Tollywood Box Office Analysis 2025: RRR Duo Disappoints; Prabhas, Mahesh, Allu Arjun Missing in Action

It is an undeniable fact that 2025 did not witness many major blockbusters in Tollywood. Several big-budget films failed to meet expectations, while only a few small-budget movies managed to surprise the trade. More than box office results alone, the year reflected limited activity from many leading stars, which resulted in a relatively quiet phase for the industry.
Tollywood has nearly a dozen stars whose releases usually create a festival-like atmosphere. However, this year saw minimal contribution from most of them, making the overall revenue feel thinner compared to previous years.
On a positive note, Pawan Kalyan, Balakrishna, and Nagarjuna were the only three actors who released two films each in 2025. Most of the others settled for just one release or stayed away from theatres altogether.
Venkatesh stood out as the only actor to combine critical appreciation with box-office success in 2025. Sankranthiki Vasthunnam gave the industry a strong start to the year and went on to collect over Rs. 300 crore, marking the highest-grossing film of his career and one of the biggest Telugu hits overall.
It turned out to be a mixed year for Pawan Kalyan. While Hari Hara Veera Mallu: Part 1 – Sword vs Spirit failed to meet expectations despite active promotions, They Call Him OG brought relief to his fans. The film went on to become the highest-grossing Tollywood movie of 2025, once again underlining his box-office pull.
Senior actor Balakrishna also delivered two films, Daaku Maharaaj and Akhanda 2: Thaandavam. While Daaku Maharaaj received an average response, it failed to generate major profits. Akhanda 2 faced several issues a day before release, creating uncertainty among audiences. Though it eventually reached theatres and received appreciation from a section of viewers, it did not match the impact of the first part. Overall, his output this year remained moderate.
Nagarjuna appeared in two films as well, though not in lead roles. Kuberaa showcased him in a grey-shaded character. His other release, Coolie, marked his debut as a villain opposite Rajinikanth. While Nagarjuna earned praise for his performances in both films, neither performed strongly at the box office.
RRR stars Ram Charan and Jr NTR had only one release each in 2025 – Game Changer and War 2, respectively – but neither managed to create a strong impact, with both films falling short of expectations despite the scale and anticipation surrounding them. Their 2026 releases, Peddi and Dragon (tentative title), have already been generating strong buzz, and both fans and the trade are confident of their success and redemption at the box office.
Meanwhile, stars like Prabhas, Chiranjeevi, Mahesh Babu, and Allu Arjun did not have any full-fledged releases this year. Although Prabhas made a brief appearance in Kannappa, it does not count as a standalone film. Mahesh Babu is currently committed to Varanasi, and his next theatrical release is scheduled for 2027. Allu Arjun, last seen in Pushpa 2, is set to return to the big screen in 2027 with Atlee’s project.
Looking ahead, Prabhas and Chiranjeevi are set to test their box-office strength next Sankranthi with The Raja Saab and Mana Shankara Vara Prasad Garu, respectively. Both stars are also expected to have another release in 2026, with Fauzi lined up for Prabhas and Vishwambhara for Chiranjeevi. Ram Charan’s Peddi and Jr NTR’s Dragon (tentative title) have already been generating strong buzz, with both fans and the trade confident about their success and potential box-office comeback in 2026.
Venkatesh, meanwhile, has locked Aadarsha Kutumbam House No: 47 with Trivikram. The project marks a strong combination for both, given their past success, and has already generated significant hype, with expectations of a major summer 2026 release. Nagarjuna is currently busy shooting his landmark 100th film, which is slated for release in 2026 and is being approached with extra care, given its importance to his career. Balakrishna, on the other hand, is gearing up for a period action drama (NBK 111), reuniting with Gopichand Malineni in what is expected to be a major box-office contender in 2026.
Overall, 2025 emerged as a year in which Tollywood’s biggest stars had limited presence on the big screen, with mixed outcomes at the box office. With several major projects and interesting combinations lined up, 2026 is expected to play a key role in restoring momentum and shaping the industry’s next phase.The post Tollywood Box Office Analysis 2025: RRR Duo Disappoints; Prabhas, Mahesh, Allu Arjun Missing in Action first appeared on Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT.