Gaddalakonda Ganesh#Soundtrack

In a film studio, an assistant director who aspires to become a film director, Abhilash {{Aka}} Abhi is insulted by one of the directors and he resolves to become a good director with a good film in a few days. Another producer likes Abhi's hard work and suggests that he do a gangster film. He decides to make a biopic of a gangster. In search of a gangster, he finds a ruthless gangster named Gaddalakonda Ganesh {{Aka}} Gani, who lives in the town of Gaddalakonda. Abhi lands in Gaddalakonda and starts learning about Gani with the help of his friend Chintakayyi. Abhi traps Bujjama, the granddaughter of Gani's chef, and she falls in love with Abhi who realizes this and reciprocates her feelings.

After some hilarious scenes, Abhi and Chintakayyi befriend Thuppaki, one of Gani's henchmen. Later the duo learns that Thuppaki is helping Prabhakar, one of Gani's rivals, to kill Gani for his position. Gani acknowledges this, and plans to kill Thuppaki and also kidnaps Abhi and his friend. Abhi tells the truth, and Gani feels happy they are making a biopic about him and narrates his story including his criminal activities.

From childhood, Gani started beating people for money. Later he became a fixer for an M.L.A. Gani was also a fan of the actress Sridevi and fell for a girl also named Sridevi {{Aka}} Devi, a computer student, but she didn't accept him because of his aimlessness. Later she also reciprocated his feelings after he rescued her from ragging. However, Devi's father refused to accept their relationship due to the caste system. Devi and Gani decide to escape from Gaddalakonda, and Gani refuses to kill someone for the M.L.A. because he wants to leave behind his rowdyism. The M.L.A. informed the police about Gani's whereabouts. The police came to the railway station and beat up Gani. At the same time, Devi's father threatens her to marry the bridegroom whom he had chosen, saying he would otherwise order the police to kill Gani. Devi reluctantly married a police officer who belonged to her caste. Another M.L.A. with a lawyer came to the police station and said that Gani's M.L.A. had informed the police about his whereabouts. Gani then went to his M.L.A. and slit his throat in front of his mother. Gani's mother then filed an FIR against him. But Gani claimed in court that his mother is mute. From that day onwards, she refused to speak with Gani.

Presently, Bujjama learns about Abhi and confronts him. At a party celebrating Abhi's return to Hyderabad, Bujjama asks Gani to act as a protagonist in his biopic. Gani agrees against Abhi's wishes. However, Abhi changes his mind after listening to the theatre operator's words and his passion for directing a film, but he can't do it due to Gani's bad acting. Then Abhi appoints acting coach Muni Manikyam for Gani and his gang. Later the acting coach praises Gani for his acting skills due to his ruthless behaviour and humiliates Gani and his gang while they are training.

The shoot begins. The title of the film is Seetimaar. After understanding the difficulties in directing the film, Bujjama reconciles with Abhi. But things take a turn when Gani also changes his mind and falls for Bujjama. At the audio launch, Gani announces that he has gifted a villa to Abhi and wants to marry Bujjamma.

The film is released and opens to a tremendous response. At the same time, Abhi elopes with Bujjama. Gani learns of this and decides to kill Abhi. Meanwhile, Gani's reputation increases due to his acting skills. The people who feared Gani are now asking for selfies and autographs. The little daughter of Thuppaki, who also once feared Gani, kisses him and praises his acting skills. Gani's mother, who refused to talk to him in the past also speaks to him.

Seeing all this, Gani spares Abhi and Bujjama and gives up his rowdy career. Prabhakar's henchman asks him to include him in Gani's next film, which is being directed by Sukumar. Abhi's paternal uncle takes Gani's criminal evidence (tape recorder and files) and hands it over to the D.C.P., who turns out to be Devi's husband. Devi takes the evidence (tape recorder) and grinds it in a blender. When the D.C.P. asks Devi why she had destroyed the evidence, she replies that it's because the D.C.P. couldn't keep his promise to not incriminate Gani. This indicates that Devi still loves Gani. Later, Devi also praises Gani. Abhi uses Gani's gang to threaten stars like Nithin to act in his film and later marries Bujjama, while Gani remains single.

