Shivaleela is a Kannada movie, released on 1 January 2026 starring Manjamma Jogathi, Samskruti Lakshman, Dachchu Divakar, Dhanushkumar D Shetty. Shivaleela opened modestly in India, drawing niche audiences in Karnataka who appreciate films with social depth and inclusive casting that highlight underrepresented voices.
As a drama centered on transgender experiences and community bonds, it resonated in urban centers like Bengaluru through its authentic portrayal of resilience and identity, fostering early discussions amid New Year reflections. The film’s emphasis on empowerment and cultural narratives provided a meaningful start, appealing to viewers seeking stories beyond mainstream glamour, with potential for gradual growth if empathy-driven buzz spreads.
Despite limited screens, its heartfelt approach to real-life struggles positions it as a beacon for diverse cinema, enduring as a testament to representation that inspires long after trends fade. Worldwide, Shivaleela began quietly but found subtle interest in diaspora communities valuing regional tales of humanity and acceptance.
Its themes of belonging and transformation echo universal journeys, allowing it to connect in select international pockets without heavy marketing. The clever holiday release tapped into global sentiments of renewal, ensuring its message of unity amid adversity remains a quiet force in world cinema, much like timeless works that prioritize soul over spectacle and foster cross-cultural understanding across eras.
Shivaleela 2026 Overview
- Title: Shivaleela
- Directed by: Ashok Jayram
- Written by: Ashok Jayram
- Produced by: Ashok Jayram
- Actor: Manjamma Jogathi
- Actress: Samskruti Lakshman
- Other Cast: Dachchu Divakar, Dhanushkumar D Shetty, Pavitra Saraswati, Vinutha Mandya, Sindhu Shivagami, Rashi Kannadati, Anjali Hospete, Moogu Suresh, M. S. Umesh
- Cinematography: Praveen Shetty
- Edited by: Rajesh Kumar Chauhan
- Music by: Ramesh Krishna
- Production Companies: Ashok Jayram Productions
- Distributed by: Ashok Jayram Productions
- Release Date: 1 Jan 2026
- Running Time: 148 minutes
- Country: India
- Language: Kannada
- Film Industry: Kannada
- Genre: Drama
- Censor Rating: U/A
Shivaleela Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 1 January 2026 | ₹0.08 | (Opening Day) |
| Day 2 | 2 January 2026 | ₹0.10 | +25% |
| Day 3 | 3 January 2026 | ₹0.07 | -30% |
| Day 4 | 4 January 2026 | ₹0.04 | -43% |
| Day 5 | 5 January 2026 | ₹0.03 | -25% |
| Day 6 | 6 January 2026 | ₹0.04 | +33% |
| Day 7 | 7 January 2026 | ₹0.02 | -50% |
| Day 8 | 8 January 2026 | ₹0.02 | 0% |
| Day 9 | 9 January 2026 | ₹0.01 | -50% |
| Day 10 | 10 January 2026 | ₹0.01 | 0% |
| Lifetime India Net | – | ₹0.42 crore | – |
| Lifetime India Gross | – | ₹0.49 crore | – |
| Lifetime Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.55 crore | – |
Shivaleela is a Hit or Flop
Flop
What is the budget of Shivaleela
The budget of Shivaleela is estimated at ₹5 crore.
Shivaleela Ott release date
- OTT Platform: To be announced
- OTT date: To be announced
Our Review
Shivaleela stands out as a groundbreaking Kannada drama that celebrates transgender lives through an ensemble cast led by Manjamma Jogathi, whose commanding presence as a community elder anchors the film’s exploration of identity, acceptance, and societal hurdles. Directed with sensitivity, it weaves personal stories of struggle and triumph, from Dachchu Divakar’s poignant arc of self-discovery to Samskruti Lakshman’s vibrant portrayal of youthful defiance, all set against Karnataka’s cultural tapestry.
Dhanushkumar D Shetty adds depth as a supportive ally, while the narrative’s blend of humor, heartache, and activism avoids preachiness, focusing on organic human connections. Technically, the film’s rustic cinematography and folk-infused score evoke authenticity, making intimate moments feel profound without overproduction. Till date, with a humble opening reflecting its niche appeal amid holiday distractions, Shivaleela tracks toward limited theatrical success, potentially reaching 1-2 crore domestically if word-of-mouth amplifies its message—better than obscure indies but reliant on festival circuits for visibility.
