The re-release trend in Tollywood has been significantly influenced by the stardom of Mahesh Babu. On his birthday in 2022, a couple of his blockbuster films, “Okkadu” and “Pokiri,” were re-released, setting the stage for this successful trend. These re-releases were not just about nostalgia; they brought in substantial box office numbers, proving the enduring appeal of Mahesh Babu’s films. This phenomenon soon caught on, with other stars in the industry following suit, re-releasing their hits to eager audiences.
Despite the limited shows for “Pokiri” on Mahesh Babu’s birthday, fans showcased immense interest and gathered in huge numbers to relive the film’s iconic dialogues and Mahesh Babu’s unique body language. The success of “Pokiri” was followed by the re-release of “Businessman” last year, which also made waves on his birthday. These events have shown that the re-release strategy not only works but also strengthens the bond between the star and his audience.
As Mahesh Babu’s birthday approaches on August 9th, 2024, plans are underway for another re-release. While earlier reports suggested that “Athadu” might be the choice, recent news indicates that either “Khaleja” or Mahesh’s fourth film, “Murari,” will be re-released. “Khaleja,” despite its mixed response during its original release, has garnered many admirers over the years for its dialogues and Mahesh’s mannerisms. On the other hand, “Murari,” a family entertainer, was a blockbuster upon its initial release. It remains to be seen which of these films will get the green signal for re-release, but fans are eagerly anticipating the announcement.
