Varun Tej’s Korean Kanakaraju Crosses $50K in US Premieres, Telugu States Bookings Surge
Varun Tej’s Korean Kanakaraju records $50K+ in US premieres and high bookings in Telugu states. The horror-comedy opens worldwide on August 7th with strong pre-release buzz.
Dumtika Editorial
August 5, 2026 · 1 min read

(Image: Dumtika Editorial)
Varun Tej’s Korean Kanakaraju Opens to Blockbuster Bookings
Varun Tej is set to make a strong comeback with his latest film, Korean Kanakaraju, an ambitious horror-comedy directed by Merlapaka Gandhi. Known for exploring diverse genres in recent years—from action to period dramas—Varun now shifts gears with this lively entertainer, which has quickly become the talk of Tollywood.
The film’s pre-release campaign has struck a chord: after a blockbuster pre-release event, teaser, trailer, and hit songs have generated a wave of excitement. Bookings opened to a roaring response, with premiere show tickets for August 6th in Hyderabad and Andhra Pradesh selling at a rapid pace. Internationally, US premieres have already crossed $50,000 in advance sales, with sources indicating the figure could touch $100,000 soon.
Inside reports highlight Varun Tej’s standout performance in a dual role—a local from Anantapur and a Korean mobster—while comedian Satya provides memorable laughs. The director’s knack for blending humor and horror, combined with Thaman’s music, has drawn strong praise. The film’s production team is reportedly confident, with censor and industry reports describing it as a complete family entertainer. Korean Kanakaraju releases worldwide on August 7th.


