From Alipiri Steps to Silver Screen: South stars seeking blessings at Tirupati before film releases

In the South Indian film industry, visiting the sacred Tirupati temple ahead of a film's release has become a revered tradition. For many stars, it's more than a spiritual ritual; it's a gesture of devotion, humility, and hope for box office success. One of the most respected customs is climbing the Alipiri footpath, a 7.5 km stretch with over 3,500 steps, barefoot. This act is often seen as a way to seek blessings from Lord Venkateswara and align positive energy before a movie hits theaters.
A longstanding tradition among celebrities
Over the years, several top stars have been spotted making this pilgrimage either quietly or with minimal fanfare. This includes Tamil and Telugu actors as well as Bollywood celebrities. A notable instance was Shah Rukh Khan’s visit to Tirupati in 2023, just before the release of his pan-India blockbuster Jawan. He was accompanied by his co-star Nayanthara and her husband, Vignesh Shivan. Their visit made headlines, with fans praising their devotion and humility.
Past visits and box office success stories
From the Tamil film industry, actors like Ajith, Dhanush, Sivakarthikeyan, Vishal, and even newcomers have taken the Alipiri route as a pre-release tradition. Telugu stars such as Mahesh Babu, Allu Arjun, Nani, Samantha, and Vijay Deverakonda have also followed suit. Interestingly, many of the films associated with these temple visits have seen commercial and critical success. This has reinforced the belief that divine blessings coupled with hard work may influence a film’s fate.
Sometimes, these stars also return to the temple to offer thanks after a successful run. Visuals of them presenting movie posters or placing temple invitations at the Sanctum Sanctorum go viral on social media. These actions create a spiritual narrative around the film, endearing the stars even more to their fan base and adding a sacred dimension to the cinematic journey.
"Visiting Tirupati brings me peace and gratitude. It’s my way of thanking the universe and seeking blessings for all the hard work our team has put in," said Shah Rukh Khan when he visited the popular temple during the 'Jawan' release.

Mahesh Babu visits Tirupati often, and he said, "Tirumala is not just a temple; it’s an emotion. I visit before every release; it's a tradition close to my heart."

"I come here to seek divine blessings not just for my films, but for good health and strength to continue working," Dhanush said during one of his visits to Tirupati.

A sacred tradition: Merging cinema and spirituality at Tirupati
Ultimately, the practice of visiting Tirupati before film releases blends cinema and spirituality in a unique way. Whether it’s a superstar like Shah Rukh Khan or a regional icon, the temple continues to be a place of solace, faith, and silent prayer. As long as stars seek blessings on those sacred steps, Tirupati will remain a silent witness to the rise of many cinematic milestones.


Read More: Best Tamil Movies Of 2025| Top Rated Tamil Movies Of 2025| Latest Tamil Movies