The iconic Telugu action‑thriller ‘Athidi’, starring Mahesh Babu, made an unforgettable return to the big screen on May 30, 2026. The 2007 film was freshly remastered in 4K with Dolby Atmos sound, and fans turned the theatrical release into a full‑blown festival. In Hyderabad’s Sudarshan Theatre, devotees of the superstar performed a traditional milk abhishekam on the cut‑out of Mahesh Babu, drenching the figure with frothy milk while chanting his name. The ceremonial splash was organized by the Super Star Krishna Fans Association and sparked a sea of flower garlands, camera flashes and jubilant cheers.
The response was massive: across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, 29 shows sold out, racking up 31,100 tickets and a box‑office collection of ₹40.86 lakh by noon. Even overseas, advance bookings in the United States crossed $1,174, a testament to Mahesh Babu’s pan‑Indian appeal. After the screening, fans continued the revelry on the streets, using flower petals and slogans like “Rajamouli, Mahesh Babu – Jindabad!” to celebrate the legendary director‑actor duo.
Adding to the hype, a new teaser of the film’s upcoming “Varanasi” sequel was unveiled, receiving an enthusiastic response from the audience. Mahesh Babu’s recent trip to Mumbai, where he was spotted at the Kalyani Airport, further fueled speculation about his next project. The combination of a nostalgic 4K re‑release, the milk‑splashed tribute, and the promise of fresh footage has turned ‘Athidi’ into more than a movie‑night—it’s a cultural moment that reaffirms Mahesh Babu’s enduring star power.
Fans are already planning the next wave of celebrations, proving that when a legend returns, the entire region erupts in joy.
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