Telugu cinema in December: All eyes on Dhamaka, 18 Pages to deliver big at the box-office

November and December are generally considered lean months at the Telugu box office every year. Films like Akhanda, Shyam Singha Roy and Pushpa The Rise did the unthinkable in December 2021, registering record collections for over a month into their theatrical release. However, this year though, the theatrical revenues for this month have been abysmal at best, with films struggling to draw crowds to theatres post the initial weekend.

Adivi Sesh's Hit 2 was considered a box-office favourite by trade pundits prior to its release and the collections lived up to their estimates, despite the drops it experienced during weekdays. While Mukhachitram and Panchathantram were hailed by critics, the films, catered to a niche audience, haven't quite set the box office on fire. This week too, only one notable film is hitting theatres - the political thriller Sasanasabha.

However, many eyes are on next week's releases - 18 Pages and Dhamaka - to rake in the moolah. Dhamaka is an extremely crucial film for Ravi Teja, especially post his twin setbacks in 2022 like Khiladi and Ramarao on Duty. The popularity of the film's music, the appeal of its female lead Sreeleela and the reasonable track record of director Trinadha Rao Nakkina should come in handy for the mass entertainer. With absence of masala potboilers this season, Dhamaka could spring a surprise among the masses.

It's hard to ignore 18 Pages as well, the romance that brings together the hit pair of Karthikeya 2 again, Nikhil Siddhartha and Anupama Parameswaran. Gopi Sundar's music has helped the film stay in the news for the right reasons. The fact that it's backed by a credible banner like Geetha Arts, with the likes of Sukumar associated with the story, should ensure a good opening for the feel-good flick.

While Santosh Shobhan's Anni Manchi Sakunamule was to release in theatres next week, the film's release has been postponed now. The final weekend of December will have three major Telugu releases - Geetha Sakshiga, Top Gear and Lucky Lakshman.