{{Colbegin}}

• Varun Tej as Gaddalakonda Ganesh "Gani"
• Atharvaa as Abhilash "Abhi"
• Pooja Hegde as Sridevi "Devi"
• Mirnalini Ravi as Bujjamma
• Supriya Pathak as Gaddalakonda Ganesh's mother
• Brahmaji as Muni Manikyam, an acting coach
• Pradeep as Abhi's father
• Saraswathi as Abhi's mother
• Devi Prasad as Madhav Rao, Abhi's uncle
• Subbaraju as Penchalayya, Prabhakar's henchman and Buchi Naidu's follower
• Annapoorna as Gani's chef
• Tanikella Bharani as Chalam, the theatre operator
• Satya as Kondamalli {{a.k.a.}} Chintakkayi, Abhilash's friend
• Raja Ravindra as Nallamandu Babji
• Raghu Babu as Producer
• Prabhas Sreenu as Balijayya
• Shatru as Kasi
• Appaji Ambarisha Darbha as Sridevi's father
• Fish Venkat as Khanberi Kanthayya
• Gautam Raju as Kondamalli's uncle
• Ananth Babu as a priest
• Gundu Sudarshan as the typewriting instructor
• Chammak Chandra as an auto driver
• Gururaj Manepalli as Director
• Kadambari Kiran
• Brahmanandam as himself (cameo appearance){{Cite web |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/valmiki/amp_movie_review/71215849.cms |title=Valmiki uMovie Review: Harish Shankar and Varun Tej make Gaddalakonda Ganesh their own |website=The Times of India |access-date=2019-09-20 |archive-date=24 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240424062020/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movie-reviews/valmiki/amp_movie_review/71215849.cms |url-status=live }}
• Rao Ramesh as a writer (cameo appearance)
• Nithiin as himself (guest appearance){{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-excited-about-nithiins-cameo-in-valmiki/articleshow/71200775.cms |title=Varun Tej excited about Nithiin's cameo in 'Valmiki' |website=The Times of India |last1=Nyayapati |first1=Neeshita |access-date=22 September 2019 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924201013/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-excited-about-nithiins-cameo-in-valmiki/articleshow/71200775.cms |url-status=live }}
• Sukumar as himself (guest appearance){{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/sep/04/director-sukumar-to-make-a-cameo-in-varun-tejs-valmiki-2028885.html|title=Director Sukumar to make a cameo in Varun Tej's Valmiki|website=The New Indian Express|date=4 September 2019 |access-date=22 September 2019|archive-date=22 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922000353/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/sep/04/director-sukumar-to-make-a-cameo-in-varun-tejs-valmiki-2028885.html|url-status=live}}
• Dimple Hayathi as an item number in the song "Jarra Jarra"

{{Colend}}

• Naga Mahesh as Buchi Naidu

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| quote = "When I was working on my next film’s script, Karthik Subburaj's Petta released and it was then I watched his Jigarthanda again. Jigarthanda was my favourite film and I believe there was some magic in this story and thought it would work well in Telugu too. I felt Varun Tej will bring a fresh perspective for the negative role played by Bobby Simha in the original and that's how Valmiki began".

| source =  — Harish Shankar, on the origin of the film.

}}

In early November 2018, it was reported that Harish Shankar was to remake the critically acclaimed Tamil-language film Jigarthanda (2014).{{Cite news |date=2018-11-05 |title=Harish Shankar to remake Siddharth's Jigarthanda |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/harish-shankar-to-remake-siddharths-jigarthanda/articleshow/66499031.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-29 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029154352/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/harish-shankar-to-remake-siddharths-jigarthanda/articleshow/66499031.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} That December, Varun Tej was reported to play lead role in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/varun-tej-to-star-in-telugu-remake-of-jigarthanda/|title=Varun Tej To Star In Telugu Remake Of 'Jigarthanda'|work=Silverscreen India |date=18 December 2018}} In early January 2019, Varun revealed that he was approached for the role, but the final call was still on-going.{{Cite news |date=2019-01-09 |title=Varun Tej gives clarification on 'Jigarthanda' Telugu remake |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-gives-clarification-on-jigarthanda-telugu-remake/articleshow/67453536.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-29 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=30 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030010205/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-gives-clarification-on-jigarthanda-telugu-remake/articleshow/67453536.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} Tej revealed that many people had cautioned him and asked him not to sign the film, since his role has negative shades. He took the script to Chiranjeevi, who didn't ask him if he was going to play the hero or villain and told him that the script was good and that he should go ahead and sign the project. So he signed the film immediately.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/chirus-green-signal-made-varun-tej-sign-valmiki.html|title=Chiru's green signal made Varun Tej sign Valmiki | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=20 September 2019}}

Harish said "After DJ, I wanted to go ahead with an urban love story on the lines of Fidaa and Tholi Prema with Varun Tej and pitched the script of Dagudu Muthalu. But he was looking to break his lover boy image and is keen to do a mass entertainer in my signature style".{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/Sep/17/jigarthanda-is-my-favourite-film-valmiki-will-not-veer-too-far-from-the-original-harish-shankar-2034660.html|title='Jigarthanda' is my favourite film, 'Valmiki' will not veer too far from the original: Harish Shanka|date=17 September 2019 }} After eight hour long discussion both decided to remake Jigarthanda.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/exclusive-interview-wasnt-apprehensive-about-doing-bad-guy-screen-says-varun-tej-about-805663|title=Interview: Wasn't apprehensive about doing a 'bad guy' on screen, says Varun Tej about Valmiki|first=Bhavana|last=Sharma|date=18 September 2019|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}

The project was produced by Ram Achanta and Gopichand Achanta under their banner 14 Reels Plus Entertainment.{{Cite web|url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/24362/its-a-wrap-for-varun-tej-pooja-hegde-starrer-valmiki|title=It's a wrap for Varun Tej, Pooja Hegde starrer Valmiki|website=www.moviecrow.com}} The company made a public announcement on 25 January 2018,{{Cite web|url=https://www.telugu360.com/harish-shankar-varun-tej-film-launch-tomorrow/|title=Harish Shankar - Varun Tej film launch tomorrow|date=25 January 2019}} confirming the project, and the film's official title Valmiki was revealed on 27 January 2018.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/harish-shankar-and-varun-tej-s-film-titled-valmiki-95843|title=Harish Shankar and Varun Tej's film titled 'Valmiki'|first=Digital|last=Native|date=29 January 2019|website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/varun-tej-harish-shankar-reveal-title-jigarthanda-remake-viewers-curious-about-bobby-simha-790828|title=Varun Tej, Harish Shankar reveal title of Jigarthanda remake: Viewers curious about Bobby Simha|first=Shekhar H.|last=Hooli|date=27 January 2019|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}}

