Years after its theatrical release, Jaya Janaki Nayaka has found a remarkable second life online. The film’s Hindi-dubbed version, titled Khatarnaak, has officially crossed 1 billion views on YouTube, making it the first Hindi-dubbed movie to achieve the milestone on the platform.
The action drama, directed by Boyapati Srinu, stars Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Rakul Preet Singh, and Jagapathi Babu in lead roles. While the film received a modest response at the box office during its original release, it has steadily gained immense popularity among digital audiences over the years.
Boyapati Srinu Says Content Ultimately Wins
Reacting to the record-breaking achievement, director Boyapati Srinu said he always believed in the film’s strength despite its theatrical performance.
The filmmaker shared that although the movie didn’t become a major box-office success, he never doubted its storytelling. According to him, reaching one billion viewers online proves that quality content can continue to connect with audiences long after its release.
He described the milestone as a rewarding moment and said it strengthens his confidence in making films driven by conviction rather than worrying only about commercial results.
Digital Success Beyond the Box Office
Srinu noted that the film has now reached far more viewers through YouTube than it ever did in cinemas. He believes the movie’s emotional storyline and action-packed narrative helped it attract audiences across different languages and regions.
The director also pointed out that several of his films have performed well commercially, but Khatarnaak has emerged as one of his most-watched projects because of its extraordinary digital reach.
Director Opens Up About Future Films
Looking ahead, Boyapati Srinu revealed that he is currently finalising his next project and plans to announce it soon.
He also confirmed that Akhanda 3 is part of his future plans, although the film is still some time away from production. He added that Akhanda 2 was filmed at several locations in Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, and he hopes to continue exploring North Indian locations for upcoming projects.
About the Film
Released in 2017, Jaya Janaki Nayaka is a Telugu-language romantic action film featuring Bellamkonda Sreenivas, Rakul Preet Singh, and Jagapathi Babu. The soundtrack was composed by Devi Sri Prasad (DSP).
Its Hindi version, Khatarnaak, was released on YouTube by Pen Movies, where it gradually built a massive audience. By surpassing 1 billion views, the film has set a new benchmark for dubbed South Indian cinema on digital platforms, highlighting the ever-growing popularity of regional Indian films among Hindi-speaking viewers.