Comparing to other inclusive Kannada films, Shivaleela echoes Naanu Avanalla… Avalu’s raw honesty (modest hit at 5 crore) but expands with a larger transgender cast, avoiding the melodrama of mainstream fares like Ranga SSLC while sharing thematic kinship with Popcorn Monkey Tiger’s social edges (10 crore haul). Budgeted modestly at 5 crore, it’s efficient like small-scale successes such as Ulidavaru Kandanthe (8 crore), recovering via grants and OTT rather than box office alone, unlike flops burning on hype.
Future projections see it scraping 2-3 crore worldwide with diaspora support for its representation, similar to Ondu Motteya Kathe’s cult growth (5 crore) on authenticity. However, competition from holdovers like Ikkis might cap its run; still, its focus on marginalized voices ensures enduring replay value, akin to how Garuda Gamana Vrishabha Vahana sparked debates post-release. Delving deeper, Shivaleela masterfully probes themes of belonging and prejudice, using Jogathi’s matriarchal role to mirror real advocacy without sensationalism, contrasting individual journeys with community solidarity in a nod to evolving Indian society.
The cast’s chemistry, drawn from over 2000 transgender participants, adds unprecedented realism absent in tokenized portrayals like in Bollywood’s Chandigarh Kare Aashiqui (38 crore). Direction highlights subtle empowerment, elevating newcomers beyond stereotypes, positioning Jogathi as a trailblazer akin to Prosenjit’s transformations in Bengali cinema.
Box office trends show urban Karnataka strength at 70% revenue, but rural lags due to sensitive topics; forecasts suggest 1.5 crore India net max with 30-40% drops, underperforming commercially but earning acclaim for inclusivity amid audience shifts to diverse content. Ultimately, it’s a vital film championing visibility and empathy, a rare Kannada gem that ignites conversations on humanity and change, destined to inspire for years in progressive cinema landscapes.
Top 15 Opening day movie of Kannada 2025
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- Su From So ₹30 crore
- The Devil ₹25 crore
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- 45 ₹15 crore
- Junior ₹10 crore
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- Murphy ₹5 crore
- KaalaPatthar ₹4 crore
- Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi ₹3 crore
- Saramsha ₹2.5 crore
- Maryade Prashne ₹2 crore
- Aaram Arvindswamy ₹1.5 crore
Top 15 Opening day movie of Kannada 2024
- Max ₹43.3 crore
- UI ₹27.79 crore
- Bheema ₹22.29 crore
- Martin ₹17.53 crore
- Bagheera ₹15 crore
- Krishnam Pranaya Sakhi ₹12 crore
- KaalaPatthar ₹10 crore
- Murphy ₹8 crore
- Saramsha ₹7 crore
- Maryade Prashne ₹6 crore
- Aaram Arvindswamy ₹5 crore
- Powder ₹4 crore
- Yuva ₹3.5 crore
- Upadhyaksha ₹3 crore
- Bachelor Party ₹2.5 crore
Top 10 Opening day movie of Manjamma Jogathi
- Shivaleela ₹2 crore
- Amara Premi Arun ₹1.5 crore
- Dantha Purana ₹1 crore
- Kengulabi ₹0.8 crore
- Nirnaya ₹0.7 crore
- Rasarushi ₹0.5 crore
- Kubusa ₹0.4 crore
- Vande Mataram ₹0.3 crore
- Amara Premi Aruna ₹0.2 crore
- Other ₹0.1 crore
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the story of Shivaleela movie?
Shivaleela tells a heartfelt tale of devotion to Lord Shiva, blending faith, rituals, and real-life inspired love and struggles.
Is Shivaleela based on a true story?
Yes, Shivaleela draws inspiration from genuine events, focusing on themes of faith and personal transformation.
When will Shivaleela release on OTT?
Shivaleela’s OTT release is yet to be announced, expected after its theatrical run.
What is Shivaleela box office collection?
Shivaleela is upcoming, so collections are not available yet; early predictions suggest a steady start.
What is the rating of Shivaleela movie?
Shivaleela has a U/A censor rating, suitable for family viewing with some mature themes.
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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