Anushka Shetty’s comeback film, Ghaati, directed by Krish Jagarlamudi, is set for its North American premiere. Advance sales have reached USD 18,460 across 123 locations, a modest start for the heroine-centric drama. The film portrays a tribal woman’s transformation into a criminal figure involved in the ganja trade, facing competition from Sivakarthikeyan’s Madharaasi.
South Indian superstar Anushka Shetty is all set to make a strong comeback with Ghaati, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Krish Jagarlamudi. The film is slated to premiere in North America tomorrow, and early signs from the advance booking window paint a modest picture of its overseas traction.As per data, Ghaati has clocked USD 18,460 (Rs 16.25 lakh) in advance sales for its USA premiere screenings. The film is set to release across 123 locations and sold over 1200 tickets. While these numbers fall short of what one would expect from a star associated with Baahubali, they still represent a respectable start for a heroine-centric drama in an international market largely dominated by big-budget, hero-driven spectacles.Anushka Shetty enjoys massive goodwill among audiences, particularly in the diaspora, thanks to her unforgettable portrayal of Devasena in S.S. Rajamouli’s epic Baahubali franchise. Beyond her mainstream appeal, she has carved a niche for herself in strong, women-led narratives like Arundhati and Bhaagamathie. With Ghaati, she steps into yet another challenging role that could test the limits of her versatility. The film’s story follows a tribal woman whose life takes a dark and transformative turn. Starting off as a victim, she gradually becomes entangled in the ganja trade ,from smuggling to illegal cultivation in the Uttarandhra region and ultimately emerges as a feared and legendary criminal figure. This layered narrative not only offers Anushka a complex character arc but also positions Ghaati as a gritty, unconventional drama rather than a glossy commercial entertainer.Director Krish Jagarlamudi, known for films like Kanche and Gautamiputra Satakarni, brings his flair for blending social themes with mainstream storytelling. His involvement has added credibility to the project, though the challenge remains in converting critical curiosity into box office momentum in a crowded North American marketplace.For now, the $18,461 premiere advance figure suggests that Ghaati will rely heavily on walk-ins and positive word-of-mouth to build traction. The wide release strategy spanning 123 locations ensures visibility, but sustaining interest beyond the opening weekend will depend on the film’s reception among audiences.The film faces competition from Sivakarthikeyan’s Madharaasi which has done advance booking of over USD 32,000 in USA alone.
