Ugly Story is a Telugu movie, released on 22 May 2026 starring Shree Nandu, Avika Gor and other main cast including Ravi Teja Mahadasyam and Sivaji Raja. The film has created genuine excitement among Telugu audiences even before hitting the theatres.
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With its fresh and bold story of a man who becomes obsessively attached to a girl already in love with someone else, leading to dangerous consequences and a dark psychological spiral, Ugly Story stands out as a clean yet intense romantic thriller in an industry that often leans towards mass action or feel-good romances.
The trailer has already won praise for its gripping tension, strong performances and the way it shows the raw and rarely explored side of love and rejection, suggesting it could connect strongly with youngsters, mature audiences and anyone who enjoys stories with emotional depth and unexpected twists.
The pre-release buzz for Ugly Story points to a solid opening, especially in Telugu states where bold psychological thrillers with relatable yet disturbing themes have always found loyal viewers. Advance bookings indicate healthy interest in single-screen theatres and multiplexes, where audiences prefer stories that mix romance with suspense.
Industry observers note that the film’s timing on a Friday release, combined with the summer holiday season, gives it an edge. While big-hero star vehicles often dominate opening day figures, Ugly Story is expected to build steadily through word-of-mouth rather than rely on massive star power alone.
Early trends show decent footfalls in urban and semi-urban centres, where the story of obsession, rejection and its dark consequences resonates deeply. This approach makes the film’s box office journey unique — not a blockbuster blast on day one, but a steady performer that could stay in theatres for weeks if audiences keep discussing its bold take.
Worldwide, Telugu audiences in the US, Canada, Europe and the Gulf are also showing interest, promising respectable overseas collections for this intense psychological romantic thriller.
Ugly Story 2026 Overview

| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Title | Ugly Story |
| Directed by | Pranava Swaroop |
| Written by | Pranava Swaroop |
| Produced by | J.S. Subhashini, Konda Lakshman |
| Actor | Shree Nandu |
| Actress | Avika Gor |
| Other Cast | Ravi Teja Mahadasyam, Sivaji Raja and more |
| Cinematography | Shrie Sai Kumaar Daara |
| Edited by | Mithun Soma, Srikanth Patnaik R |
| Music by | Shravan Bharadwaj |
| Production Companies | To be updated |
| Distributed by | To be updated |
| Release Date | 22 May 2026 |
| Running Time | 2h 3m |
| Country | India |
| Language | Telugu |
| Film Industry | Tollywood |
| Genre | Drama, Romance, Thriller |
| Censor Rating | A |
Ugly Story Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation (%+/-) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Friday, 22 May 2026 | Opening Day | – |
| Day 2 | Saturday, 23 May 2026 | To be updated | % |
| Day 3 | Sunday, 24 May 2026 | To be updated | % |
| Total India Net | – | To be updated crore | – |
| Total India Gross | – | To be updated crore | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | To be updated crore | – |
Box office data published on this website is compiled through independent research and publicly available sources for informational purposes only. Figures are approximate and may differ significantly from official producer, distributor, or studio records. Data is subject to change and may be updated, revised, or corrected at any time without prior notice as more accurate information becomes available. Tenvow makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any data presented at any given point in time. This data should not be used for commercial, financial, or legal decision-making. Tenvow is not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this information.
Ugly Story is a Hit or Flop
To be updated
What is the budget of Ugly Story
The estimated budget of around ₹6–8 crore.
Our Review
Ugly Story brings a refreshing change to Telugu cinema with its bold and honest story of love, obsession and its dangerous side. Directed by Pranava Swaroop, the film follows a man who becomes obsessively attached to a girl already in love with someone else, slowly descending into a dark psychological state as he struggles with rejection.
Shree Nandu and Avika Gor deliver powerful and believable performances that make the characters feel real and disturbing at the same time. The supporting cast adds depth to the story without taking away focus. The film’s biggest strength is its simple yet hard-hitting message about the thin line between love and obsession — something every young viewer can relate to and think about.
From the technical side, the music builds the right amount of tension and emotion perfectly, with tracks that stay with you long after the movie ends. The cinematography captures both the everyday moments and the intense psychological scenes in a gripping and realistic way. Editing keeps the pace tight, ensuring the two-hour-three-minute runtime feels complete and never slow.
Compared to recent Telugu thrillers that sometimes depend only on big stars or heavy action, Ugly Story reminds us why smart, character-driven stories still work best. It has the raw intensity of classic psychological dramas but adds a fresh and relevant angle that feels very current. This makes it stand out as an original entertainer rather than just another formula film.
As of the release weekend, early audience feedback from preview shows has been overwhelmingly positive, with viewers praising the clean presentation, strong performances and the way it handles a sensitive subject with care and intensity. Looking ahead, Ugly Story has good potential to become a steady performer at the box office.
If the weekend collections hold well, the film could cross respectable figures through sustained young and mature viewership over the coming weeks. In a year where big-budget releases have set high benchmarks, this well-made psychological romantic thriller proves that bold ideas and solid performances can still pull crowds. It is the kind of film that friends and youngsters will happily discuss and watch multiple times.
For Shree Nandu, Avika Gor and the team, it marks a promising step in delivering meaningful content. Overall, Ugly Story is a welcome addition to Telugu cinema — intense, emotional and perfect for a theatre outing. It is sure to leave audiences thinking about love, rejection and the darker sides of human emotions long after the movie ends.
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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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