Sarkaru Vaari Paata, a Telugu action drama, took the box office by storm upon its release in 2022. Starring superstar Mahesh Babu and National Award-winning actress Keerthy Suresh, this Parasuram-directed film generated massive buzz with its high-energy trailer and chart-topping music. With a gripping storyline about financial scams, romance, and revenge, the movie promised a quintessential Tollywood entertainer. In this detailed article, we dive into the day-wise box office collections, worldwide earnings, OTT release details, cast net worth, and the final verdict of Sarkaru Vaari Paata. Let’s explore how this Mahesh Babu starrer performed and whether it lived up to the hype.
🎬 Film Overview
Sarkaru Vaari Paata (transl. Government’s Bid) is a 2022 Indian Telugu-language action drama written and directed by Parasuram. The film, produced by Mythri Movie Makers, 14 Reels Plus, and G. Mahesh Babu Entertainment, stars Mahesh Babu as Mahi, a fierce financier, and Keerthy Suresh as Kalaavathi, his love interest who gets entangled in a web of deceit. The supporting cast includes Samuthirakani, Nadhiya, and Vennela Kishore, adding depth to the narrative. Released on May 12, 2022, the movie hit theaters after multiple delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, fueling anticipation among fans.
The film’s pre-release buzz was electric, with advance bookings reportedly crossing ₹10 crore in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana alone. Mahesh Babu’s return to the big screen after a two-year hiatus, coupled with Thaman S’s pulsating soundtrack, created a frenzy. Social media platforms were abuzz with hashtags like #SVP and #SarkaruVaariPaata, as fans eagerly awaited the clash between Mahi and the corrupt MP Rajendranath, played by Samuthirakani.
📋 Movie Overview Table
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Movie Name | Sarkaru Vaari Paata |
| Release Date | May 12, 2022 |
| Language | Telugu (with dubbed Tamil and Malayalam versions) |
| Director | Parasuram |
| Producer | Naveen Yerneni, Y. Ravi Shankar, Ram Achanta, Gopichand Achanta |
| Lead Cast | Mahesh Babu, Keerthy Suresh, Samuthirakani |
| Budget | ₹140 Crore |
| Genre | Action, Drama, Romance |
🧑🎤 Lead Actor Net Worth (2025)
Mahesh Babu, fondly known as the “Prince of Tollywood,” is one of India’s most bankable stars. As of 2025, his estimated net worth stands at approximately ₹300–350 crore, driven by his acting fees, production ventures, and lucrative brand endorsements. Charging around ₹70 crore for Sarkaru Vaari Paata, Mahesh Babu commands a massive fan base and market value. His endorsements include brands like Thums Up, Santoor, and Royal Stag, contributing significantly to his wealth. With blockbuster hits like Bharat Ane Nenu, Maharshi, and Sarileru Neekevvaru under his belt, Mahesh Babu’s star power ensured Sarkaru Vaari Paata was a hotly anticipated release, further cementing his legacy in Tollywood.
📊 Box Office Collection: India (Day-Wise)
Sarkaru Vaari Paata opened to a thunderous response, capitalizing on Mahesh Babu’s star power and strong advance bookings. Below is the day-wise box office collection for India (nett figures):
| Day | Collection (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | ₹50.01 |
| Day 2 | ₹11.04 |
| Day 3 | ₹12.01 |
| Day 4 | ₹12.10 |
| Day 5 | ₹3.64 |
| Day 6 | ₹2.32 |
| Day 7 | ₹1.82 |
| Week 1 Total | ₹92.94 |
The film saw a massive opening on Day 1, grossing ₹50.01 crore nett in India, driven by strong performances in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. However, collections dropped significantly on Day 2 due to mixed word-of-mouth and weaker performance in smaller towns. The weekend (Days 1–3) maintained decent momentum, with a slight spike on Day 3 due to Sunday audiences. By Day 4, collections stabilized but saw a steep decline from Day 5 onward, reflecting the impact of mixed reviews. The first week closed at ₹92.94 crore nett, a strong but not record-breaking performance for a Mahesh Babu film.
🌍 Overseas & Worldwide Collection
Sarkaru Vaari Paata performed impressively in international markets, particularly in the USA, where it grossed nearly ₹7.13 crore on its opening day alone. Below is the breakdown of its worldwide earnings:
| Region | Earnings (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|
| India Nett | ₹135.00 |
| Overseas | ₹28.00 |
| India Gross | ₹159.30 |
| Worldwide Total | ₹187.17 |
The film grossed ₹159.30 crore in India and ₹28 crore overseas, culminating in a worldwide gross of approximately ₹187.17 crore. While some sources, like Wikipedia, estimate the worldwide gross between ₹220–230 crore, most trade analysts peg it closer to ₹180–190 crore, with a distributor share of ₹110.12 crore. The USA and Gulf regions were key contributors to overseas earnings, with the film performing strongly among the Telugu diaspora. However, it fell short of the ₹250 crore gross needed to be a clean hit, as per industry benchmarks.
