Ugly Story is a Telugu movie, released on 22 May 2026, starring Nandu Vijay Krishna, Avika Gor, Ravi Teja Mahadasyam, Shivaji Raja and other main cast. Ugly Story has registered a modest opening at the Indian box office, reflecting the challenges faced by mid-tier psychological thrillers in a competitive release window.
Index
Directed by Pranava Swaroop, the film explores the dark complexities of toxic relationships and emotional manipulation through an intense narrative that prioritises raw performances and psychological depth over mainstream commercial elements. Supported by targeted promotions and interest from audiences drawn to bold, unconventional storytelling, it achieved a low but steady debut that aligns with the expectations for content-focused regional dramas seeking niche appeal in Telugu cinema.
This initial response underscores the selective but dedicated viewership for films that confront uncomfortable truths about human connections without relying on star power or high-octane action. On its second day, Ugly Story maintained a limited presence with minimal growth, demonstrating the film’s appeal primarily to urban and youth audiences interested in character-driven thrillers rather than broad family entertainment.
The performance highlights the importance of strong word-of-mouth in sustaining smaller releases, as early reactions praised the lead actors’ commitment to portraying nuanced emotional turmoil. As a psychological romantic drama that delves into obsession and its consequences, it offers a refreshing contrast to formulaic genre entries, positioning itself as a thoughtful addition to Telugu cinema’s growing catalogue of realistic relationship stories. Early indicators suggest the film may find its audience through digital platforms and sustained theatrical runs in select centres where thematic relevance drives repeat viewings.
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 Total Box Office Collection
| Schedule | Amount |
|---|---|
| Opening Day | ₹0.15 Crore |
| First Week | ₹0.55 Crore |
| India Net | ₹0.78 Crore |
| India Gross | ₹0.87 Crore |
| Overseas | Negligible |
| Lifetime WW Collection | ₹0.90 Crore |
Ugly Story Day Wise Box Office Collection
| Day | Date | India Gross (crore) | Fluctuation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 22 May 2026 | ₹0.15 | Opening Day |
| Day 2 | 23 May 2026 | ₹0.12 | -20% |
| Day 3–7 | 24 – 28 May 2026 | ₹0.30 (approx) | Sharp drop |
| Day 8–16 | 29 May – 7 June 2026 | ₹0.30 (approx) | Very low |
| Total India Net | – | ₹0.78 crore | – |
| Total India Gross | – | ₹0.87 crore | – |
| Total Worldwide Gross | – | ₹0.90 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
Flop
What is the budget of Ugly Story
The estimated budget of around ₹6–8 crore.
Our Review
Ugly Story attempts a bold and unflinching portrayal of the darker facets of love and obsession, moving away from conventional romantic narratives. Director Pranava Swaroop crafts a psychological drama that deliberately unsettles the viewer, exploring how rejection can spiral into dangerous emotional territory.
Shree Nandu delivers a committed performance as the obsessive protagonist, while Avika Gor brings nuance to her role as the object of fixation. The film’s strength lies in its willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about toxic relationships and mental fragility. However, its heavy tone and intense subject matter may polarise audiences, making it more suited for viewers who appreciate intense, content-driven thrillers over escapist entertainment.
In terms of box office performance on Day 1 (22 May 2026), Ugly Story has recorded an estimated India gross of ₹2.40 crore. This represents a modest opening for a Telugu film with an unconventional narrative. While the numbers are not spectacular, they reflect a niche appeal that could grow through positive word-of-mouth among audiences seeking serious, psychological content.
Looking ahead, Ugly Story is likely to have a limited but steady theatrical run, primarily in Telugu-speaking states, depending on audience reception to its bold theme. Its unsettling premise and strong performances position it well for a longer shelf life on OTT platforms, where psychological thrillers often find a dedicated viewership.
Overall, the film contributes to the growing space for darker, more introspective storytelling in Telugu cinema, offering a stark reminder that love, when twisted by obsession, can take deeply disturbing forms.
Top 15 Opening Day Movies of Tollywood 2025
- 1 They Call Him OG – ₹68 crore
- Game Changer – ₹52 crore
- Hari Hara Veera Mallu – ₹43 crore
- Akhanda 2 – ₹39 crore
- Sankranthiki Vasthunam – ₹27 crore
- Daaku Maharaaj – ₹25 crore
- Mirai – ₹18 crore
- HIT: The Third Case – ₹16 crore
- The Girlfriend – ₹8 crore
- Mahavatar Narsimha – ₹4.20 crore
- Shashtipoorthi – ₹2.60 crore*
- Sarangapani Jathakam – ₹2.30 crore*
- 23 – ₹1.85 crore*
- Blind Spot – ₹1.20 crore*
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).
Reference:
Also See:
- Dooradarshini movie collection & budget
- Arey Apandra movie collection & budget
- Harudu movie collection & budget
- Shivam Shaivam movie collection & budget
- Mr. Work From Home movie collection & budget
- Razor movie collection & budget
- M4M movie collection & budget
- Sathi Leelavathi movie collection & budget
- A Film by Giri movie collection & budget
- Godari Gattupaina movie budget & collection
- Jetlee movie collection & budget
- GaayaPadda Simham collection & budget
- Apsara movie budget collection
- Paramapadha Sopanam movie collection & budget
- Gedelaraju Kakinada Taluka collection & budget
- Telugu box office collection
- Razor Movie Review
- Kattalan Movie Box Office Collection
- Karakkam Box Office Collection
- Blast Tamil Movie Box Office Collection
- Lakshmikanthan Kolai Vazhakku Movie Box Office Collection
