KALCHAs ATHIDHI BOX-OFFICE UPDATE AND ANALYSIS
ATHIDHI has been nagging the Telugu movie buffs since 3 Weeks. So, where does it stand now? Is it a BLOCKBUSTER or HIT or FLOP or DISASTER? What really happened to ATHIDHI that arrived and gave many of us an overbearing HEADACHE? Have the audiences took a decision? The answer is YES. The audiences have shown the door to this ATHIDHI. ATHIDHI is not a DISASTER like ARJUN or SAINIKUDU. ATHIDHI is just a FLOP. Then, why is it not a disaster and just remained a FLOP? The answer is the EVER CHARMING, COOL, SUBTLE AND YET POWERFUL, HANDSOME DUDE… also known as MAHESH BABU. His electrifying persona alone made ATHIDHI a SAFE venture for the PRODUCERS. But the DISTRIBUTORS and most of the EXHIBITORS couldn’t cash in on MAHESH BABUs AURA.
I know that many of you might question me about the FIRST WEEK RECORDS and also the subsequent records that are being OVER PUBLICIZED. I will ATTEMPT to answer at least some of your doubts…
JUST A FEW OF THE MEDIA COMMENTSONIONDOSA REVIEW:
PUBLIC TALK: Not bad,watchable for Mahesh babu.
INDUSTRY TALK: Divide talk vachindhi.Openings baguntayi..long run kashtam.
TELUGUCINEMA:
Mahesh Babu’s debonair looks, stylish presentation and superior technical values make up the lack of entertainment and other lacunea. Despite its own share of flaws, on the whole, it is an average movie.
ANDHRA CAFE:
All style, no substance.
NOW RUNNING:
Athidhi will fade away from people’s memories and the theaters soon. That’s what happens to movies devoid of healthy imagination and without a personal touch.
ANDHRA CAFE:
Happy Days beats Athidhi.
BHARATWAVES:
A lot of talk is currently on over the film Athidhi. While a majority of the critics have given an AVERAGE verdict, the makers claim that the film is very good. The divided talk and also lot of negative publicity over too much violence, the collections have dropped to an extent. Coming to the collections, the producer claims that the collection in the first two weeks have exceeded even Pokiri. The trade reports suggest that the film might have made around 12 crores but Ramesh Babu claims that the film has collected over 21 crore. The truth is somewhere in between.
UPDATE: 10/11/2007
GREATANDHRA:
*** Adding to this, the other big Ad is about the collections of ‘Athidhi’. It is claimed that in 3 weeks the film collected Rs 36 Cr. But there are only 50 percent collections in many centers. So how far the figure is convincing? That is different story. So, Mahesh Babu is being projected as the hero who has got the potentiality to collect the hugest in Tollywood.
*** Athidhi is losing its grip on box office and it is suffering in big way at B, C centers. The buyers are now in bewilderment as the audiences are not coming to theaters in B, C centers.
Now that you have got a taste of other media’s views… I must caution you that my views would be as always HARSH, BLUNT, HONEST(IN MY VIEW AT LEAST!). So FANS might get hurt. Please don’t read any of my comments if you feel that I am ANTI-MAHESH. But do read if you feel that I try to honestly express my opinions on movies and stars. I am really fed up of the WEBSITES and PRINT MEDIA that perform VIRTUAL PALABHISHEKAMS and PADASEVA.
BUT REMEMBER THAT ALL THESE FINDINGS MAY BE INACCURATE BUT THE TREND PROJECTION CAN’T BE WRONG.
Anyway, my arguments are:
UPDATE: 09/11/2007
I have seen a lot of cut-outs claiming an array of FAKE records of ATHIDHI. For once, ATHIDHI has beaten CHIRUTHA. I am not talking about collections guys/gals… They both are disasters for the Exhibitors. But ATHIDHI has beaten CHIRUTHA when it comes to the FAKE RECORDS. Otherwise, just consider my latest findings…
ATHIDHI is out of at least 75% of the theaters in C centers.
ATHIDHI is out of at least 65% of the theaters in B centers.
ATHIDHI is currently LIMPING in 10 theaters in HYDERABAD as opposed to 39 at the peak. So calculate how many theaters have dumped ATHIDHI. Yeah, a whopping 75%. So I think you get the picture of A centers.
The records all over the media claim of MULTIPLEX collections. Just consider the fact that ATHIDHI is not even limping and is completely handicapped with just ONE SHOW in PRASADZ before the end of its 3rd week. In stark contrast, HAPPY DAYS is beaming smiles all over PRASADZ with 5 SHOWS even after 5 weeks of release.
