Box Office: Viewers show apprehension about Chhaava's Telugu trailer dub; can Vicky Kaushal's movie succeed in Andhra States?

Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, faces mixed reactions for its Telugu dub. With concerns over its quality, the film’s success in Andhra Pradesh depends on how audiences respond to the new approach.

Written by Shanaz Syed , Journalist

Published on Mar 03, 2025 | 07:00 PM IST | 17.2K

Credit: Vicky Kaushal Instagram

Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, is set to release in Telugu on March 7 under Geetha Arts. The film has generated mixed reactions, particularly due to concerns surrounding the quality of its Telugu dubbing. There is apprehension among the Telugu audience that the poor dubbing might affect the movie's reception, leading to doubts about its potential success in the region. Moreover, Hindi version of Chhaava is already well on course to net over Rs 500 crore, showing its massive appeal in other regions.

Typically, Telugu audiences are drawn to English films, followed by Tamil-dubbed movies, with Malayalam films being preferred on OTT platforms. This preference stems from the fact that Malayalam movies tend to have a slower pace, which doesn’t always resonate with the high-energy, action-packed vibe typical of Telugu cinema. Kannada films have made a mark recently, with hits like KGF and Kantara, but Hindi films have historically struggled to make an impact in the Telugu market.

However, the Telugu dub faces a tougher challenge due to its unfamiliarity with the audience’s preferred style. Telugu viewers often favor high-energy, masala films, and Chhaava—a historical action film—focuses more on its narrative rather than traditional commercial elements. This shift could be a double-edged sword, as while some might appreciate the story-driven approach, others might feel it lacks the entertainment they expect from their cinema.

Comparing it to blockbusters like Baahubali and RRR, which combined history, mythology, and entertainment, Chhaava leans more into the story, which may not appeal to all Telugu moviegoers. With the added concern about the Telugu dubbing, the film's success in Andhra Pradesh remains uncertain. The response will ultimately depend on whether audiences are ready to embrace this new direction or stick with the familiar formula that has consistently worked in the past.