In a field where star power tends to wilt with erratic decisions and box office bombs, Nani is rewriting the rulebook. With Dasara, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, and the upcoming HIT 3, the actor is not letting up. What’s more remarkable is that he is doing so without the props of humongous budgets, starry casts, or over-the-top promotions. Nani has gone about, quietly yet confidently, establishing himself as a bankable Tier-1 player in Tollywood—with the trust of the audience being his most potent weapon.
Dasara – A Gritty Game-Changer
Nani’s transformation in Dasara marked a major turning point in his career. Directed by Srikanth Odela, a debutant no less, the film was a high-stakes gamble. But from the very first look, it was evident that Nani was going all in. Set in a rustic backdrop and filled with raw emotions, Dasara hit the right chords with both masses and critics.
The movie broke opening records by earning close to ₹20 crores gross on Day 1, setting a new Tier-2 benchmark in Tollywood. For a star associated with his ‘boy next door’ image, Dasara showed that Nani was also capable of dominating the big screen with intensity and mass appeal. He didn’t just act—he transformed, receiving accolades for his dedication and capacity to shoulder a film on his shoulder.
The success of Dasara was not merely about the collections. It was about perception change. Nani was no longer perceived just as a performer—he had come in as a force to be believed in commercially.
Saripodhaa Sanivaaram – Surprise Comeback Pair
Nani followed Dasara with Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, directed by Vivek Athreya, the same director as the highly debated yet box office poorly performing Ante Sundaraniki. Even though their last film underperformed at the box office, Nani and Vivek collaborated again—and this time around, magic occurred.
With Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, the team delivered a refreshing blend of action and emotional storytelling, striking a perfect balance that appealed to urban and semi-urban audiences. Critics called it one of Nani’s most mature performances in recent times, and audiences responded with packed theaters and strong word of mouth.
The film not only erased the sour memory of their earlier failure but also showcased Nani’s unwavering belief in storytelling and collaboration. He trusted his director and script, and it paid off—solidifying his reputation as a risk-taker with rewarding instincts.
HIT 3 – Big Buzz for a Low-Budget Thriller
Now, as he prepares to release HIT 3, Nani is riding a wave of momentum. Directed by Sailesh Kolanu, HIT 3 is part of the HIT Universe, a franchise known for its gripping crime thrillers. Interestingly, Sailesh faced a major setback last year with the failure of Saindhav, a big-budget venture that underperformed. Yet, Nani’s trust in the director has breathed new life into the project.
Despite being certified ‘A’ by the censor board, which often limits family audiences, HIT 3 has garnered exceptional advance bookings, both domestically and overseas. The film is not backed by hit songs or over-the-top promotions. Instead, it’s Nani’s name alone that is driving anticipation.
In the U.S., premiere bookings have already crossed $300K, making it one of the fastest non-Tier-1 films to reach the mark. In Hyderabad, advance sales have crossed ₹2 crore, and in India overall, ₹3 crore worth of tickets have already been sold. That kind of buzz for a mid-range thriller is rare—and it speaks volumes about Nani’s growing box office pull.
The Trust Factor
What distinguishes Nani from many contemporaries is trust in audiences. While many big stars fail to resonate with the people regardless of high budgets and forceful promotions, Nani never fails to bring material that resonates on a personal level. He doesn’t hesitate to venture out of his comfort zone, explore new genres, or collaborate with debutant directors. And each time he does this, the audience cheers him on.
Nani’s career has always been constructed on patience, craft, and consistency and not hype. He doesn’t depend on mass image or formulaic success. Rather, he depends on stories—and that has made him a crowd favorite.
A Rare Consistency in Changing Times
Tollywood too has experienced changes at a whirlwind pace over the past few years. Audiences have also become discerning, particularly since the OTT boom and globalization of content exposure. A host of Telugu big-budget movies have failed simply because of the poor content. But Nani has been among the handful who have been reliable, with his recent movies going on to be profitable or breaking records in their respective genres.
By opting for Dasara, Saripodhaa Sanivaaram, and now HIT 3, Nani has demonstrated that versatility and risk-taking can redefine a star’s career. His capacity to switch effortlessly between genres—from rural action to emotional drama and now a psychological crime thriller—is a testament to his range and commitment.
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Conclusion: A Star for the Audience
With three impactful films scheduled back-to-back, Nani is not only acting—he’s changing. His decisions are risky, his performances are real, and his box office pull is strengthening day by day. In a time when formula films and star-driven movies reign supreme, Nani is a content-first hero who believes in substance over flash.
As HIT 3 prepares for release, everyone’s eyes are on how much longer this momentum can take him. If initial indications are anything to go by, Nani is well on his way to being one of the most reliable and versatile stars of Indian cinema today.
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