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CHITRAM,
BACHELORS RAKE IN THE BIG BUCKS
Andhra sees spurt in small films
By BVS Prakash
HYDERABAD: Telugu filmdom seems to be witnessing a “boom”
in small budget films with more than 10 such projects on the
floors in various stages of production. After a slump in production
last year the industry is buzzing with activity, much to the
relief of industry bigwigs who have always wanted to safeguard
the interests of small-budget filmmakers.
Contrary to the belief that only government sops will revive
small films, the phenomenal success of Usha Kiron Movies’
Chitram and the other super-hit, Bachelors, has triggered
a boom in the industry.
It all started with producer Mahendra’s two consecutive
hits Police and Deva at the fag end of last year, when he
discovered a new star in baddie-turned-hero, Srihari. The
action hunk became the messiah of small-budget filmmakers
and he has already had three releases this year.
Usha Kiron Movies, known for many thought-provoking films
in the past, regained its glory with the youthful entertainer,
Chitram. According to industry sources, it was made on a shoe-string
budget of Rs 42 lakh, by debutant Teja. It is still going
strong even after a 50 days’ run and is expected to set
new collection records. Its stupendous success has also launched
director Teja, who has received 10 offers, and newfaces Uday
Kiron and Raima Sen. Usha Kiron Movies are now remaking the
film in Tamil and Hindi, since the novel plot of a minor girl
getting pregnant seems to have clicked.
Producer-director Sana Yadi Reddy disproved the trade pundits
and released his youthful love story Bachelors on his own.
The tale of four bachelors has been attracting the youth,
and though branded a ‘sex’ comedy, the film has
been a huge hit. Made with a budget of Rs 25 lakh, it is expected
to gross more than Rs 2.5 crore, and Sana himself is laughing
all the way to the bank.
If not for the boom, many films that would not have seen the
light of day otherwise, have now been sold. Feb 14th Necklace
Road, made by a new team, for instance has now found buyers.
Similarly, the producers of films like Tension Tension, NTR
Nagar, Dadagiri, Ahora and Cheliya have also found takers
for their small-budget films. Obviously, the industry is hoping
that the films, made mostly with new artistes and technicians,
would usher in fresh blood and novel ideas.
The Telugu audience has been rejecting the routine stuff,
outright of late, and craving for novelty. The boom may be
sustained if the filmmakers pick up novel themes. But if worthless
films like Pasupu Kunkuma and Pellamnachindi get released
in the guise of small films, the trend may prove to be a temporary
phenomenon.
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