A Bold Comeback for Anushka Shetty

Anushka Shetty, fondly known as the "Lady Superstar" of South Indian cinema, made a striking return to the big screen with Ghaati, a Telugu action crime drama directed by Krish Jagarlamudi. Released on September 5, 2025, the film showcases Anushka in a raw, intense avatar as Sheelavathi, a woman from a tribal community who transforms into a formidable figure in the underworld of ganja trade. This departure from her previous roles, such as in Baahubali and Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, has sparked curiosity among fans, with the trailer promising a gritty, action-packed narrative. However, Ghaati’s box office journey over its first two days tells a story of modest beginnings, fierce competition, and mixed audience reactions.

Box Office Earnings: A Slow Start

According to industry reports, Ghaati earned approximately ₹2 crore net in India on its opening day across all languages, with a total of ₹3.49 crore by the end of day two. The film’s second day saw a dip, collecting ₹1.49 crore, signaling a challenging road ahead. While these numbers reflect a decent start for a heroine-centric drama, they fall short of expectations for a star of Anushka’s stature, especially when compared to her previous release, Miss Shetty Mr Polishetty, which opened at ₹4 crore. The film’s performance has been described as underwhelming, particularly in light of its high anticipation and Anushka’s powerful screen presence.

Occupancy Rates: Regional Variations

In the Telugu market, Ghaati recorded an overall occupancy of 23.98% on its opening day, with Hyderabad leading at 30.50%, peaking at 35% during night shows. Vijayawada followed with a steady 21.75%, while Bengaluru lagged at 11.75%. On day two, Telugu occupancy slightly dropped to 23.06%, with morning shows at 16.17% but recovering to 29.66% for night screenings. In Tamil Nadu, the film struggled more, achieving an 18.78% occupancy on day one, with Chennai performing better at 28%, particularly during evening and night shows (up to 40%). Day two saw Tamil Nadu’s occupancy rise marginally to 19.18%, indicating a reliance on positive word-of-mouth to sustain interest.

Fierce Competition from Madharaasi

The film’s modest performance can partly be attributed to a high-profile box office clash with Sivakarthikeyan’s Madharaasi, a Tamil action thriller directed by A.R. Murugadoss, also released on September 5. Madharaasi dominated with an impressive ₹13–18 crore on its opening day, boasting a 62.22% Tamil occupancy, peaking at 77.40% for night shows. This stark contrast highlights Madharaasi’s stronger audience pull, especially in Tamil Nadu, where it overshadowed Ghaati. The competition, coupled with other releases like Baaghi 4 and The Conjuring: Last Rites, has made it difficult for Ghaati to secure screens and audience attention.

Mixed Audience Response and Future Prospects

Despite Anushka’s commanding performance, which critics have praised as one of her best, Ghaati has received mixed reviews. Audiences have lauded the film’s immersive setting in the Eastern Ghats and Anushka’s intense action sequences, but many have criticized its predictable tropes, erratic pacing, and weak execution in the second half. Social media sentiments reflect this divide, with some fans hailing Anushka’s transformation, while others lament the film’s inability to fully capitalize on its potential. The weekend following the opening days is crucial for Ghaati. Strong word-of-mouth and family audience turnout could help it regain momentum, but the film faces an uphill battle against its competitors.

In conclusion, Ghaati marks a bold step for Anushka Shetty, showcasing her versatility in a challenging role. While its box office performance has been modest, with ₹3.49 crore in two days and varying occupancy rates, the film’s fate hinges on its ability to resonate with audiences over the coming weeks.

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