By Admin Khaleja, released in 2010, is a Telugu-language fantasy action comedy directed by Trivikram Srinivas and starring Mahesh Babu and Anushka Shetty. The film has had a fascinating journey, from its initial box office disappointment to its recent resurgence as a cult favorite and a record-breaking re-release.
Original Budget and Box Office Performance (2010)
Budget: The production budget for Khaleja was approximately ₹30–32 crore.
Initial Collection: During its original 2010 run, the film collected about ₹36 crore gross worldwide. However, the distributors’ share was only ₹18.08 crore, which was considered underwhelming given the investment, branding Khaleja as a box office flop at the time.
Reception: The film received mixed reviews upon release, but Mahesh Babu’s performance was widely praised. Over time, Khaleja gained a cult following, especially due to its unique storyline and strong television and digital presence.
Re-Release Performance (2025)
Record-Breaking Re-Release
Khaleja was re-released in 4K on May 30, 2025, to commemorate Super Star Krishna’s birth anniversary. The re-release saw extraordinary enthusiasm, with packed theaters and energetic fan celebrations, both in India and overseas.
Box Office Collections (Re-Release)
- Day 1 (Worldwide Gross): ₹6.75 crore (India: ₹5.75 crore; Overseas: ₹1 crore).
- Day 2 (Worldwide Gross): 1.5–1.7 crore.
- Total (First Two Days, Worldwide Gross): ₹8.35–8.55 crore.
Overseas Records
- USA: Khaleja became the all-time highest-grossing Telugu re-release in the USA, earning over $100,000 in just two days and surpassing previous records set by films like Gabbar Singh.
- Other Markets: In the UK and Ireland, the film grossed $15,100, and in Australia, $10,000, bringing the two-day overseas total to $133,100 (over ₹1.13 crore).
- Ticket Sales: Khaleja set a new benchmark by selling over 10,000 tickets in overseas markets on its re-release day, a first for any Telugu re-release.
Summary Table: Khaleja Budget and Collections
| Category | Amount (Original) | Amount (Re-release, 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | ₹30–32 crore | — |
| Gross Collection | ₹36 crore (2010) | ₹8.35–8.55 crore (2 days) |
| Distributors’ Share | ₹18.08 crore | — |
| Overseas (2 days, 2025) | — | $133,100+ (₹1.13 crore+) |
Legacy
While Khaleja underperformed at the box office during its initial release, it has since achieved cult status, and its 2025 re-release has set new records for Telugu cinema reissues. The film’s resurgence highlights Mahesh Babu’s enduring star power and the growing trend of successful re-releases in Tollywood.
Khaleja’s journey from box office disappointment to a celebrated classic is a testament to the evolving tastes of audiences and the lasting impact of compelling storytelling.