UPDATE: 05/11/2007
As far as the collections of ATHIDHI in USA are concerned… HOLD YOUR BREATH… Well, no need of that actually, because FLOP here is also a FLOP there. Yeah, it is true that 23,000 individuals have seen it in the first week in USA shelling out approximately $12 per ticket. But still, the DISTRIBUTORS and EXHIBITORS in USA for ATHIDHI have not recovered their investment and are worried that they won’t be able to do so even after its full run. They have invested Rs 1.65 + Rs. 0.17 Crores. But until now, they have only recovered Rs. 1.3 Crores. Moreover, it is now running with only a paltry number of shows. So, there are no hopes of recovering the investments literally.
*** This might be ridiculous to you all, but it is a valid doubt… ATHIDHI was supposed to release in 712 theaters according to the advertisements. But, in a communique to the press, UTV stated that the movie which was released in 500+ theaters is doing well all over. That leaves a gap of 200. So I surveyed many towns across Andhra Pradesh including Hyderabad. My findings point to a possible BLUFF. In fact, barring a few main theaters, UTV-Pyramid Saimira did not even get decent theaters in Hyderabad in the first place. Most of the theaters were second rung. And even the theater count in almost all of the cities was far less than SIVAJI (A Dubbing Movie). In Hyderabad, SIVAJI got released in 45+ theaters. Whereas, ATHIDHI just peaked at 39 when it released. And the theater count has come down heavily to just 13 4-SHOW theaters. And the movie is also exiting most of the theaters all over A.P. at a very fast pace. Believe it or not… Hyderabad’s fate is still better while other centers are reeling under heavy losses.
*** It is true that ATHIDHI averaged 80%+ for the first 4 days. That is HUGE which I already predicted. The reason for that high occupancy is obviously LONG WEEKEND of 4 HOLIDAYS and of course MAHESH BABU. But the figures released by the Athidhi team are not just RIDICULOUS, but they are LAUGHABLE. The Athidhi team are claiming the record of Rs.32,14,65,000/- in just 2 weeks. WHICH IS ENTIRELY FAKE. A section of media openly ridiculed the figures. I have done enough inquiries and surveys to confirm the trend of declining collections. I am once again repeating that I do not give accurate figures. I just project BALL-PARK figures based on various findings. My own findings are projecting around Rs. 18 CRORES. Which obviously leaves a gap of at least Rs. 14 CRORES. So, can they really be so stupid as to give such figures? YES, they can be. I think you all remember the claim for record of 400 YAMADONGA 50 DAYS centers. Of 400, 116 theaters were stated as OVERSEAS centers. Which is beyond ridiculous. The same might be happening with ATHIDHI too.
*** Then the occupancy rates would come in to the picture. For the GROSS and SHARE figures that they are claiming, ATHIDHI should be supposedly averaging 80%+ even in the third week. BUT, ATHIDHI is averaging around 50-55% in SUDARSHAN 35mm (MAIN THEATER) despite the reduction in ticket prices in just 3rd week. In ONGOLE, it is averaging 45-50% in 3rd week. In NELLORE it is slightly better at 55-60% in 3rd week. In Hyderabad, it is just 50%+ in 3rd week. ATHIDHI did fairly well by recovering part the costs in NIZAM. But the rest of the areas are not so lucky. Anyway, the list goes on… So after all these findings, all I can say is that it is an obvious FLOP. I think many of you might remember, earlier this year, DIL RAJU gave a number of press conferences claiming that “MUNNA, while creating area records… Collected This Here… MUNNA Collected That There…” But what was the end result? The same scene is repeating with ATHIDHI.
*** But the most unfortunate repercussion by the debacle of Athidhi is that Mahesh Babu has changed a lot. Generally SHY GUY, Mahesh Babu is known for his STRAIGHT-FORWARDNESS and HONESTY. He was also one of the few stars along with VENKATESH that didn’t encourage FAN clubs. But off-late he too seems to be entwined in the web of stardom. He attended PRESS CONFERENCES. He gave INTERVIEWS to almost all the TV channels. He claimed some BOGUS records. He is visiting theaters all over A.P. He is participating in various contests to lure the audiences. He appeared more for the public and fans in recent times than in his entire life. There was a time when he very often and very openly ridiculed the CUT-OUTS, PALABHISHEKAMS and FAN CLUBS. But life seems to have turned a full circle for Mahesh Babu. Now, he is very oddly claiming that THUMS-UP is providing him the opportunity to meet his FANS. I just have one question here… DOES HE NEED THUMS-UP TO MEET HIS FANS AND ADMIRERS? Not only Mahesh Babu, but also every crew member including MURALI SHARMA(VILLAIN), AMRITA RAO, SURENDER REDDY(DIRECTOR) and also KRISHNA himself are giving interviews relentlessly in a bid to promote Athidhi. Just how many INTERVIEWS have you seen for MURARI, OKKADU, ATHADU, POKIRI?
