Telugu film Anaganaga Oka Raju, starring Naveen Polishetty, has stormed the box office, collecting ₹82 crores worldwide gross in its first four days. Released on January 14 amid the Sankranti festival, the comedy-drama is on track to enter the ₹100 crore club by tomorrow, marking Polishetty’s maiden entry into this elite milestone. Directed by Maari and produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, the movie blends humor, romance, and light-hearted drama to resonate with family audiences.
The story revolves around Raju, a clever, street-smart young man from a small village who relies on wit and shortcuts to navigate life’s challenges. His journey takes a romantic turn when he encounters a strong-willed woman, leading to a series of comedic escapades and heartfelt moments. Polishetty plays the lead with his signature comic timing, drawing from his previous successes like Jathi Ratnalu and Agent Sai Srinivasa Athreya. Meenakshi Chaudhary stars as the female lead, bringing charm and depth to her role. Supporting cast includes Rao Ramesh, Tarak Ponnappa, Goparaju Ramana, Revanth, Chammak Chandra, and Bhadram, adding layers to the ensemble narrative. Music by Mickey J Meyer enhances the film’s upbeat vibe, with catchy tracks contributing to its appeal.
Positive reviews have praised the film’s engaging screenplay, Polishetty’s energetic performance, and its feel-good factor, ideal for festive viewing. Critics note its fresh take on rural-urban contrasts and relationships, avoiding clichés while delivering laughs. Word-of-mouth has been a key driver, boosting occupancy rates across theaters despite competition from big releases like Prabhas’ The Raja Saab. In North America, it crossed USD 1 million in four days, signaling strong diaspora support.
Box office performance has been robust, with steady collections even on weekdays. Here’s a day-wise breakdown of worldwide gross earnings:
| Day | Date | Worldwide Gross (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jan 14 | 15.0 |
| 2 | Jan 15 | 18.0 |
| 3 | Jan 16 | 22.0 |
| 4 | Jan 17 | 27.0 |
| Total | – | 82.0 |
Region-wise, the film has performed exceptionally in key markets:
| Region | Gross (₹ Crores) |
|---|---|
| Andhra-Telangana | 50.0 |
| Rest of India | 10.0 |
| Overseas | 22.0 |
| Total | 82.0 |
This success underscores Telugu cinema’s growing global footprint, especially post-pandemic. For Polishetty, it’s a career high, solidifying his status as a bankable star entertainer. Producers attribute the momentum to strategic release timing and marketing. As collections continue to climb, industry watchers predict it could surpass ₹150 crores lifetime, depending on sustained weekday holds. The film’s triumph amid a crowded release slate highlights audience preference for content-driven entertainers over star vehicles alone. With no major competition upcoming, Anaganaga Oka Raju is poised for an extended run, potentially inspiring more mid-budget comedies in Tollywood.
