It is Superstar Mahesh Babu who started the re-release trend with his film Pokiri and he continues to be the only actor whose re-released films have consistently turned into super hits. Pokiri, Okkadu, Murari and Seethamma Vakitlo Sirimalle Chettu all performed impressively at the box office during their re-releases, drawing collections like regular theatrical releases. Now, another Mahesh Babu classic, Khaleja, re-released this Friday and has taken the box office by storm.
The film even surpassed new releases like Bhairavam, with many cities witnessing early morning shows starting as early as 7:30 AM. Most screenings are running houseful and the film has been receiving an overwhelmingly positive response across locations. It’s nothing short of Khaleja mania, and anyone witnessing the euphoria in theatres would feel as though the film is releasing for the very first time.
Interestingly, Khaleja didn’t perform well at the box office when it first released in October 2010. Now, 15 years later, the film is being celebrated as a cult classic, with many viewers wondering how such a well-crafted film could have underperformed during its initial run.
In Khaleja, Mahesh Babu played a role unlike any he had taken on before—filled with layers and showcasing his impeccable comic timing. Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, the film stands out for its sharp dialogues and engaging screenplay. Rao Ramesh’s performance as the village elder is another highlight, drawing praise for his commanding screen presence. Anushka Shetty played the female lead and brought charm and cuteness to the screen. The scenes featuring Mahesh Babu and Brahmanandam remain iconic, delivering laugh-out-loud moments. Mani Sharma’s music was and continues to be a major asset, with the song Om Namah Shivaya becoming a timeless devotional hit, still played in many Shiva temples. Supporting actors including Shafi, Prakash Raj, Raghu Babu, Ali and Subbaraju also played key roles in the film.
The re-release of Khaleja was timed to commemorate the birthday of Mahesh Babu’s father and yesteryear Superstar Krishna on May 31.