*** And there was one more serious problem with the publicity. Very obviously, Mahesh Babu is the biggest star of Tollywood when it comes to Box-Office as of today. So, does he need some FAKE publicity VIA some PHONY POLAND GIRLS? I would have believed the craze if it had turned in to some serious Box-Office money. But until then I would be skeptical.
*** Mahesh Babu has said in an interview that he read the script (or listened to narration) of Athidhi for just 10 minutes. I personally feel that instead of spending a whole year in shooting for a would-be FLOP, Mahesh Babu should have read the script for at least 1 more hour. If UTV is really happy as they claim to be with ATHIDHI, then instead of DUBBING it (there were some reports in the media), they would have considered to remake Athidhi in HINDI. Dubbing, if it happens, might just be to recover some costs. Just use your common sense guys… If after all these doubts and mis-haps, one thinks and claims a BLOCKBUSTER out of ATHIDHI… he/she is probably fooling themselves.
*** The Bottom-Line of my frustration is that Mahesh Babu is a Very Good Actor, The Most Handsome Star and Very Honestly Opinionated in the Past to deliver mediocre movies. We need quality movies from him and he is one of the most Qualitative Stars of Indian Cinema and not just Tollywood.
*** My humble request with any FAN (Not just Mahesh Babu’s) is… “PLZ persuade your favorite stars to deliver Quality Films which are also Successful and not necessarily Box-Office Records. Because no one remembers the Box-Office but are always Nostalgic when they look back and find some Master-Pieces of their favorite stars. Those Master-Pieces always make Tollywood proud. —KALCHA
ALSO READSURENDER REDDY AND HIS CALCULATOR
KALCHAs ATHIDHI BOX-OFFICE PREDICTION
KALCHAs ATHIDHI MOVIE REVIEW
ATHIDHI MUSIC SOLD FOR RS. 0.75 CRORES
November 7th, 2007 at 10:29 am
I agree with u entierly.. I m a gr8 fan of mahesh and i was really surprised to see him on TV speaking about the fake records. One cannot do anything but laugh at the records which the producers are saying. Hope Mahesh does not do a movie anymore with Surender Reddy(Heard Mahesh saying that he is planning to do James Bond Movie with him). Surender Reddy seems to have only one way and he is perhaps the most overrated director in Tollywood today.
November 7th, 2007 at 1:21 pm
Full frontal attack on Maheshbabu.Partly I feel, my post had instigated you. Because a lot of your words felt like they were directly addressing me.
Was Arjun a disaster?? Do you know that the movie had collected a share of 15 crores in full run?It was on the grandest movies to hit telugu screen.
Sudershan 35 mm averaging 55 % is a blunder. Figures are not right.Nellore district is reeling under severe floods since second week of the movie’s release.
About coming in media, he did not plan to attend homes and fans. It was marketing campaign by Thumbs-up. He does not decide all that.
Athidhi’s first week overall share is 16+ crores and I have very genuine information. For two weeks the figure is 22 crores. Which is 2 crores short of Mahesh’s superhit film Athadu.
32 is not right.agreed. But it was done by Stalin first and Yamadonga next. They have to straightened in their language for the sake of fans. Most of those ads are taken care by middlemen.
Blaming mahesh personally for that is not correct. And he only said that the movie made a fantastic intitial which is 100% true. He did not claim any bogus records as it had appeared to you.
He was not comfortable with media earlier and now he is opening up a bit. For that some people are becoming unhappy.
Even the movie crew giving interviews and promoting in TV’s is a bad thing according to you.
What is SRK doing for his OSO and SLB for his Saawariya?? Bollywood actors take it is as a duty to promote their movies after release. It is a common practice in Hollywood also.
If he wanted cut-outs and palabhishekams, and if he was enjoying and encouraging all that….he would have celebrated the grand success of POKIRI in public by inviting the CM and everything like for INDRA or other movies.