Karthik Subbaraj gave the original story and Harish Shankar made some changes to original story, later Mithun Chaitanya and Madhu Srinivas scripted the film.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-and-pooja-hegdes-valmiki-to-release-in-september/articleshow/69725223.cms|title=Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde's 'Valmiki' to release in September|newspaper=The Times of India |date=10 June 2019}} Dialogues were written by Harish himself.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/varun-tejs-valmiki-trailer-dialogues-562606|title=Varun Tej's Valmiki Trailer Dialogues|date=10 September 2019|website=www.thehansindia.com}}

{{Blockquote|text=I didn’t want to change the script written by Karthik (Subbaraj) as I thought it was brilliant. However, I have adapted the story to suit our local sensibilities keeping Varun’s image in mind. I have also created a substantial role for Pooja Hegde and her presence will take the film to a different level. If you recall, Jigarthanda was released in Telugu with the same name, but not many people watched it. So, we took a calculative step, acquired the remake rights and made Valmiki.|author=Harish Shankar}}

Prior to the start of film production, both Harish and Tej worked with each other six months for making changes from the original film and characters. "One of the major changes that we have done to this character, originally essayed by Bobby Simha, was give him a backstory to justify why he had become like that. In the original version, Bobby Simha didn’t have a baggage to play that role and he was terrific. But Harish opined that since I had been playing lead roles in the past few years, giving a strong backstory will make it easier for the audience to accept me playing a bad guy. That’s how Pooja Hegde came onboard and she has an interesting role to play in the second half of the story. All the details about my look, the dialect I’m going to use, and body language emerged from the long conversations I have had with Harish during this phase", Tej added.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/valmiki-varun-tej-harish-shankar-on-telugu-remake-of-jigarthanda-and-why-cinema-is-the-hero-of-their-film-7367931.html|title=Valmiki: Varun Tej, Harish Shankar on Telugu remake of Jigarthanda, and why 'cinema is the hero' of their film|date=19 September 2019|website=Firstpost}}

Devi Sri Prasad was initially roped in to compose the score for the film.{{Cite news |date=2019-01-25 |title=Devi Sri Prasad roped in to compose music for Harish Shankar's 'Jigarthanda' remake |work=The Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devi-sri-prasad-roped-in-to-compose-music-for-harish-shankars-jigarthanda-remake/articleshow/67686158.cms?from=mdr |access-date=2023-10-29 |issn=0971-8257 |archive-date=29 October 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231029154352/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/devi-sri-prasad-roped-in-to-compose-music-for-harish-shankars-jigarthanda-remake/articleshow/67686158.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }} But later Mickey J Meyer signed to compose music for the film. Harish further retained most of his regular technicians including cinematographer Ayananka Bose, editor Chota K. Prasad, stunt choreography duo Ram Lakshman, dance choreographer Sekhar and art director Avinash Kolla.{{cite web | url=https://www.moviecrow.com/News/24243/valmiki-first-look-of-pooja-hegde-as-sridevi | title=Valmiki: First Look of Pooja Hegde as Sridevi | website=MovieCrow }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.ragalahari.com/movies/info/95423/gaddala-konda-ganesh-cast-crew.aspx|title=Gaddala Konda Ganesh (2019) | Cast & Crew | News | Galleries | Movie Posters | Watch Gaddala Konda Ganesh Movie Online|website=www.ragalahari.com}} The film's launch event with a puja ceremony was held on 27 January 2019 at Ramanaidu Studios,{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/jigarthanda-remake-titled-valmiki/articleshow/67708804.cms|title=Jigarthanda remake titled Valmiki|newspaper=The Times of India |date=27 January 2019}} which saw the attendance of noted personalities from the Telugu film industry.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/shooting-varun-tejs-valmiki-progresses-100334|title=Shooting of Varun Tej's 'Valmiki' progresses|first=Digital|last=Native|date=19 April 2019|website=The News Minute}} Sukumar, V. V. Vinayak, Dil Raju, Niharika Konidela graced the event as chief guests, along with film's cast and crew.{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/varun-tej-new-film-valmiki-launched-5556987/lite/|title=Varun Tej's new film Valmiki launched|website=Indian Express|date=27 January 2019|access-date=2019-08-13|archive-date=13 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813110553/https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/varun-tej-new-film-valmiki-launched-5556987/lite/|url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/telugu-events-varun-tejs-valmiki-movie-launch-photos-77627 |title=Varun Tej's 'Valmiki' Movie Launch |website=Indiaglitz |access-date=2019-08-13 |archive-date=13 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813111546/https://www.indiaglitz.com/telugu-events-varun-tejs-valmiki-movie-launch-photos-77627 |url-status=live }}