📺 OTT Release Info
Sarkaru Vaari Paata found a digital home on Amazon Prime Video, with its streaming debut on June 23, 2022, in Telugu, along with dubbed Tamil and Malayalam versions. Star Maa secured the satellite rights, while Amazon Prime Video acquired the digital distribution rights for an estimated ₹35–40 crore. Additionally, the film was available for early access rentals starting June 2, 2022, at ₹199 for both Prime and non-Prime users in India. The OTT release helped the film reach a broader audience, with digital viewership reportedly strong due to Mahesh Babu’s popularity and the film’s family-friendly appeal.
📈 Records & Milestones
- Sixth-Highest Opening Day: Sarkaru Vaari Paata recorded a ₹70.01 crore worldwide gross on Day 1, making it the sixth-highest opening for a Telugu film at the time, trailing behind heavyweights like RRR (₹223 crore) and Baahubali 2 (₹214 crore).
- Fastest to ₹100 Crore in India: The film crossed the ₹100 crore mark (gross) in India within its opening weekend, a testament to Mahesh Babu’s star power.
- Third-Highest Grossing Telugu Film of 2022: With a worldwide gross of ₹187.17–230 crore, it secured the third spot among Telugu films of 2022, behind RRR and KGF: Chapter 2.
- USA Premieres Record: The film earned $921,186 (₹7.13 crore) in USA premieres, the best for any Mahesh Babu film and second only to RRR among Indian films that year.
Compared to other Mahesh Babu films like Bharat Ane Nenu (₹53.8 crore opening) or Sarileru Neekevvaru, Sarkaru Vaari Paata’s opening was stronger but failed to sustain momentum due to mixed reviews.
🎭 Audience & Critical Reception
The audience response to Sarkaru Vaari Paata was polarized. Fans praised Mahesh Babu’s charismatic performance and stylish action sequences, but many criticized the predictable storyline and lack of emotional depth. Critics gave mixed reviews, with an IMDb rating of 5.6/10, noting that the film followed a typical Telugu commercial template with a “half-baked script.” Keerthy Suresh’s role as Kalaavathi received appreciation for her charm, though some felt her character lacked depth. The film’s music, composed by Thaman S, was a highlight, with tracks like “Kalaavathi” and “Ma Ma Mahesha” becoming chartbusters.
💬 Social Media Buzz
On X, Sarkaru Vaari Paata trended with hashtags like #SVP, #SarkaruVaariPaata, and #MaheshBabu, especially during its theatrical run. Fans shared memes and clips of Mahesh Babu’s action scenes and dialogues, with viral moments like the “Penny Song” gaining traction. However, negative sentiment also surfaced, with posts calling the film a “flop” and estimating lifetime nett collections at ₹108 crore in India. Conversely, some defended its performance, citing a 98% recovery rate and strong family audience turnout. The polarized buzz reflected the film’s mixed reception, with fans lauding Mahesh Babu’s screen presence while others debated its box office longevity.
📝 Box Office Verdict
| Budget | ₹140 Cr |
|---|---|
| Collection | ₹187.17 Cr (Worldwide Gross) |
| Verdict | Above Average |
| Recovery Time | 12 Days |
Despite a strong start, Sarkaru Vaari Paata fell short of the ₹250 crore gross needed to be declared a clean hit. With a distributor share of ₹110.12 crore against a ₹120 crore business, it achieved 91% recovery, making it an above-average performer. The film’s inability to break even by ₹10–12 crore, coupled with mixed reviews, prevented it from achieving blockbuster status. However, its digital performance and family audience support ensured it wasn’t a flop.
📈 Predictions & Future Expectations
Looking ahead, Sarkaru Vaari Paata’s digital run on Amazon Prime Video continues to attract viewers, potentially boosting its overall reach. Mahesh Babu’s upcoming projects, including his collaboration with SS Rajamouli, are expected to set new box office benchmarks, given his consistent draw. For Tollywood, 2022 was a year of big releases like RRR and KGF 2, and while Sarkaru Vaari Paata didn’t match their scale, it held its own as a commercial entertainer. Future Mahesh Babu films will likely aim for stronger scripts to capitalize on his massive fan base.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total box office collection of Sarkaru Vaari Paata?
A: The total worldwide gross is approximately ₹187.17–230 crore, with most estimates around ₹180–190 crore.
Q2: Is Sarkaru Vaari Paata a hit or flop?
A: Based on its budget and earnings, it is declared an above-average film, recovering 91% of its investment.
Q3: What is the net worth of Mahesh Babu in 2025?
A: Approximately ₹300–350 crore.
Q4: When will Sarkaru Vaari Paata release on OTT?
A: The film is streaming on Amazon Prime Video since June 23, 2022.
Q5: How much did Sarkaru Vaari Paata earn on Day 1?
A: ₹50.01 crore nett in India on its opening day.
🔚 Conclusion
Sarkaru Vaari Paata delivered a solid box office performance, grossing ₹187.17–230 crore worldwide, driven by Mahesh Babu’s star power and a strong opening. Despite falling short of blockbuster status due to mixed reviews and a steep drop post-weekend, the film’s above-average verdict and OTT success kept it relevant. Its music, action sequences, and Mahesh Babu’s charisma were undeniable highlights, making it a memorable addition to his filmography. As fans await more updates on his future projects, Sarkaru Vaari Paata remains a testament to Tollywood’s ability to deliver mass entertainers. Stay tuned for our review of its digital performance and more Tollywood box office insights! For more box office news visit the hdhub4umovie.
