Movies
Big Troubles for Puri Jagannadh Stall Pokiri Re-Release and Threaten Slumdog
Puri Jagannadh faces serious financial troubles leading to the halt of Pokiri's re-release and uncertainty over Slumdog's launch, raising concerns among fans and distributors.
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Dumtika Editorial
March 25, 2026 · 1 min read
(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Director Puri Jagannadh is currently navigating significant challenges as his highly anticipated re-release of Mahesh Babu’s blockbuster Pokiri has been halted due to unsettled financial dues. Known for delivering hits like Pokiri, Puri’s recent projects Liger and Double iSmart failed to perform at the box office, resulting in heavy losses for distributors.
The director reportedly owes money to several distributors, including those who backed Liger and Double iSmart. This debt has led a group led by distributor Suniel Narang to block any release associated with Puri until his dues are cleared. The cancellation of Pokiri’s re-release, originally scheduled for May, has disappointed fans who had fond memories of the film’s special shows in 2022.
Adding to the turmoil, Puri Jagannadh’s upcoming film Slumdog featuring Vijay Sethupathi has completed shooting but faces release uncertainties. Non-theatrical rights are being finalized, yet theatrical deals remain pending because of the ongoing financial disputes. Industry insiders warn that if Puri does not resolve these issues soon, Slumdog’s release in Telugu states could be jeopardized.
Fans of Puri Jagannadh await a strong comeback from the director, hoping he overcomes these hurdles and delivers another blockbuster. The coming months will be crucial in determining the fate of his projects and his standing in Tollywood.