Varun Tej portrays the title character Gaddalakonda Ganesh, a gangster, and sported a bearded look for his role in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/valmiki-pre-teaser-varun-tej-show-off-a-never-seen-before-gangster-avatar-in-harish-shankars-film-6875601.html|title=Valmiki pre-teaser: Varun Tej show off a never-seen-before gangster avatar in Harish Shankar's film|date=25 June 2019|website=Firstpost}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/glad-to-have-finally-shed-my-lover-boy-tag-with-valmiki/articleshow/71202275.cms|title='Glad to have finally shed my lover boy tag with Valmiki'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=20 September 2019}} About his role Tej said "I don't see a character as positive or negative. Any role that excites me and makes feel I’m doing something different, I do it. This character got me excited from the minute I heard the narration."{{Cite web|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/regional-movies/twirled-moustache-rugged-beard-varun-tej-looks-deadly-in-new-poster-of-valmiki/story-KN8FrUqDAgxVIaRjrx21FM.html|title=Varun Tej looks deadly in new poster of Valmiki|date=13 August 2019|website=Hindustan Times}} Tej learned the Telangana dialect for his role and was also informed by Pawan Kalyan.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/i-was-nervous-about-my-look-says-varun-tej-565369|title=I was nervous about my look, says Varun Tej|first=B. V. S.|last=Prakash|date=19 September 2019|website=www.thehansindia.com}}

In February 2019, Pooja Hegde was confirmed to play the female lead,{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/Feb/04/pooja-hegde-to-star-in-varun-tejs-valmiki-9946.html|title=Pooja Hegde to star in Varun Tej's Valmiki?|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=4 February 2019|website=Cinema Express}} marking her second collaboration with both Tej and Shankar after Mukunda (2014) and DJ (2017) respectively.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/pooja-hegde-a-big-surprise-in-valmiki.html|title=Pooja Hegde, a big surprise in Valmiki? | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=16 September 2019}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/pooja-hegdes-role-in-valmiki-revealed/articleshow/70838878.cms|title=Pooja Hegde's look in 'Valmiki' revealed|newspaper=The Times of India |date=26 August 2019}} "Pooja's character, the 'innocent but feisty' Sridevi, wasn't part of the original. I got her in because I wanted to see how Ganesh would react to having a girl in his life. People will love her in the Velluvachi Godaramma remix that we shot at Yanam [Puducherry]", Shankar on Hegde's character.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/valmiki-and-its-quirky-characters-will-leave-you-thoroughly-entertained-harish/articleshow/71185803.cms|title=Valmiki and its quirky characters will leave you thoroughly entertained: Harish|newspaper=The Times of India |date=19 September 2019}} Hegde felt that she was "excited to play a super special character in this film".{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/varun-tej-starrer-valmiki-to-release-on-september-6-5773665/|title=Varun Tej starrer Valmiki to release on September 6|date=10 June 2019}}

Atharvaa was reported to be playing an aspiring film maker in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-exclusive-tamil-actor-atharvaa-murali-roped-in-for-jigarthanda-remake-valmiki-2720790|title=Exclusive! Tamil actor Atharvaa Murali roped in for Jigarthanda remake 'Valmiki'|website=DNA India}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/atharvaa-makes-his-telugu-film-debut-with-valmiki/article29449437.ece|title=Atharvaa makes his Telugu film debut with 'Valmiki'|first=Y. Sunita|last=Chowdhary|newspaper=The Hindu |date=18 September 2019|via=www.thehindu.com}} Mirnalini Ravi was reported to play a supporting role in the film and was paired opposite Atharvaa.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/valmiki-atharvaa-murali-mirnalini-ravi-roped-in-for-the-remake-of-the-tamil-hit-jigarthanda/articleshow/68558333.cms|title='Valmiki': Atharvaa Murali, Mirnalini Ravi roped in for the remake of the Tamil hit 'Jigarthanda'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=25 March 2019}} The film marked the Telugu film debut of both Atharvaa and Mirnalini.{{Cite web|url=https://silverscreenindia.com/movies/news/atharvaas-telugu-debut-valmiki-to-release-on-september-6/|title=Atharvaa's Telugu Debut 'Valmiki' To Release On September 6|work=Silverscreen India |date=11 June 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-exclusive-tiktok-sensation-mirnalini-ravi-set-to-make-her-telugu-debut-with-valmiki-2733932|title=Exclusive! TikTok sensation Mirnalini Ravi set to make her Telugu debut with 'Valmiki'|date=11 February 2019|website=DNA India}}

Brahmanandam and Rao Ramesh joined the casts to play cameo roles, and Sukumar and Nithiin joined the cast for guest appearance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/Sep/04/director-sukumar-makes-a-cameo-in-valmiki-14078.html|title=Director Sukumar makes a cameo in Valmiki|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=4 September 2019|website=Cinema Express}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-excited-about-nithiins-cameo-in-valmiki/articleshow/71200775.cms|title=Varun Tej excited about Nithiin's cameo in 'Valmiki'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=19 September 2019}}