It was his home venture, but he did not force for any ’show of strength’.He silently went to work for his next movie.
I can only laugh at UTV remaking Athidhi in bollywood point, if they are happy. And since they are not remaking it, that means they are unhappy?
So, I think we are left with shri chiruta as the hit of the year.
Any ways, I think my posts are leading to negative propaganda on mahesh which is not my intention.
So,I’d rather stay away from commenting.
PS: I have seen elswhere, where you mentioned that happydays is going to gross 9+ crores overseas, I talked to a couple exhibitors and they were in splits.
November 7th, 2007 at 4:47 pm
Dear AS REDDY,
Yes. U r right. ARJUN is one of the grandest movies that hit Telugu screens. But QUALITATIVE…??? It is not. Tollywood does not need a “Poorly Copied Timber Spilling Lorry Stunt From FINAL DESTINATION.”
“GRAND IS NOT ALWAYS = QUALITY” Moreover it incurred losses to many exhibitors despite the good shares due to the huge acquisition prices.
Yes, Sudarshan 70mm is currently using STAGGERED PRICING STRATEGY TO BOOST OCCUPANCY RATES. At the peak, SUDARSHAN collects around Rs. 1,65,000+ But currently, it is averaging just above Rs. 80,000. Which is obviously just above 50%. I agree that this strategy is very common everywhere in the world. But the bottom line is that collections come down drastically.
Floods or No floods… Figures are at least near correct.
I do not agree with your Rs. 22 Cr. figure and stick to my Rs. 18 Cr. figure. But even if u consider Ur figures… they are still SHORT WITH HUGE 10+ Cr. That is unpardonable and are just to FOOL the UNDER INFORMED audiences. U r absolutely correct for STALIN and YAMADONGA. I agree that those are done for the sake of FANS… But in the end it is the genuine movie going audiences that are at loss due to these FAN WARS.
I am not against publicity. But any publicity should be well structured. PUBLICITY in Tollywood is an AFTER THOUGHT. If the movie is running successfully, then these stars sit in the comfort of their homes and do not feel obligated to meet their admirers. but when they start to show weakness, they suddenly come out to show their affection towards their fans. And this is not an isolated case. This is the same with every other star.
In fact, the right publicity strategy is well planned in advance as it happens in HOLLYWOOD and more recently in BOLLYWOOD. There should be PRE-RELEASE PUBLICITY and also POST-RELEASE PUBLICITY. But there should never be MIS-LEADING PUBLICITY. That is my only point.
There were media reports that Athidhi is being dubbed in to Hindi… and obviously not reported by me.
My dear, CHIRUTHA is still stuck at Rs. 17 Crores and not wanting to go further to cross the hurdle of the SAFETY LINE. but still if U wanna call it a HIT… then go ahead. The biggest HIT so far in percentile terms is HAPPY DAYS.
Dear AS REDDY, Ur posts are not instigating anything out of context… Ur posts make me more vigilant. In fact, Thanx to U, I have corrected the OBVIOUS BLUNDER in the Happy Days Update Post and ACKNOWLEDGED Ur contribution.
The reason for my projection of Rs. 6-9 Crores is as follows: Bommarillu had an overall audience of 65,000+ in its entire run in USA. With an average of Rs. 535/- per ticket the movie grossed approximately Rs. 3.5 Crores. So, I certainly believe that Happy Days would garner around 120,000 audience including USA, UK, AUSTRALIA, GULF and the like. Then the gross collections would come to around Rs. 6.5 Crores. I think I made a decent prediction. I only made the mistake in the update post and not the actual prediction post.
AND ONCE AGAIN… KEEP COMING AND THANX FOR UR COMMENTS WHICH HELP ME IN BEING VIGILANT.
November 7th, 2007 at 4:50 pm
Dear GOWER,
Thanx for Ur support despite being MAHESH BABUs FAN. In fact guys/gals like U would change the Tollywood scenario. Mahesh is a good actor/star… Believe me when I say that he will come out with some good stuff in the near future… And I seriously doubt that the JAMES BOND project would materialize. In fact, we don’t need copies…
November 8th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
in ur opinion what is the share of
yamadonga finally……………
did it make any profits to the producer….
November 8th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
iam a fan of NTR……..but recently i couldn’t saw any good film of him…not even yamadonga impressed me………
November 8th, 2007 at 1:15 pm
Dear Raghuveer,
YAMADONGA made profits to all. I mean Producer, Distributors and also the Exhibitors are happy with their decent profits and that NTR is back. But it is not BLOCKBUSTER stuff. As far as the share is concerned, it would be Rs. 25+ Crores. Nothing great but not bad either.
