The theatrical calendar for the third week of February 2026 features a mix of comedy, family drama, and romance, with three projects arriving in cinemas: Nawab Cafe, Hey Balwanth, and Bookie (titled Pookie in Tamil).
1. Nawab Cafe
Directed by Pramod Harsha, Nawab Cafe is a Telugu comedy-drama exploring the challenges faced by a young man named Raja after he inherits his father’s cafe. The film stars Shiva Kandukuri, Rajeev Kanakala, and Teju Ashwini, with music composed by Prashanth R Vihari. Producer Radha V Papudippu noted during a recent press meet, "We wanted to tell a story rooted in the legacy of a local landmark and the emotional weight that comes with preserving it."
2. Hey Balwanth
Originally titled Hey Bhagawan, this comedy caper was renamed following censor-related title issues. Directed by Gopi Atchara, the film features Colour Photo fame Suhas, Little Hearts fame Shivani Nagaram, VK Naresh, comedian Sudarshan. The plot revolves around a son who discovers his father's secret business, leading to a series of humorous and emotional complications. Actor Naresh commented on the project’s tone, stating, "It is a story that balances non-stop humor with a fresh perspective on the father-son relationship." Vivek Sagar is its music director.
Vamsi Nandipati and Bunny Vas are bringing out the movie in theatres.
3. Bookie (Pookie)
Produced by Vijay Antony, this romantic drama centers on a six-year relationship tested by a single, heated argument. Led by Ajay Dhishan and RK Dhanusha, the film is titled Bookie in Telugu. Supporting performances include Sunil and Lakshmi Manchu. "Pookie mistakes cultural referencing for cultural understanding. By reducing Gen-Z love to buzzwords, the film not only misreads its subject but also robs its characters of interiority," Cinema Express stated in its review of the film's Tamil version.