Principal photography the film began from February 2019.{{Cite news |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/valmiki-the-varun-tej-starrer-goes-on-the-floors/articleshow/68107941.cms |title='Valmiki': The Varun Tej starrer goes on the floors |website=Times of India |access-date=2019-08-13 |archive-date=23 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190223093815/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/valmiki-the-varun-tej-starrer-goes-on-the-floors/articleshow/68107941.cms |url-status=live }} Atharvaa joined the shooting in March 2019.{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/actor-atharvaa-make-tollywood-debut-valmiki-99097%3famp |title=Actor Atharvaa to make Tollywood debut in 'Valmiki' |website=The News Minute |date=28 March 2019 |access-date=2019-08-13 |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408091141/https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/actor-atharvaa-make-tollywood-debut-valmiki-99097?amp |url-status=live }} In late-March, it was reported that Varun Tej would join the sets in mid-April 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/varun-tej-to-join-valmiki-shoot-from-this-date.html|title=Varun Tej to join Valmiki shoot from this date|date=22 March 2019}} Later, he joined the sets on 16 April 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-and-harish-shankar-s-valmiki-begins-shoot/articleshow/68934487.cms|title=Varun Tej and Harish Shankar S' 'Valmiki' begins shoot|newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 April 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/varun-tej-commences-valmiki-shoot.html|title=Varun Tej commences Valmiki shoot|date=18 April 2019}} In May, footage of Tej was leaked and went viral.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/varuns-look-from-valmiki-gets-leaked.html|title=Varun's look from Valmiki gets leaked|date=1 May 2019}} Tej met with an accident while travelling from Hyderabad to Kurnool to take part in shooting of the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/news/2019/Jun/13/close-shave-for-actor-varun-tej-12262.html|title=Close shave for actor Varun Tej|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=13 June 2019|website=Cinema Express}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/Jun/13/close-shave-for-actor-varun-tej-at-rayanipeta-1989537.html|title=Close shave for actor Varun Tej at Rayanipeta|date=16 June 2019|website=The New Indian Express}} In mid-June 2018, Harish Shankar tweeted that filming was happening at Yaganti temple.{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.asianetnews.com/entertainment/varun-tej-s-valmiki-movie-shooting-happening-at-yaganti-pt1l2k|title=పరమశివుడి ఆశీస్సులతో.. యాగంటిలో వరుణ్ తేజ్!|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd}}

In July 2019, while shooting in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, the Boya community halted the film's shoot (see #Controversies).{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/valmikis-shoot-disrupted-in-anantapur.html|title=Valmiki's shoot disrupted in Anantapur | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=2 July 2019}} Later the production moved to Chevella, Hyderabad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tollywood.net/boya-community-fires-on-varun-tej/|title=Boya Community fires on Varun Tej|first=Tollywood|last=Desk|date=2 July 2019|website=Tollywood}} In late-July 2019, Pooja Hegde joined the sets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmfare.com/news/bollywood/pooja-hegde-begins-shoot-for-harish-shankars-valmiki-35189.html|title=Pooja Hegde begins shoot for Harish Shankar's Valmiki | Filmfare.com|website=www.filmfare.com}} In early-August, Hollywood cinematographer Robert Richardson visited the film's set.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/hollywood-cinematographer-robert-richardson-visits-sets-of-valmiki/articleshow/70546523.cms|title=Hollywood cinematographer Robert Richardson visits sets of Valmiki|newspaper=The Times of India |date=6 August 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.bollywoodhungama.com/news/south-cinema/valmiki-pooja-hegde-gets-work-academy-award-winner-robert-richardson/|title=Valmiki: Pooja Hegde gets to work with Academy Award winner Robert Richardson : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama|first=Bollywood|last=Hungama|website=Bollywood Hungama |date=8 August 2019}} A song featuring Pooja Hegde and Tej was shot on the banks of Godavari River at Rajahmundry in late-August.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/010919/pooja-hegde-to-groove-to-sridevis-song.html|title=Pooja Hegde to groove to Sridevi’s song|first=Sashidhar|last=Adivi|date=1 September 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Principal photography wrapped by 4 September 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/valmikis-last-day-of-shoot-is-full-of-surprises-harish-shankar/articleshow/70977274.cms|title='Valmiki's last day of shoot is full of surprises: Harish Shankar|newspaper=The Times of India |date=4 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/shooting-varun-tejs-valmiki-wrapped-108421|title=Shooting of Varun Tej's 'Valmiki' wrapped up|first=Digital|last=Native|date=5 September 2019|website=The News Minute}}

Post-production of the film began simultaneously with the wrapping-up and continuation of film production.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/060819/harish-shankar-picks-up-stake-in-valmiki.html|title=Harish Shankar picks up stake in Valmiki|first=Sashidhar|last=Adivi|date=6 August 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle}} Dubbing works of the film began in August 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/brahmaji-begins-dubbing-for-his-role-in-valmiki/articleshow/70713039.cms|title=Brahmaji begins dubbing for his role in 'Valmiki'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=17 August 2019}} Varun Tej had put in extra efforts to dub for the pre-interval sequence. "I took an entire day to dub for it. Like the original, Valmiki too has a run-time of around three hours", he added.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cinemaexpress.com/stories/interviews/2019/Sep/18/varun-tej-the-audience-will-not-complain-about-the-runtime-of-valmiki-14383.html|title=Varun Tej: The audience will not complain about the runtime of Valmiki|first=C. E.|last=Features|date=18 September 2019|website=Cinema Express}}

VFX work of the film was done by EFX. The trailer cut was done in late-August by A. Ravi and Aswin Siyadri and was over by early-September 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.greatandhra.com/movies/gossip/producers-sideline-director-harish-shankar-99052|title=Producers Sideline Valmiki Director Harish Shankar|first=Venkat|last=Arikatla|date=27 August 2019|website=greatandhra.com}}{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/valmiki-trailer-varun-tej-is-gangster-gaddala-konda-ganesh/articleshow/71049386.cms|title='Valmiki' trailer: Varun Tej is gangster Gaddala Konda Ganesh|newspaper=The Times of India |date=9 September 2019}} On 19 September 2019, the film received a U/A certificate from the Censor Board, with a finalised runtime of 173 minutes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.indiaglitz.com/valmiki-gets-censor-locks-long-run-time--news-244571|title='Valmiki' gets Censor, locks long run-time - News|date=19 September 2019|website=IndiaGlitz.com}}

