Pawan Kalyan’s much-anticipated movie Ustaad Bhagat Singh hit theaters on March 19, 2026, and made a remarkable debut, earning ₹37.17 crore on its first day. By 1 PM, the film had already grossed ₹9.94 crore, with a staggering 41,000 tickets sold.
Despite its impressive box office performance, Ustaad Bhagat Singh faced significant challenges, including piracy issues that marred its release. The film, directed by Harish Shankar and produced by Mythri Movie Makers, received mixed reviews from both audiences and critics.
In the Telugu-speaking belt, the film earned ₹31.50 crore on its opening day, outperforming its competitor, Dhurandhar 2, by a notable margin of 93.3 percent in earnings among the Telugu audience.
Critics have been divided in their opinions. One film critic described it as “A Completely Outdated Commercial Entertainer!” noting that while commercial films do not require groundbreaking writing, they should possess some freshness. This critic rated the film 2 out of 5, stating, “This one misses his trademark energy. Boring!”
While the film’s financial success is evident, the mixed reviews suggest that it may not resonate with all viewers. The narrative revolves around the titular character, Bhagat Singh, who stands against injustice, a theme that has historically drawn audiences.
As the weekend progresses, industry observers are keenly watching how Ustaad Bhagat Singh will perform against the backdrop of its piracy issues and critical reception. The film’s ability to maintain momentum in the coming days will be crucial for its overall success.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding any potential actions against piracy or plans for additional marketing to bolster its performance.