Pawan Kalyan’s latest film, Ustaad Bhagat Singh, has made a significant impact at the box office, grossing ₹37.17 crore on its opening day, March 19, 2026. By 1 PM on the first day, the film had already earned ₹9.94 crore, with a total of 41,000 tickets sold.
The film’s performance in the Telugu-speaking belt was particularly strong, bringing in ₹31.50 crore on Day 1 alone. This impressive figure positions Ustaad Bhagat Singh as a notable success, especially when compared to its competitor, Dhurandhar 2, from which it garnered 93.3% more earnings among the Telugu audience.
Directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, Ustaad Bhagat Singh revolves around the titular character, who stands against injustice. Despite its commercial success, the film has received mixed reviews from audiences and critics alike.
One film critic described it as “A Completely Outdated Commercial Entertainer!” noting that while commercial films may not require innovative writing, they should possess some freshness. Another critic remarked, “This one misses his trademark energy. Boring! Rating: 2/5.” Such feedback indicates that while the film has performed well financially, it may not resonate with all viewers.
Despite the legal protections in place, Ustaad Bhagat Singh faced piracy issues, which could potentially affect its long-term box office performance. The film’s pre-sales exceeded ₹15 crore, showcasing strong initial interest.
As the film continues its run in theaters, observers are keen to see how it will fare in the coming weeks, especially in light of the mixed critical reception. Details remain unconfirmed regarding its performance against upcoming releases and any potential impacts from piracy.
