Naga Chaitanya and Sai Pallavi’s much-anticipated film Thandel hit theaters worldwide in February and quickly garnered positive reviews. The film not only impressed audiences with its compelling performances but also became one of the highest-grossing films of Naga Chaitanya’s career. However, despite its commercial success, Thandel found itself in the midst of a 100-crore controversy during the Telugu promotions of Chhaava.
100 Crore Debate: A Promotional Gimmick?
Even before Thandel’s release, its production house, Geetha Arts, consistently emphasized that the film would achieve a triple-digit gross at the box office. The 100-crore mark was repeatedly highlighted in promotional interviews, building massive anticipation.
Upon its theatrical release on February 7, Thandel performed exceptionally well and was declared a major success. Within two weeks, the makers proudly announced that the film had crossed the 100-crore gross milestone. However, industry trade analysts presented different numbers, estimating the film’s earnings between 80-85 crore, sparking controversy over the accuracy of the reported figures.
Producer Bunny Vas Responds to the Controversy
The debate resurfaced during the Telugu promotions of Chhaava, a film released under the Geetha Arts banner. At a recent press event for Chhaava, producer Bunny Vas was questioned about the alleged discrepancy in Thandel’s box office collections.
Responding with humor, Bunny Vas remarked that if the journalist asking the question was willing to pay his income tax, he would gladly reveal the exact figures. He also added that while speculation is common in the industry, the truth remains unchanged.
Could a Better Release Date Have Boosted Thandel’s Collections?
Despite the controversy, there’s no denying that Thandel is a certified commercial hit. Some industry experts believe that a more strategic release date could have further enhanced the film’s box office numbers.
Meanwhile, fans who missed the theatrical experience can soon catch Thandel on Netflix, as the film is set to premiere on the streaming platform this Friday in multiple languages.
Whether or not the film genuinely crossed the 100-crore mark, Thandel has solidified its place as a blockbuster, adding another feather to Naga Chaitanya’s cap.
