Nandamuri Balakrishna's Dada Locks Record Non-Theatrical Deal Ahead of Release
Nandamuri Balakrishna's Dada secures the highest non-theatrical rights deal of his career. The film, directed by Gopichand Malineni, is set for a Christmas 2026 release.
Dumtika Editorial
September 19, 2026 · 1 min read

(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Key Highlights
- Dada's non-theatrical rights sold for a record price in Balakrishna's career
- Zee Studios acquires digital, satellite, and music rights
- Film set for December 24, 2026 release during Christmas
- Gopichand Malineni directs, with Kajal Aggarwal as lead actress
Nandamuri Balakrishna's upcoming film Dada, directed by Gopichand Malineni, has set a new benchmark even before its theatrical release. The actor, who is recovering from a recent injury sustained during the film's shoot, is expected to resume filming in the first week of October. Dada, described as a mass entertainer, features Kajal Aggarwal as the female lead and has music composed by Thaman.
The production team, led by producer Venkata Satish Kilaru, has wrapped up all scenes not requiring Balakrishna and has already started post-production work. In a significant development, Zee Studios has acquired the digital, satellite, and music rights for Dada at a price higher than any previous non-theatrical deal for a Balakrishna film. This achievement highlights the strong market interest and expectations surrounding the project.
The makers have officially announced that Dada will hit screens on December 24, aligning with the Christmas festive season. This timing is expected to boost the film's box office prospects, given the holiday audience turnout. Earlier coverage noted that director Gopichand Malineni is presenting Balakrishna in a unique role, adding to the anticipation among fans.
With the non-theatrical rights fetching a record sum and the film's release date set, Dada is positioned as a major event for Telugu cinema this Christmas.


