Korean Kanakaraju Box Office Day 1: Varun Tej Film Opens Strong, Enters Top 10 Telugu Openers of 2026

Varun Tej's latest outing Korean Kanakaraju has stormed the box office on its opening day, registering collections that dwarf his previous theatrical release by a significant margin. Trade reports indicate the film has grossed approximately Rs 4.50 crore in India on day one, with a net collection of Rs 3.95 crore.

The numbers put the film comfortably inside the top 10 Telugu openers of 2026 — a notable achievement given the tepid critical response it has received so far.

5.5 Times Higher Than Last Release

According to early estimates, the opening day figure is 5.5 times higher than what Varun Tej's last theatrical release managed on its first day. That film had struggled to find traction at the ticket windows, making this resurgence all the more striking for the actor and his team.

The jump suggests strong pre-release buzz, effective marketing, and perhaps audience curiosity around the film's quirky premise. Trade analysts point out that holiday timing and favourable screen allocation in key circuits like Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may have also contributed to the robust start.

Mixed Reviews, Strong Footfalls

Critical reception has been divided. The Hindu noted that Varun Tej and Sathya's comic timing cannot rescue what it called a dull narrative. The review echoed a sentiment shared by several other outlets, which praised the lead performances but found the screenplay lacking in momentum.

Despite the lukewarm word-of-mouth from critics, audiences appear to have shown up in decent numbers. Early reports from multiplexes in Hyderabad and Vijayawada indicate occupancy levels of around 60-70 per cent in evening shows, with single-screen theatres in the C centres performing better than expected.

What the Numbers Mean

The Rs 3.95 crore net collection on day one places the film ahead of several mid-budget Telugu releases from earlier this year. In AP and TG regions alone, the film reportedly earned around Rs 3 crore in distributor share, according to Deccan Chronicle.

For context, a day-one gross of Rs 4.50 crore is a solid foundation, though the real test lies in the weekend trajectory. Telugu films with mixed reviews often see a sharp drop on Monday, and the makers will be hoping that positive audience word-of-mouth counters the critical consensus.

What Happens Next

The film's second and third day collections will determine whether it can sustain its opening momentum and emerge as a profitable venture for its investors. With no major Telugu release scheduled for next week, Korean Kanakaraju has a clear runway to accumulate numbers.

All eyes will now be on the weekend figures and whether the film can cross the Rs 15 crore lifetime mark — a threshold that would firmly establish it as a comeback of sorts for Varun Tej at the box office.