Naga Chaitanya's Thandel is proving to be a solid box office performer despite mixed reviews and average ratings.

The film is set to cross ₹85-90 crore worldwide ( as per producers ), a remarkable feat considering it didn't have the so-called unanimous praise from cinephiles.

This raises an interesting question: If a film with an okay response can do these numbers (assuming the numbers are genuine), then why aren't Nani's movies, which supposedly receive universal acclaim, collecting significantly higher?

Social media is buzzing with comparisons. Chay fans are pointing out that Thandel didn't have the so-called cinephile support or over-the-top appreciation that films like Dasara, Hi Nanna, and Saripodhaa Sanivaaram enjoy.

Yet, it is performing at the same level as Nani's biggest hits. This has led to debates about whether Nani's box office pull is truly as strong as it is projected to be.

The argument being made is simple-if Nani's films genuinely had mass acceptance beyond social media circles, they should be raking in much bigger numbers.

Instead, their collections seem to be in the same bracket as Thandel, which had neither the extraordinary hype nor the universal acclaim that Nani's films supposedly receive.

Despite the critical praise and fan celebrations, Nani's movies are not translating into exceptional box office figures. This means his films are either overestimated in terms of reach, or audiences outside social media circles are simply not as impressed with them as they are made out to be.

With Thandel proving that even a film with mixed feedback can do such strong numbers, it puts a fresh perspective on Nani's so-called "unanimous hits."

Maybe it's time for fans and trade analysts to release Nani's true box office standing rather than just celebrating based on perception.