Pokiri, Okkadu, Jalsa and Indra: Is the trend of re-releases of old-time blockbusters here to stay?

The benchmarks in the film industry keep changing from time to time. While a few stand the test of time, few vanish into thin air. It’s indeed interesting to see the renewed enthusiasm in the Telugu industry for re-releasing past time blockbusters in formatted 4K prints to celebrate the birthdays of the film’s leading stars. After all, the stars’ legacy is built by their rich past.

The unprecedented response for Pokiri and Okkadu, that released for Mahesh Babu’s birthday, has left the industry baffled and surprised. Nearly 400 shows of Pokiri were screened worldwide, which set an all time record by earning Rs 1.44 crore (with the special shows). The move had a strong purpose - all the earnings from the shows were donated to Mahesh Babu foundation.

The main advantage of this trend? This helps the 90s kids relive the moments which they cherished in childhood. The experience reminds them the scenes they loved watching, the songs they enjoyed vibing to, the twists and turns which ensured a rush of the adrenaline rush. For the generation that didn’t experience this frenzy earlier, the re-release offers them a glimpse of the past.

The popularity of Okkadu and Pokiri’s re-release soared to an extent they affected the collections of other films that hit screens recently. Will we see more of this in the times to come? The demand for re-releases proves it. Multiple films of stars are being remastered for theatrical releases - Jalsa, Indra, Gharana Mogudu and Gang Leader, to name a few.

Among them, it’s official that Jalsa will re-release again on Pawan Kalyan’s birthday (September 2) while a confirmation is awaited about the films that will release on Chiranjeevi’s birthday (August 23). The trend is likely to continue with other stars like Jr NTR, Balakrishna, Nagarjuna and Ram Charan, to name a few. OTTs, please take a backseat - big screen is here to stay!