Tollywood’ U.S. Showdown: Stars Clash for Box Office Gold

New Delhi, january 19, 2026: The U.S. market has long been the “crown jewel” for Telugu cinema, often contributing up to 25% of a big-budget film’s total revenue. However, January 2026 has turned into a high-stakes battlefield, proving that even massive star power isn’t a guaranteed victory in North America.

From the high-octane Sankranti clashes to the surprising rise of mid-range entertainers, here is how the battle for the U.S. box office is unfolding.

1. The Megastar Reclaims the Throne

In a direct showdown between veteran legacy and modern “Pan-India” stardom, Chiranjeevi has emerged as the clear victor in the 2026 festive race. His film, Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu (directed by Anil Ravipudi), has taken the North American market by storm.

• The Milestones: In just six days, the film crossed the $2.5 million mark in the U.S., comfortably outpacing its competitors.
• The Appeal: Trade analysts attribute this success to the film’s “clean family entertainer” tag. While action spectacles often grab headlines, the U.S. Telugu diaspora remains a strong base for comedy-heavy, family-centric dramas.
• Global Impact: This performance helped the film propel past the ₹200 crore mark worldwide within its first week.

2. The “Raja Saab” Struggle

Perhaps the most surprising narrative of the season is the performance of Prabhas’ The Raja Saab. Despite being the biggest star in the country and opening with massive premiere numbers, the film has struggled to maintain momentum.

• The Numbers: While it initially grossed over $2.3 million, collections plateaued quickly. With a break-even target pegged at nearly $10 million for the North American territory, the film is staring at significant losses for overseas distributors.
• The Verdict: Audiences in the U.S. appear polarized by the romantic horror-comedy genre. While Prabhas’ “mass” appeal usually guarantees a $5 million+ run, the mixed word-of-mouth regarding the script has led to a steep decline in weekday footfalls.

3. The “Million-Dollar” Underdog

While the titans clashed, Naveen Polishetty once again proved why he is a darling of the overseas audience. His latest release, Anaganaga Oka Raju, pulled off a stunning feat by entering the $1 Million Club within just four days of its release.

This marks another win for content-driven cinema. Even with a fraction of the budget of The Raja Saab, Polishetty’s film benefited from high occupancy in major hubs like Dallas, New Jersey, and Bay Area, proving that the U.S. audience prioritizes humor and relatability over sheer scale.

The Shifting Landscape: A Table of US Performance

Movie Title	Lead Actor	US Box Office (Approx)	Status
Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu	Chiranjeevi	$2.66 Million (6 Days)	Blockbuster
The Raja Saab	Prabhas	$2.34 Million (9 Days)	Underperformer
Anaganaga Oka Raju	Naveen Polishetty	$1.12 Million (4 Days)	Hit
Nari Nari Naduma Murari	Sharwanand	Trending toward $1M	Positive

4. Challenges on the Horizon

Despite the successes, the Telugu film industry faces a looming shadow in the U.S. market. Discussions regarding proposed 100% tariffs on foreign films have sent ripples of anxiety through Tollywood production houses.

Industry veterans warn that if ticket prices are forced to double to cover these costs, the era of the “$20 movie ticket” might end, potentially pushing NRI audiences toward OTT platforms instead of theaters. Producers are already looking at 2026 as a pivotal year to stabilize these overseas theatrical windows.

Looking Ahead

The battle doesn’t end with Sankranti. With upcoming releases like Vishwak Sen’s Funky and the historical drama Swayambhu slated for February, the U.S. box office remains the ultimate testing ground for Telugu cinema’s global ambition.