US Advance bookings opened on a dull note, with ticket sales in some locations stuck in single digits. This has raised doubts about whether the makers overestimated demand and went for a wide release without proper assessment. In some cases, collections may not even cover basic publicity costs.

However, the situation in India can turn out to be completely different. Cities like Hyderabad are expected to witness packed shows, at least in the morning, with fans planning celebrations and special screenings. The birthday factor is clearly the driving point here.

There is no question about the film's legacy. Directed by Surender Reddy, Race Gurram was a blockbuster that played a big role in boosting Allu Arjun's career. Its mix of comedy, action, and music, along with Thaman's popular songs, still holds recall value.

One reason for the weak overseas response could be overexposure. The film has been telecast frequently on TV and is easily available on digital platforms, reducing the need for audiences, especially abroad, to watch it again in theatres at such high prices. Still, the response is shocking given the long gap since Pushpa 2's release.

The re-release trend itself remains unpredictable. Sometimes even flop films like Orange do well, while blockbuster hits struggle. Because of such poor collections, fans of rival heroes will now have a chance to mock Allu Arjun. It is going to be bad PR for Allu Arjun on his birthday.

This rush of re-releases on a big scale may end up hurting more than benefiting anyone.