The Nandamuri Balakrishna-starrer Daaku Maharaj, directed by blockbuster filmmaker Bobby Kolli, has set new benchmarks at the box office. Produced by Suryadevara Naga Vamsi and Sai Soujanya under the banners of Sithara Entertainments and Fortune Four Cinemas, in association with Srikara Studios, the film was made on a grand scale, enriched by the music of Thaman S. With pivotal roles essayed by Bobby Deol, Pragya Jaiswal, Shraddha Srinath, Urvashi Rautela, and Chandini Chowdary, the film has struck a chord with audiences worldwide.
Released on January 12 as a Sankranti special, Daaku Maharaj garnered an overwhelming response from its overseas premieres and continued its winning streak. The film grossed over ₹156 crores worldwide in just eight days, marking a career milestone for Balakrishna.
To celebrate this massive success, the team hosted a grand event in Anantapur, attended by the cast, crew, and thousands of fans.
Event Highlights :
During the success celebrations in Anantapur, Balakrishna electrified the audience by performing “Gana Gana Andhra Telangana,” which became a major highlight of the evening.
Speaking at the event, Balakrishna said:
“Rayalaseema is not just a region; it’s Royal Seema. It has given the nation a President and six Chief Ministers to Andhra Pradesh. I thank Naga Vamsi for producing so many films and creating employment for countless people. Vijay Karthik Kannan’s visuals have elevated Daaku Maharaj to Hollywood standards. Working with director Bobby has been a phenomenal experience, and Thaman’s music has taken the film to another level. My heartfelt thanks to the entire cast and crew for their incredible contributions to this film. This movie will be remembered forever, with audiences leaving theatres in tears and with heavy hearts.
I have never been concerned with box-office collections; my fans are my greatest promoters. They know that all my records, collections, awards, and rewards are genuine. My father, mentor, and god, Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao, has blessed me with an extended family in the form of my fans. I am proud of my fans and feel a responsibility to entertain and inspire them with meaningful films till my last breath.”
Director Bobby Kolli shared his heartfelt thanks:
“Anantapur has gifted me unforgettable memories. Working with Balakrishna is a dream come true. He is not only a legend but also a man of incredible integrity. I am deeply grateful to my parents for their encouragement and to Balakrishna garu for his trust in me. I am humbled by the love from his fans, who have made this film a landmark in my career.
I promise that my next film with Balakrishna will surpass Daaku Maharaj—it will be a film discussed not just in other states but in other countries as well. My sincere thanks to the producers, the technical team, and the actors who breathed life into every character.”*
Music director Thaman expressed:
“We declared at the pre-release event that we would celebrate a blockbuster in Anantapur, and here we are! My respect and love for Balayya Garu only grow stronger, and this increases my responsibility to deliver for him in the future. Scoring music for a Balakrishna garu film is always like taking a final exam. His energy motivates me to push my limits and deliver exceptional music. My gratitude to Bobby garu, the producers, and the entire team for their unwavering support.”
Cinematographer Vijay Karthik Kannan:
“Daaku Maharaj is special because director Bobby Kolli allowed every technician to bring their best to the table. Balakrishna’s commitment is unmatched—during the jail escape scene, we used a 40K-watt light, but Balayya Sir didn’t even blink!”
Actress Pragya Jaiswal shared her joy, saying:
“Balakrishna is truly a legend, the God of Masses. Working with him for the second time is an absolute honor, and it inspires me to push my performance to new heights. I thank director Bobby for trusting me with the beautiful role of Kaveri and for giving me the iconic pregnant-woman fight scene. I also thank producer Naga Vamsi for his passion and dedication. As always, Thaman has delivered outstanding music. My gratitude to Vijay Karthik, Avinash, Venkat, and everyone who contributed to this incredible journey.”
Actress Shraddha Srinath expressed her admiration, saying:
“This is my first visit to Anantapur, and I can already feel the warmth of the people here. Balakrishna is a mass icon and a legend. It is an honor to share the screen with him. Director Bobby is exceptionally talented, and I look forward to collaborating with him again. After Jersey, working with Sithara Entertainments on Daaku Maharaj has been a joyful experience. My heartfelt thanks to Naga Vamsi for this opportunity and to Thaman for his extraordinary music. I will always cherish the love I’ve received from the people of Anantapur.”
Actress Urvashi Rautela added:
“I am truly grateful to the audience for making Daaku Maharaj a resounding success. Director Bobby is not just a filmmaker but a brilliant storyteller who has crafted every scene beautifully. Sharing the screen with a legend like Balakrishna is a privilege. As the heir to NTR’s legacy, he has truly made his mark. My sincere thanks to producer Naga Vamsi for being the backbone of this project.”
Madakasira MLA M.S. Raju expressed his admiration, saying:
“Balakrishna has been my idol since childhood, and it is a proud moment to speak at this event as his fan. Balakrishna exudes unmatched energy. His dialogue from Bangaru Bullodu, ‘Ayinavallu Balayya antaru, Parayivallu Balakrishna antaru,’ has become an iconic chant for all Telugu-speaking people. He has left an indelible mark in cinema and politics, carrying NTR’s legacy forward with pride. My best wishes for his continued success.”
Anantapur Urban MLA Daggupati Venkateswara Prasad added:
“I deeply admire Balakrishna Garu, and it is a delight to celebrate the success of his film in Anantapur.”
The event also saw participation from key members of the film’s technical crew, including cinematographer Vijay Karthik Kannan, writers Mohan Krishna and Chakravarthy, VFX supervisor Yugandhar, editors Niranjan and Ruben, and child artist Ved Agarwal, all of whom expressed their joy over the film’s unprecedented success.
Primary Cast:
Nandamuri Balakrishna
Bobby Deol
Pragya Jaiswal
Shraddha Srinath
Urvashi Rautela
Chandini Chowdary
Technical Crew:
Music: Thaman S
Cinematography: Vijay Karthik Kannan
Art Direction: Avinash Kolla
Editing: Niranjan Devaramane, Ruben
Direction: Bobby Kolli
Producers: Suryadevara Naga Vamsi, Sai Soujanya
Banners: Sithara Entertainments, Fortune Four Cinemas
Presenter: Srikara Studios
PRO: Lakshmi Venu Gopal
