Ustaad Bhagat Singh box office collection day 1: Pawan Kalyan’s Telugu film earns Rs 31 crore amid tough clash with Dhurandhar 2

Ustaad Bhagat Singh, starring Pawan Kalyan, arrived in theatres on March 19 and opened to a decent response at the box office despite facing strong competition from Dhurandhar: The Revenge. The simultaneous release of two big-ticket films made it one of the most closely watched box office clashes of 2026. Dhurandhar 2 is being directed by Aditya Dhar and headlined by Ranveer Singh.

Ustaad Bhagat Singh box office collection day-wise

According to early estimates shared by industry tracker Sacnilk, the Telugu action drama collected approximately Rs 31.5 crore nett in India on its opening day. While the numbers may not match the massive figures earned by Dhurandhar 2, trade experts consider the opening respectable, especially given the intense competition and mixed pre-release buzz. Ranveer Singh's movie reportedly earned Rs 102 crore at the box office on opening day.




Ustaad Bhagat Singh's release during the Ugadi festive period worked in its favour, particularly in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where the festival traditionally drives higher footfall in theatres. The holiday window helped boost occupancy, ensuring that the film maintained strong collections in its core markets during the first day of its run.

Advance bookings also played a huge role in shaping the film’s opening. Reports suggest that Ustaad Bhagat Singh earned over Rs 15 crore through pre-sales alone, which shows the strong fan base of Pawan Kalyan and the anticipation surrounding his return to the big screen in a full-fledged commercial entertainer.

More about Ustaad Bhagat Singh

Directed by Harish Shankar, the film has reportedly been mounted on a large scale with an estimated budget of around Rs 150 crore. Known for his mass-oriented storytelling, Harish Shankar has crafted the film as a high-energy action drama aimed squarely at the star’s loyal fan following.

Apart from Pawan Kalyan, the film features an ensemble cast including Sreeleela, Raashii Khanna, and R. Parthiban in prominent roles.


The film was released across approximately 4,500 shows nationwide on Day 1, ensuring a wide theatrical footprint. Audience reactions on social media, however, have been mixed. While many fans praised the film’s high-energy action sequences, music, and hero-centric moments, others felt that the storyline followed a predictable commercial template. Some viewers commented online that the film delivers what fans expect from a Pawan Kalyan entertainer but may not offer enough novelty for younger audiences seeking fresher narratives.

Beyond its theatrical run, the film has already secured huge post-release deals. Streaming giant Netflix has acquired the digital rights, while satellite rights have been picked up by Zee Telugu. According to the producer, reported by 123Telugu, the film is expected to premiere on OTT roughly five weeks after its theatrical release, depending on its box office performance.

Despite the tough clash and varied audience reactions, Ustaad Bhagat Singh has managed to deliver a decent opening and demonstrated the enduring box office pull of Pawan Kalyan. Stay tuned!