Will Nani’s Saripodhaa Sanivaaram manage to sustain its Rs 90cr budget at the box office?

The Telugu action thriller Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, featuring Nani in the lead role, opened to a strong start at the Indian box office with an estimated Rs. 9 crore on its first day. This made it the third-highest opening for a Nani starrer, following the success of Dasara in 2023, which earned Rs. 22 crore, and Middle Class Abbayi in 2017. The film, directed by Vivek Athreya and produced by DVV Entertainment, has been released in multiple languages, including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, and Hindi​.

Box Office Performance and Reception

Following its opening day, the film experienced a dip in collections, earning Rs. 5.75 crore on its second day and around Rs. 0.27 crore on the third day, bringing the total domestic earnings to approximately Rs. 15.4 crore over the first three days​. Despite the decline, the film managed to garner positive reception in urban centres, particularly in the Telugu-speaking regions. The Nizam region, which includes Hyderabad, contributed significantly to the earnings with Rs. 4.35 crore on the first day​.

However, the reception in smaller centres was more mixed, which is expected to widen the gap between urban and rural box office performance as the days progress. Internationally, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram achieved a milestone by grossing over $1 million in North America within its initial two days, marking the 10th film in Nani’s career to reach this benchmark.

High Production Costs and Future Prospects

The film, which is Nani’s most expensive to date with a budget of around Rs. 90 crore, will need sustained strong performance to break even, especially considering the high distribution costs involved​. Its predecessor, Hi Nanna, also experienced a weak start but managed to gain traction over time, achieving positive returns in the Nizam region while facing losses in Andhra Pradesh. For Saripodhaa Sanivaaram to succeed, it will need to maintain momentum in urban centres and potentially improve its appeal in smaller markets.

Critical Reception and Cast Highlights

Critics have appreciated the performances, particularly Nani’s portrayal of Surya, a vigilante fighting against corruption, and S.J. Suryah’s role as a corrupt inspector, R. Dayanand. Priyanka Mohan plays Charulatha, adding a layer of depth to the storyline. Supporting roles by Murali Sharma, Aditi Balan, Sai Kumar, and others further enhance the film’s narrative​.

Overall, while Saripodhaa Sanivaaram has made a significant impact with its opening, its long-term success will depend on its ability to maintain steady collections and attract audiences across different regions.