In June 2019, 14 Reels Plus released a pre-teaser on social media platforms.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/varun-tej-in-a-scruffy-avatar-for-valmiki-pre-teaser/articleshow/69928506.cms|title=Varun Tej in a scruffy avatar for 'Valmiki' pre-teaser|newspaper=The Times of India |date=24 June 2019}} On 15 August 2019 the team released the official teaser{{Cite web|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/telugu/valmiki-teaser-varun-tej-look-video-5909539/|title=Valmiki teaser: Varun Tej's new rugged avatar is intriguing|date=16 August 2019}} and started promoting the film by releasing singles from the album.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/mickey-j-meyer-expresses-his-gratitude-for-composing-music-for-valmiki/articleshow/71180323.cms|title=Mickey J Meyer expresses his gratitude for composing music for 'Valmiki'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 September 2019}} The official trailer of the film was unveiled by 14 Reels Plus on 9 September 2019 and trailer launch event was held on the same day in Hyderabad.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/watch-trailer-varun-tej-s-valmiki-shows-actor-new-avatar-108622|title=Watch: Trailer of Varun Tej's 'Valmiki' shows actor in new avatar|first=T. N. M.|last=Staff|date=9 September 2019|website=The News Minute}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/telugu/2019/Sep/09/valmiki-trailer-varun-tej-looks-fierce-as-gangster-gaddhalakonda-ganesh-in-jigarthanda-remake-2031230.html|title=WATCH 'Valmiki' trailer: Varun Tej looks fierce as gangster Gaddhalakonda Ganesh in 'Jigarthanda' remake|date=9 September 2019|website=The New Indian Express}}

As part of film's promotion, in collaboration with Hyderabad Metro, the production's marketing team placed advertisements on Hyderabad Metro trains.{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.filmibeat.com/whats-new/varun-tej-s-valmiki-posters-found-on-hyderabad-metro-rail-080653.html|title=హైదరాబాద్ మెట్రో ట్రైన్.. ఎక్కడ చూసినా వాల్మీకి మాత్రమే.. వీడియో వైరల్ | Varun Tej's Valmiki Posters Found On Hyderabad Metro Rail - Telugu Filmibeat|date=17 September 2019 }} On 15 September 2018, a grand pre-release event for the film took place in Hyderabad at Shilpakala Vedika,{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/events/hyderabad/varun-tejs-massy-avatar-brings-loud-cheers-at-valmiki-pre-release/articleshow/71169406.cms|title=Varun Tej's 'massy' avatar brings loud cheers at Valmiki pre-release|newspaper=The Times of India |date=18 September 2019}} with Venkatesh as the chief guest.{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanchronicle.com/entertainment/tollywood/150919/the-pre-release-attraction.html|title=The pre-release attraction|first=suresh|last=kavirayani|date=15 September 2019|website=Deccan Chronicle}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/cinema/tollywood/mass-film-given-me-a-new-high-says-varun-tej--564465|title=Mass film given me a new high, says Varun Tej|first=The Hans|last=India|date=16 September 2019|website=www.thehansindia.com}}

{{Main article|Gaddalakonda Ganesh (soundtrack)}}

The soundtrack is composed by Mickey J. Meyer. The song "Elluvochi Godaramma" is a remix of the song "Elluvachi Godaramma" from the 1982 film Devatha. The film marks Meyer's second collaboration with Harish after Subramanyam for Sale (2015). The film featured four tracks with lyrics written by Bhaskarabhatla, Vanamali, Chandrabose and Veturi Sundararama Murthy.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/harish-shankar-brings-chandrabose-and-bhaskarabhatla-on-board-for-valmiki/articleshow/70755605.cms|title=Harish Shankar brings Chandrabose and Bhaskarabhatla on-board for 'Valmiki'|newspaper=The Times of India |date=August 20, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2024|archive-date=September 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906090133/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/music/harish-shankar-brings-chandrabose-and-bhaskarabhatla-on-board-for-valmiki/articleshow/70755605.cms|url-status=live}} The soundtrack album was released by Sony Music India on 5 September 2019. The initial release contained only three tracks; the fourth one was excluded as it was released under the record label Saregama.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/elluvochi-godaramma-video-promo-varun-tej-and-pooja-hegde-try-hard-to-recreate-the-magic-of-sobhan-babu-and-sridevi/articleshow/71169731.cms|title=Elluvochi Godaramma video promo: Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde try hard to recreate the magic of Sobhan Babu and Sridevi|newspaper=The Times of India |date=September 17, 2019|access-date=May 22, 2024|archive-date=July 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230705152509/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/elluvochi-godaramma-video-promo-varun-tej-and-pooja-hegde-try-hard-to-recreate-the-magic-of-sobhan-babu-and-sridevi/articleshow/71169731.cms|url-status=live}} The release coincided with a promotional event held in Hyderabad to promote film's fourth single "Elluvochi Godaramma".{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.asianetnews.com/entertainment/director-k-raghavendra-rao-speech-at-valmiki-elluvochi-godaramma-song-launch-py09xd|title=పూజాహెగ్డే నడుముపై రాఘవేంద్రరావు కామెంట్స్!|website=Asianet News Network Pvt Ltd|access-date=2024-05-22|archive-date=2022-01-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126085511/https://telugu.asianetnews.com/entertainment/director-k-raghavendra-rao-speech-at-valmiki-elluvochi-godaramma-song-launch-py09xd|url-status=live}}

