The Superstar’s Comeback on the Big Screen
Mahesh Babu’s 2007 action thriller ‘Athidhi’ has made a grand return to theatres in a stunning 4K version, and fans are going absolutely berserk. Released on May 29, the film has turned cinema halls into party venues across Telugu states. From Hyderabad’s iconic Prasads to Sudarshan 35mm, packed houses and roaring crowds have become the norm.
Industry insiders reveal that advance bookings for the Telugu version alone crossed the Rs 62 lakh mark nationwide, with opening day collections estimated at around Rs 97 lakh worldwide. The majority of the buzz is coming from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, while overseas numbers remain steady but not explosive. Considering the film originally released 18 years ago and wasn’t a blockbuster back then, this response is nothing short of spectacular.
The fact that a 2007 film is pulling in such numbers speaks volumes about Mahesh Babu’s enduring popularity. Fans didn’t just come for the movie—they came to celebrate the man himself. Reports suggest that several multiplexes in Hyderabad added extra shows to accommodate the demand.
Fans Turn Theatres Into Celebrations
Videos flooding social media show fans cheering, dancing, and treating every frame like a festival. One excited moviegoer wrote on X, ‘This wasn’t just a movie. This was a CELEBRATION.’ Another fan added, ‘Manchi experience @AthidhiVibe.’ A particularly passionate post highlighted how the film overcame massive odds—no holiday release, no birthday release, minimal promotions, even clashing with an IPL qualifier and competition from a big upcoming release. Yet, the love for Mahesh Babu’s stardom prevailed.
Fan clubs across Hyderabad organized special screenings with cake-cutting and fireworks outside theatres. The nostalgia factor is strong—many fans who watched the film as kids are now bringing their own families to experience it on the big screen. ‘Athidhi’ originally completed a 35-day theatrical run across nearly 400 cinemas and was even remade in Bangladesh as ‘Durdhorsho Premik’. Now, with 4K restoration, a new generation gets to see Mahesh Babu’s youthful energy in crisp detail.
The film’s soundtrack by Mani Sharma, including hits like ‘Nuvvu Nenu’ and ‘Ghal Ghal’, also got the crowd singing along inside theatres. Videos show fans waving phone flashlights during songs, turning screenings into mini concerts.
Mahesh Babu’s Airport Style Steals the Show
As if the film’s return wasn’t enough, Mahesh Babu himself made headlines with a casual yet stylish appearance at Mumbai’s Kalina Airport on the same day. Dressed in an all-white ensemble with sunglasses and a white-and-blue cap, the actor looked every bit the superstar. Videos of his airport walk quickly went viral, adding to the day’s excitement.
Social media was flooded with comments like ‘Style ka baap’ and ‘Superstar vibes only.’ The actor’s airport looks have always been a talking point, and this all-white avatar was no exception. It’s the kind of effortless charm that reminds you why he’s called the ‘Prince of Tollywood’.
Directed by Surender Reddy, ‘Athidhi’ featured Mahesh Babu opposite Amrita Rao, who made her Telugu debut with this film. Murali Sharma and Ashish Vidyarthi also played key roles. The romantic action thriller may not have been a chartbuster originally, but its re-release is proving that true stardom never fades—it just gets remastered in 4K.