Cyclone Arnab has derailed the opening weekend plans for two Telugu films — Aadarsha Kutumbam and Cult, with theatres across coastal Andhra Pradesh shutting down. The storm, which has already claimed five lives and caused widespread property damage, is expected to keep audiences indoors through Thursday morning. That’s bad news for Trivikram’s Aadarsha Kutumbam, starring Venkatesh and Srinidhi Shetty, which was poised for a strong debut in the region.

The film’s buzz had been building since the trailer dropped earlier this week, with fans speculating whether it could be a repeat of past family drama hits. But now, the weather’s taking centre stage. Cult, Vishwak Sen’s directorial and lead role, faces an even tougher lift, low pre-release chatter means its opening will hinge on turnout, which is unlikely under these conditions.

Trade sources confirm that collections in districts from Srikakulam to Krishna are expected to nosedive. No official delay has been announced yet, but distributors are bracing for a soft start. The real question isn’t just about numbers, it’s how much the storm will reshape the Diwali box office race before it even begins.