September 25: Tollywood Biggies in a Tight Spot

The Dussehra 2025 release window is shaping up to be a high-stakes battleground for Telugu cinema. September 25 has unofficially turned into a flashpoint date, with multiple big-budget films eyeing the slot, while uncertainty looms large over who will eventually arrive.

So far, four major Telugu films with budgets ranging from ₹150 to ₹300 crore are in contention for the date. Adding pressure to the calendar is the pan-India release of Kantara: Chapter 1, which is locked for October 2, coinciding with Vijayadashami. Directed by Rishab Shetty, the prequel to the 2022 blockbuster is expected to perform strongly in the Telugu states as well.

The race for September 25 started with Akhanda 2. Directed by Boyapati Sreenu and starring Balakrishna, the sequel to the 2021 hit had its teaser launched recently on NBK’s birthday, reaffirming the previously announced release date. The project is progressing on a tight schedule to meet the deadline.

Soon after, the makers of Sambarala Yeti Gattu, starring Sai Durgha Tej, also declared the same release date. Backed by the team behind HanuMan, this film is reportedly being made with a budget between ₹100 to ₹150 crore—the highest for Tej to date. Directed by debutant Rohith KP, the film’s first glimpse received a positive response, and the team is banking heavily on the Dussehra window to ensure box office returns.

Adding more congestion to the date is They Call Him OG, Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated actioner, directed by Sujeeth. The team confirmed September 25 as the official release date. Given the relation between Pawan Kalyan and Sai Durgha Tej, industry insiders suggest Sambarala Yeti Gattu may reconsider its date, though no official statement has been issued so far.

Meanwhile, Vishwambhara, which was initially slated for a Sankranthi 2025 release, is now being considered for September 25 or a week earlier on September 18. The decision follows delays caused by CG work, and the team is said to be working meticulously to finalize a release only after satisfactory VFX output. However, Vishwambhara’s entry will depend on whether any of the already announced biggies shift their dates.

At present, no production house has indicated any change of plans. While Dussehra can accommodate more than one release, the industry remains cautious about a potential three-film clash, similar to what was seen during Sankranthi. As it stands, the uncertainty around September 25 continues, with a final picture expected to emerge in the coming weeks.