Khaleja 4K Re-Release Breaks Records with Advance Bookings

Mahesh Babu’s cult classic Khaleja, originally released in 2010, is back in theaters with a highly anticipated 4K re-release on May 30, 2025. Despite its lukewarm initial response, the film has grown in stature over the years, building a dedicated fanbase eager to watch it on the big screen once again.

The excitement is evident in the advance bookings — breaking previous records for South Indian film re-releases. According to reports on Gulte.com, Khaleja sold over 62,000 tickets within the first 24 hours of pre-release, surpassing even the advance sales of popular re-releases like Ghilli. Industry trackers like 123telugu.com confirm the film has already sold more than 160,000 tickets overall, grossing over ₹3 crore from advance bookings alone.

Hyderabad remains the biggest market contributing to the buzz, with many theaters witnessing sold-out shows in the first days of bookings. As Siasat.com reports, this level of demand is unprecedented for a re-release of a film over a decade old, indicating the movie’s enduring appeal.

Industry experts believe this re-release might set a new benchmark for box office success in re-releases, potentially outgrossing previous records held by films such as Murari. The overall hype also stems from the film's unique blend of action, comedy, and fantasy elements, which were initially underappreciated but now celebrated by audiences. A Filmibeat article highlights how Mahesh Babu’s charismatic portrayal of Raju, a humble taxi driver turned village savior, continues to resonate with fans.

The successful pre-release booking numbers and enthusiasm around Khaleja’s re-release show that good cinema finds its audience, sometimes years after its original release. Fans are hopeful the box office collections will reflect this growing admiration and the film’s well-earned cult status.