Valmiki, the legendary ancient Indian poet of the Ramayana, is especially revered by the Boyas and many people from that community protested to change the name of the film as the lead actor is in a negative role.{{Cite web|url=https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/varun-tej-valmiki-movie-will-not-be-released-in-anantapur-district-over-law-and-order-issues/articleshow/71204192.cms|title=Valmiki Movie Controversy: 'వాల్మీకి' చిత్రానికి తొలి దెబ్బ.. కలెక్టర్ ఆదేశాలతో నిలిపివేత|language=te|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=5 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230105062126/https://telugu.samayam.com/telugu-movies/cinema-news/varun-tej-valmiki-movie-will-not-be-released-in-anantapur-district-over-law-and-order-issues/amp_articleshow/71204192.cms|url-status=live}} The release of the film was stalled in Anantapur and Kurnool districts of Andhra Pradesh by their respective district collectors due to the protests.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/release-of-valmiki-stalled-in-anantapur/article29462794.ece/|title=Release of "Valmiki" stalled in Anantapur filmmakers|newspaper=The Hindu|date=20 September 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=8 April 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408091141/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/andhra-pradesh/release-of-valmiki-stalled-in-anantapur/article29462794.ece/amp/|url-status=live}} In January 2019, Boya Hakkula Porata Samithi filed a petition in the Telangana High Court and Andhra Pradesh Valmiki Boya Sangam (APVBS){{cite web|url=https://apvalmikiboyasangam.github.io/|title=APVBS ANDHRA PRADESH VALMIKI BOYA SANGAM, Reg.No: 350/2017.|website=github.io|access-date=2019-09-21|archive-date=21 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190921052431/https://apvalmikiboyasangam.github.io/|url-status=live}} in the AP High Court with PIL No:139/2019 by State General Secretary Kranthi Naidu Boya; both contending that the title hurt sentiments as the name of a great saint as Valmiki was being used for a character that donning the role of a villain.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hc-issues-notice-to-valmiki-filmmakers/articleshow/71119535.cms|title=Telangana high court issues notice to "Valmiki" filmmakers|newspaper=The Times of India|date=14 September 2019|language=en|access-date=2019-09-20|archive-date=15 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915013813/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/hc-issues-notice-to-valmiki-filmmakers/articleshow/71119535.cms|url-status=live}}

File:Gaddalakonda Ganesh.jpeg

Due to many controversies over the film's title and release stalling in some areas, the title was changed to Gaddalakonda Ganesh only 6 hours prior to the release of the film.{{cite news|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/last-minute-changes-valmiki-title-changed-gaddalakonda-ganesh-805754|title=Last minute changes to Valmiki; title changed to Gaddalakonda Ganesh|access-date=20 September 2019|work=IB Times|archive-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920084921/https://www.ibtimes.co.in/last-minute-changes-valmiki-title-changed-gaddalakonda-ganesh-805754|url-status=live}}

The film was initially scheduled to be released on 13 September 2019,{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshipost.com/bollywood/2019/07/23/varun-tej-valmiki-release-date-locked|title=Varun Tej Valmiki Release Date Locked|date=23 July 2019|website=Sakshi Post}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/valmikis-release-date-finalized.html|title=Valmiki's release date finalized | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=23 July 2019}} however it was postponed to 20 September due to production delays.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/flix/varun-tej-s-valmiki-title-changed-gaddhalakonda-ganesh-after-protests-ap-109229|title=Varun Tej's 'Valmiki' title changed to 'Gaddhalakonda Ganesh' after protests in AP|first=T. N. M.|last=Staff|date=20 September 2019|website=The News Minute}}

The film's digital rights were acquired by Disney+ Hotstar and it started streaming on Hotstar VIP from 4 November 2019.{{Cite web|url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/ampstories/web-stories/5-most-iconic-roles-played-by-varun-tej|title=5 Most Iconic Roles Played By Varun Tej|first=Team|last=FC|website=www.filmcompanion.in}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.adgully.com/telugu-blockbuster-gaddalakonda-ganesh-now-streaming-on-hotstar-vip-89250.html|title=Telugu Blockbuster Gaddalakonda Ganesh Now Streaming on Hotstar VIP|first=Adgully|last=Bureau|date=4 November 2019|website=www.adgully.com}} The original Telugu-language version of the film premiered on television on 12 January 2020 on Star Maa, and registered a television rating point of 12.75 according to Broadcast Audience Research Council, becoming the Varun Tej's most viewed film on television.{{Cite web|url=https://www.ibtimes.co.in/sye-raa-registers-low-trps-gaddalakonda-ganesh-has-better-viewership-chiranjeevi-film-812161|title=Sye Raa registers low TRPs; Gaddalakonda Ganesh has better viewership than Chiranjeevi film|first=Shekhar H.|last=Hooli|date=23 January 2020|website=www.ibtimes.co.in}} The Hindi dubbed version premiered on Dhinchaak TV channel on 6 March 2022.{{Citation |title=#GaddalakondaGanesh (Hindi) {{!}} Varun Tej, Pooja Hegde {{!}}TV Par Pehli Baar {{!}} 6th March 8 PM{{!}} #Dhinchaak |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4DRvMY7SGQ |language=en |access-date=2022-02-27 |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227140231/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4DRvMY7SGQ |url-status=live }}

Despite being a remake of the Tamil film Jigarthanda, it was also dubbed in Tamil as Kazhugumalai Ganesan in 2021. The film was also dubbed and released in Malayalam as Gajarakota Ganesha in 2022.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MangoMalayalam/status/1582370925273554944|title=x.com|website=X (formerly Twitter)}}

Gaddalakonda Ganesh received a positive response, with both critics and audiences praising cast performances (particularly Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde), action, direction, story and screenplay.

