Out of Sankranti, Eagle finds the going tough

Mass Raja Ravi Teja’s highly anticipated movie “Eagle,” initially slated for a Sankranti release on January 13, 2024, as a festive special, has decided to step back from the competitive Sankranti season. The decision came after extensive discussions among the producers of other notable films, including Mahesh Babu’s “Guntur Kaaram,” Venkatesh’s “Saindhav,” Nagarjuna’s “Naa Saami Ranga,” and Teja Sajja’s “HanuMan.”

In a commendable move for the benefit of the industry, both the makers of “Eagle” and Ravi Teja officially stated that they have chosen to opt out of the Sankranti race. This decision received widespread appreciation in Tollywood, as sacrificing the Sankranti season, known for its potential for doubled collections, is an uncommon gesture.

The new release date for “Eagle” has been announced as February 9, 2024. However, challenges seem to have arisen even with the change in release plans. Surprising the makers of “Eagle,” Super Star Rajinikanth’s “Lal Salaam,” directed by his daughter Aishwarya Rajinikanth, has also set its release date for February 9, 2024. The film features legendary cricketer Kapil Dev in a cameo, with Vishnu Vishal and Vikranth in the lead roles.

Adding to the competition, “Yatra-2,” directed by Mahi V Raghav, is set to release on February 8. This sequel to the hit film “Yatra” stars Mammootty and Jiiva in the lead roles. “Tillu Square,” the sequel to the successful film “DJ Tillu,” is also releasing on February 9, featuring Siddhu Jonnalagadda and Anupama Parameswaran under the direction of Mallik Ram.

Further intensifying the competition, Sundeep Kishan, Varsha Bollamma, and Kavya Thapar’s “Ooru Peru Bhairava Kona,” directed by VI. Anand, is also scheduled for release on February 9. The dynamic landscape on February 9 raises the question of whether “Eagle” will soar above its competitors or face challenges at the box office. The upcoming clash adds an element of excitement, making it a notable day for cinema enthusiasts.