As for the movie itself, I am not entirely disappointed with the movie. It does not bore us. Yeah, surely it is ZERO content wise. i mean ALIs YAMALEELA was much comical. But what really is the GREAT LEAP is its ART DIRECTION and partly CINEMATOGRAPHY. There are very few movies in Indian Cinema that can match the ART of YAMADONGA. It is a step in the right direction.
November 8th, 2007 at 5:31 pm
Hi Kalcha
Regarding YAMADONGA one thing that really impressed me was the acting of NTR Be it his Voice Modulation or dance or Body Language everything was fantastic and also the performance of Mohan Babu It was nice to see him do this kind of roles after his recent films which were nothing but crap.Kindly give me ur opinion on this too..
November 9th, 2007 at 9:23 am
thanq for ur reply…
November 13th, 2007 at 5:40 am
Kalcha,
In your previous post you mentioned that YAMADONGA made profits for all.
Please see below for the weekly collections and occupancy at the main center in AP, namely, Sandhya 70 MM.
YamaDonga (Sandhya 70mm)
(Friday to Thursday)
1st Week: 13.0 lks (97% Occupancy)
2nd Week: 7.0 lks (57% Occupancy)
3rd Week: 6.25 lks (66% Occupancy)
4th Week: 5.0 lks (53% Occupancy)
5th Week: 4.2 lks (44% Occupancy)
6th Week: 3.55 lks (37% Occupancy)
7th Week: 3.25 lks (34% Occupancy)
8th Week: 2.7 lks (29% Occupancy)
9th Week: 2.25 lks (24% Occupancy)
10th Week: 2.25 lks (24%Occupancy)
11th Week: 1.7 lks (18% Occupancy)
12th Week: 1.3 lks (14% Capacity)
I was told that the weekly rental for Sandhya 70 MM is 2.25 Lakhs. So if you include the publicity cost as well, this movie is going in deficit from 9th week onwards. So who is losing money in this case ?
Also if this is the case in main theatre in the state, then it must be true in all other direct release centers as well. Do you agree ?
November 13th, 2007 at 9:44 am
Dear Kalcha,
I always look forward to your comments and predictions. Personally I loved Happy Days( I am a B.Tech student). I want u to read the posts of Mr. Srinivas Kanchibotla in idlebrain.com. He expresses his opinions through columns like Ramblings, Velugu Needalu, Mattilo and so on. I would like u to read his opinion on Happy Days in the Ramblings column(and also his previous analysis on movies if possible) and post your reply.
Thanking You.
November 13th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
Dear Gower Ramesh,
Although Mohan Babu got a good character in Yamadonga, the role playing itself was very tightly restrained and in fact was very limited for the sake of NTR. Mohan babu is one of the best actors of all time. So, I would have preferred a much meatier role playing.
November 13th, 2007 at 3:11 pm
Dear Anonymous guy/gal,
I didn’t check Ur figures for accuracy due to lack of time, but they seem to be absolutely correct. I’ll try to clear Ur doubt.
1. The theater rentals vary according to the relationships between the theater managements and the stars. Moreover, now-a-days the business is all about the SHARE RATIOS and not the rentals in the main theaters. The producer gets higher share than the theater owner in the first week and the share lowers as the weeks progress.
2. Not speaking of the film business patterns of yesteryears, as of today the films are all about the first 4-5 weeks.
3. The real profits doesn’t come from the main theaters. The real profits depend on the OCCUPANCY RATES of the TOTAL NUMBER OF SCREENS in the 1st week and 2nd week in turn depending on the film’s budget.
4. As far as the profits are concerned I am still holding my ground. Because all the screens in the first week had the similar pattern in occupancy. Even the main theaters would have recovered their investment and got in to profits by the third week itself.
5. But U r absolutely correct that the main theaters are playing YAMADONGA in deficit after the initial weeks. But, remember that the STAR films run those days with the help of the FAN CLUBS and the PRODUCERS for the sake of FAKE RECORDS. But theater managements won’t bear any losses that are incurred after the initial GUARANTEE or NON-GUARANTEE period.
November 13th, 2007 at 8:43 pm
Thanks Kalcha for the above clarification.
So after the intial weeks somebody is losing money for YamaDonga.
For sure the exhibitor is not losing money.
