Biggest Regional Blockbuster: MSG Beats AVPL
Tollywood has witnessed a rare phenomenon as the industry is now welcoming the highest grossing regional film of all time as Chiranjeevi Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu.
By: Tupaki Desk | 24 Jan 2026 1:15 PM ISTTollywood has witnessed a rare phenomenon as the industry is now welcoming the highest grossing regional film of all time as Chiranjeevi Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu has finally managed to beat Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
This list is compiled based on the film films that had a brilliant run in the Telugu states and did not have a direct Hindi release. This is the reason why OG, which was another big blockbuster is not mentioned on the list as it had simultaneous Hindi release.
The race for the biggest regional Tollywood grosser has taken an exciting turn, with Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu emerging as the new frontrunner.
The film has officially crossed ₹255 crore and is still running strong at the box office, creating a new benchmark for regional releases that did not have a Hindi theatrical run during their first phase. With this achievement, the film has finally overtaken the long standing record of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
For years, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo stood tall as a massive industry hit, collecting around ₹250 crore and setting standards for festive releases and family audiences.
Its impact on the box office and popular culture remains undeniable. However, the arrival of Mana Shankar Vara Prasad Garu has rewritten the narrative, driven by strong word of mouth, repeat audience turnout, and consistent collections across multiple regions.
Coming in close at third place is Sankranthiki Vasthunnam, which has amassed approximately ₹245 crore. The film also enjoyed a highly successful run, especially during the festive season, proving once again how crucial timing and audience connect are for box office success.
Together, these three films highlight the growing power of regional Telugu cinema and its ability to generate massive revenues purely on local strength, content appeal, and star power. The box office battle among these giants reflects the evolving scale and ambition of Tollywood today.
