It’s not uncommon for fans to turn up when a classic film gets a re-release. But what’s turning heads this time is the sight of entire families, including kids lining up to experience the magic of Jagadeka Veerudu Athiloka Sundari once again in theaters. Released over 35 years ago, this Chiranjeevi, Sridevi fantasy epic has made a grand comeback.
The film, re-released this Friday, has left industry circles surprised with its good reception. At Hyderabad’s Prasads Multiplex alone, it grossed over ₹12 lakh on Day 1, an impressive feat for a re-release. Weekend shows were packed across cities, and early estimates suggest the film may clock over ₹2.5 crore worldwide by Sunday night.
Fans who once watched the film as kids are now bringing their own children to relive the experience this time in enhanced 3D. Theatres are buzzing with energy, especially during songs like ‘Abbani Teeyani Debba,’ with some fans even showing up in replica costumes and dancing in the aisles. These celebratory moments are now all over social media.
Though a few viewers noted minor complaints about print quality, the overall vintage charm and emotional connect are outweighing everything else. Some even say if the technical quality had matched today’s standards, repeat viewing would’ve skyrocketed.
What’s most exciting is how the success of this re-release is reviving interest in more 90s classics. Plans are already underway for the re-release of Kodamasimham, Chiranjeevi’s cowboy flick. With audiences reconnecting strongly with vintage blockbusters, distributors are now reaching out to producers of several iconic 90s films to bring them back to the big screen.
