The Telugu film Khaleja (2010), starring Mahesh Babu, is famous for its story and star power. But when it first came out, the movie did not do well at the box office. Now, producer C. Kalyan has shared why he thinks the film failed. He says Mahesh Babu’s fans were unhappy with the comedy and that caused a big problem.
A Movie with High Hopes
Khaleja was directed by Trivikram Srinivas and had a lot of buzz before release. Fans expected an exciting mix of action, drama, and comedy from Mahesh Babu’s new film. But soon after its release, it became clear that the movie was not doing as well as expected.
Fans Didn’t Like the Comedy
Producer C. Kalyan said the main reason for the flop was the reaction from Mahesh Babu’s fans. “Many fans did not like the funny scenes in the film,” Kalyan said. “Some even called me late at night, asking if I knew how to make movies.”
The criticism from fans was very strong and hurt the producer deeply. It also made it harder to promote the film well.
Midnight Shows and Drunken Backlash
Kalyan revealed that before the release, fans were so excited that they demanded midnight shows across many theatres. But just hours after watching it, the same fans started calling him in anger—some under the influence of alcohol. “They called at midnight, scolding me after getting drunk. They asked things like, ‘Do you even know how to make movies?’ It really hurt me,” he said. The drastic shift from excitement to personal attacks left the producer shocked and emotionally affected.
When Fans Expect One Thing, but Get Another
Mahesh Babu’s fans are known to be very loyal, but in this case, their love turned into disappointment. Khaleja was different from his usual action films because it mixed serious social messages with comedy and fantasy. This change did not sit well with some fans.
This shows a challenge in Telugu movies — when stars try new styles, their fans sometimes resist the change.
From Flop to Cult Favorite
Though Khaleja did not succeed at first, over time many people started to appreciate its unique story and Mahesh Babu’s acting. In 2025, the movie was re-released, but it faced new problems like technical issues during screenings.
One strange incident happened in Vijayawada, where a fan brought a live snake into a theatre to copy a scene from the movie. This caused panic and made headlines.
Another Producer’s View
Producer Singanamala Ramesh Babu, who also worked on Khaleja, said that the film and another Mahesh Babu movie Komaram Puli caused losses of over ₹100 crore. He also said he felt let down because the lead actors did not offer support after the failures.
What Can We Learn?
The story of Khaleja shows how hard it is for producers and filmmakers to please star fans while trying new ideas. It also shows the risk when a star’s fans expect one kind of movie but get something different.
Fans should remember that supporting stars means also supporting their creative risks. Producers, on the other hand, need to balance fan expectations with their own vision.
Looking Forward
Even with its ups and downs, Khaleja is an important film in Telugu cinema. It took risks and eventually earned respect for its story and message. Producer C. Kalyan’s honest words help us understand the struggles behind the scenes and the power of fan culture.
As Telugu films grow and change, the lessons from Khaleja will guide how filmmakers tell stories and work with stars and fans.
LATEST NEWS
- Premalu 2: What We Know About the Sequel So Far
Premalu 2 fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Malayalam filmmaker Girish AD has officially confirmed that Premalu 2, the much-awaited sequel to the […]
- Samantha Caught With Raj Again – It’s Official?
Samantha has reignited dating rumours after posting a series of intimate photos featuring filmmaker Raj Nidimoru during her recent visit to the United States for […]
- Lucky Bhaskar 2: Powerful Sequel Confirmed by Venky Atluri
In a recent media interaction, Venky Atluri confirms sequel plans for his critically acclaimed film, Lucky Bhaskar, officially setting the stage for Lucky Bhaskar 2. […]
- Mysaa: The Powerful Meaning Behind the Title
Rashmika Mandanna has taken the spotlight with a striking transformation in her upcoming action drama Mysaa. The first-look poster reveals her in blood-smeared tribal attire, […]
- War 2 Movie Shocker: Fans Deeply Disappointed
War 2 movie, one of India’s most awaited spy thrillers, has sparked widespread chatter—not for a new trailer or song, but for its surprising promotional […]
