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The Telugu film industry is abuzz with the release of Sankranthiki Vasthunam, an action-comedy directed by Anil Ravipudi. Starring veteran actor Venkatesh alongside Meenakshi Chaudhary and Aishwarya Rajesh, the film hit theaters on January 14, 2025, coinciding with the auspicious Sankranthi festival. Produced by Dil Raju and Sirish under Sri Venkateswara Creations, the movie has garnered significant attention not only for its star-studded cast and festive release but also for its lucrative satellite and digital rights deal.
Plot Synopsis
Sankranthiki Vasthunam centers on Yadagari Damodara Raju, affectionately known as Y.D. Raju, a former Deputy Commissioner of Police. Raju is drawn back into action when his ex-girlfriend, Meenakshi, now an IPS officer, seeks his help to solve the kidnapping of Satya Akella, a prominent CEO. The investigation takes a humorous turn as Raju’s wife, Bhagyalakshmi, joins the mission, leading to a series of comedic and action-packed events. The film blends elements of comedy and suspense, offering a family-friendly entertainer for the festive season.
Sankranthiki Vasthunam OTT Rights Price
In a significant development, the satellite and digital rights for Sankranthiki Vasthunam were secured by Zee Telugu and ZEE5, respectively. According to reports, Zee acquired these rights for an estimated ₹27 crores, a substantial figure that underscores the film’s anticipated popularity and the confidence of the distributors in its success. This deal not only provided a financial cushion for the producers but also ensured that the film would reach a wider audience through television and digital platforms post its theatrical run.
Star Cast and Crew
The film boasts a talented ensemble cast:
- Venkatesh as Yadagari Damodara Raju (Y.D. Raju)
- Meenakshi Chaudhary as Meenakshi «Meena» IPS
- Aishwarya Rajesh as Bhagyalakshmi «Bhagyam»
- Sarvadaman D. Banerjee as Yadagiri Master
- Srinivasa Reddy as Raju’s friend
- P. Sai Kumar as P.C. Manikya Rao
- Upendra Limaye as Erripappa George Antony
- Naresh as C.M. Kesava
- Srinivas Avasarala in a dual role as Satya Akella and an auto driver
The music for the film is composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, marking his first collaboration with both Venkatesh and Anil Ravipudi. The cinematography is handled by Sameer Reddy, with editing by Tammiraju. The film was shot across various locations, including Rajahmundry, Hyderabad, Kasaragod, Dehradun, Mussoorie, and Rishikesh, capturing the essence of both urban and rural India.
Festive Release and Distribution
Releasing on January 14, 2025, Sankranthiki Vasthunam aimed to capitalize on the Sankranthi festival, a prime time for family gatherings and movie outings in India. The film’s distribution strategy was well-planned, with overseas rights acquired by Phars Film Co, North American rights by Shloka Entertainments, United Kingdom rights by Dreamz Entertainment, and Australia and New Zealand rights by Hamsini Entertainment and Tolly Movies International, respectively. This extensive distribution network ensured that the film reached a global audience, catering to the Telugu diaspora worldwide.
Music and Promotions
The film’s music, composed by Bheems Ceciroleo, played a pivotal role in its pre-release promotions. The soundtrack includes tracks like «Godari Gattu,» «Meenu,» and «Blockbuster Pongal,» which resonated well with the audience, especially during the festive season. The songs’ catchy tunes and vibrant visuals contributed to building anticipation for the film. The audio rights were acquired by T-Series, further amplifying the music’s reach across various platforms.
Critical Reception
Upon its release, Sankranthiki Vasthunam received mixed to positive reviews from critics. Avad Mohammad of OTTplay rated the film 3.5 out of 5 stars, describing it as «a perfect festival watch packed with loads of entertainment,» and praised Venkatesh’s performance. T. Maruthi Acharya of India Today gave the film 3 out of 5 stars,
noting it as «a decent outing for families seeking light-hearted entertainment.» B.H. Harish of Cinema Express also rated it 3 out of 5 stars, highlighting the film’s ability to provide «a few hearty laughs.» However, Sashidhar Adivi of Times Now was more critical, giving it 2.5 out of 5 stars and suggesting that «a focused script, tighter editing and impressive cinematography would have elevated the film a few notches.»
Box Office Performance
The film opened to strong box office numbers, with reports indicating a gross of ₹77 crores against a budget of ₹50 crores. The festive timing of the release, combined with the star power of Venkatesh and the film’s family-friendly content, contributed to its commercial success. The positive word-of-mouth and favorable reviews further bolstered its performance in both domestic and international markets.
Conclusion
Sankranthiki Vasthunam stands as a testament to the effective blend of comedy and action, catering to audiences seeking light-hearted entertainment during the festive season. The strategic acquisition of its satellite and digital rights by Zee for ₹27 crores highlights the film’s market potential and the growing importance of OTT platforms in the distribution landscape. As the film continues its theatrical run, viewers can look forward to its digital premiere on ZEE5, allowing a broader audience to experience this
