'NTR: Kathanayakudu' may not have deserved it, but the biopic failed to set box-office on fire in the Telugu States. In AP and TS, the Balakrishna film made Rs 7.6 Cr (distributor share) on the release day The overall (worldwide) openings were Rs 9 Cr on the first day.  

Shockingly enough, on Thursday (that is, Day 2), the collections were even lesser. Even in Ceded, which is unarguably Balayya's turf, the collections are sadly low. This is the situation when 'Vinaya Vidheya Rama' didn't release. The underwhelming performance of this film is a wake-up call.

Now (the third day) it has to compete with VVR too.

This biopic fetched an unprecedented pre-release amount for a Balakrishna movie. Trade expected a repeat of the 'Mahanati' magic at the box-office. However, this has lacked the drama and gripping narration that ‘Mahanati’ had.

It seems the trade should now keep all hopes on Sankranthi festival days. Traditionally collections will be high on Bhogi and Makara Sankranthi. So trade is hoping that it would pick up from this Sunday and Monday.