urban Telugu audiences, where security-themed narratives have found footing. Positive social buzz could mirror the modest success of similar thrillers, potentially nearing ₹3 crore.
Alternatively, a quick decline might relegate it to cult status on OTT. Karthikeya’s direction invites comparisons to contemporaries like Krishna Chaitanya, yet Operation Padma distinguishes itself by integrating female-led strategy in a male-dominated genre. Ultimately, the film’s value extends beyond metrics, contributing to Tollywood’s thriller evolution by addressing real-world threats with cinematic flair, and it may inspire more nuanced espionage stories in the future.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plot of Operation Padma?
The film depicts an intelligence officer forming a covert team to prevent an assassination plot against a former Home Minister, involving surveillance and high-risk missions.
Who directed Operation Padma?
Karthikeya V directs this action thriller, also serving as the screenplay and dialogue writer.
Is Operation Padma based on real events?
The story is fictional, inspired by espionage themes, but not directly based on specific real incidents.
When will Operation Padma be available on OTT platforms?
It is expected to stream on a major platform after its theatrical run, likely around March 2026.
What genres does Operation Padma belong to?
It falls under action and thriller genres, featuring elements of suspense and strategic operations.
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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