Neeshita Nyayapati writing for The Times of India gave 3.5/5 rating praising Varun Tej's performance as a gangster. A critic of The Hans India rated the film 3 out of 5 stars calling it "worth watching" and wrote "though this is a remake film, the director has succeeded in making the necessary changes and made the film really interesting. The movie starts off on an interesting note and the entire first half is filled with the some action sequences and the story of the gangster."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehansindia.com/movie-reviews/gaddalakonda-ganesh-valmiki-movie-review-rating-35-64213|title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh (Valmiki) Movie Review & Rating {3/5}|date=20 September 2019|website=www.thehansindia.com}}

Rating the film with 3 out of 5 stars, Jeevi of Idlebrain.com wrote "Harish Shankar takes the Tamil cult classic Jigarthanda and gives a mass tweak to it by changing the PoV from hero to villain. Varun Tej adds a new weapon to his armoury with this film. Plus points of the film are Varun Tej and mass elements."{{Cite web|url=https://www.idlebrain.com/movie/archive/gaddalakondaganesh.html|title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh (Valmiki) review by jeevi - Telugu cinema review - Varun Tej and Pooja Hegde|website=www.idlebrain.com}}

Banda Kalyan writing for Sakshi gave 3/5, pointing out that the only drawback of the film is the forced comedy and how people are simply laughing at the screen while watching a film about a gangster.{{Cite web|url=https://www.sakshi.com/news/movies/varun-tej-valmiki-movie-review-1225878|title='గద్దలకొండ గణేష్‌' మూవీ రివ్యూ|website=Sakshi|date=18 January 2019|access-date=2019-01-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920090429/https://www.sakshi.com/amp/news/movies/varun-tej-valmiki-movie-review-1225878|archive-date=20 September 2019 |url-status=live}} A 123 Telugu critic rated it 3 out of 5 stars and wrote "On the whole, Gaddalakonda Ganesh is a passable mass drama which has a few good moments. Varun Tej leads from the front with his solid performance and rocking makeover. The fun generated works in places and keeps the audience engaged."{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/reviews/gaddalakonda-ganesh-telugu-movie-review.html|title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh Telugu Movie Review|date=21 September 2019}}

Sankeertana Varma from Film Companion noted "The entertaining film is packed with inside jokes, but a laugh is inevitably followed by a wince".{{cite web | url=https://www.filmcompanion.in/gaddalakonda-ganesh-movie-review-varun-tej-pooja-hegde-atharvaa-murali-harish-shankar | title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh Movie Review by Sankeertana Varma | Film Companion | work=Film Companion | date=20 September 2019 }} Sangeetha Devi writing for The Hindu suggested this adaptation raises a toast to the cinema, more importantly showcases the power of the director.{{Cite news |url=https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gaddhalakonda-ganesh-review-harish-shankar-entertains-with-this-masala-laden-gangster-drama/article29467666.ece/ |title='Gaddhalakonda Ganesh' review: Harish Shankar entertains with this masala-laden gangster drama |website=The Hindu |date= 18 January 2019 |access-date=2019-09-20 |last1=Dundoo |first1=Sangeetha Devi |archive-date=8 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230408092650/https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/gaddhalakonda-ganesh-review-harish-shankar-entertains-with-this-masala-laden-gangster-drama/article29467666.ece/amp/ |url-status=live }} Hemanth Kumar CR of Firstpost wrote "Varun Tej’s makeover as a fierce gangster is Gaddhalakonda Ganesh’s biggest USP and Harish Shankar taps into the actor’s energy to add zing into this film"{{Cite web|url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/gaddhalakonda-ganesh-movie-review-varun-tej-shines-in-harish-shankars-unabashed-ode-to-cinema-7374691.html|title=Gaddhalakonda Ganesh Movie Review : Varun Tej shines in Harish Shankar's unabashed ode to cinema|date=20 September 2019|website=Firstpost}}

Gaddalakonda Ganesh had higher occupancy on its opening day.{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/gaddalakonda-ganesh-takes-solid-opening-day-one-collections.html|title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh takes solid opening-Day one collections | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=21 September 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.123telugu.com/mnews/gaddalakonda-ganeshs-premiere-show-us-collections.html|title=Gaddalakonda Ganesh's premiere show US collections | Latest Telugu cinema news | Movie reviews | OTT Updates, OTT|date=20 September 2019}} The film netted {{INR}}16 crore in its opening weekend.{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/entertainment/telugu/movies/news/gaddalakonda-ganesh-box-office-collections-first-weekend-varun-tejs-film-rakes-in-rs-15-19-cr-share/articleshow/71259978.cms|title='Gaddalakonda Ganesh' box office collections first weekend: Varun Tej's film rakes in Rs 15.19 Cr share|newspaper=The Times of India |date=23 September 2019}} The film grossed {{INR}}45 crore in its theatrical run with over {{INR}}25 crore as distribution share, becoming a commercial successful.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tollywood.net/i-am-ready-to-make-multilingual-with-varun-tej/|title=I am ready to make multilingual with Varun Tej|first=Tollywood|last=Desk|date=29 September 2019|website=Tollywood}}

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