So in this case it is either the producer or the distributor who are paying to run this movie for Records sake. So whatever money they might have made during the intial weeks, they are spending part of the money to run this movie for 100 days. So if the movie could have been termed as hit based on 50 -days collections could now be termed as only Average because part of the profits are wasted for records sake. Do you agree ?
November 14th, 2007 at 12:19 pm
Hey Kalcha,
Can you provide me insight into who marketing a screenplay in Tollywood works? I am in the USA and having hard time finding contacts.
Thanks
REddy
November 14th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Hey Kalcha,
I am an asiring screenwirter for Tollywood/Hollywood and started penning a screenplay in Telugu based on a true story.
I am currently working on my Degree in Film Studies here in the USA.
Can you please provide me insight into screenwriting formatting, marketing, contacts in Tollywood.
Thanks
Reddy
November 18th, 2007 at 4:29 am
The film collected Rs.20.4 million gross in its first 4 days of run.[1]
The film proved SUPERSTAR Mahesh’s hegemony in Tollywood by collecting Rs.120.4 million gross in the first week and Rs.140.465 million in just 2 weeks which is an all time record for Superstar films.
From wikipedia and believe me wikipedia does more research than you do.If you do not believe me I am posting the link to this post.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athidhi
November 18th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Dear Anonymous,
Yes I would certainly agree…
November 18th, 2007 at 7:07 am
Dear MAYUR,
I am really speechless at Ur claim and SATIRE… But I don’t find fault with U. I would rather give U a POLITE answer…
It seems WIKIPEDIA is something new to U… or its just that U never knew how does WIKI works in the first place… My dear, WIKIPEDIA is an ONLINE USER EDITED ENCYCLOPEDIA. ANYONE, including U can EDIT the entries by ANYONE made anytime. If we wish to… U and I can post our own entries with FACTS or LIES… And the next day someone might come and change them. But it is not necessary that someone will change the figures. No one really cares for WIKIPEDIA entries unless there are enough PAGEVIEWS for that particular article. Because if there are enough eyeballs on an article, then someone might have common sense to correct those figures. And as for me… I would rather stick to much more popular topics on WIKIPEDIA than a DUD like ATHIDHI.
So I just wish, for the sake of FANS, no one RIGHTFULLY CORRECT those LIES…
Yeah, might not be as much as U, but I do my research buddy…
But in the end, I always encourage a friendly discussion… Everyone is entitled to their own opinion… So, please come and visit us again with Ur opinions…
November 18th, 2007 at 11:49 am
Dear Kalcha,
You do a great job discussing about box office.. can you please throw some insight into tollywood screenplay selling and the workflow?
Thanks in advance..Reddy
November 18th, 2007 at 7:12 pm
DEAR MAYUR,
How foolish I’ve been…? Now, I am really pissed and in fact laughing at myself… Are U wondering what am I talking about??? Read On…
The figures that U quoted from WIKIPEDIA are in fact… laughable. Not that, they are wrong… but because they are more INLINE with the figures I have been always projecting.
How?… U quoted and I checked from WIKIPEDIA that ATHIDHI collected a GROSS of Rs.140.465 Millions in its first week. That is Rs. 14.0465 Crores in its first week. But Ur own FAN associations and the FILM CREW including MAHESH BABU, SURENDER REDDY, MURALI SHARMA, AMRITA RAO and last but not the least… KRISHNA have bragged an umpteen number of times in the media and elsewhere that it collected Rs. 21+ Crores in its first week. Even Ur second week figures are on the similar lines.
So, whoever posted those entries on WIKIPEDIA have been somewhat truthful to the real box-office figures. Hope U will be too…
And one more thing… I am not against MAHESH BABU… I am against the overly publicized FAKE RECORDS that have become a NORM and a PLAGUE in the Tollywood movie industry…
November 18th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
Dear RED and ANONYMOUS GUY/GAL,
TOLLYWOOD is a weird place. It is more professional IN KEEPING THE TIME LINES than Bollywood and exactly opposite in most of the other areas.
For example, A MALE LEAD is rarely selected through the Auditions. But in the name of selecting a FEMALE LEAD, the TOP PERSONS of the film unit fly down to MUMBAI or DELHI and audition a number of girls… I think U very well know that CASTING COUCH is very prevalent.
Generally, the production houses are closely knit units. There are more CHAMCHAS than the real talent. Very obviously, CHAMCHAGIRI would give a quick break…
SCREENPLAY writing is the least neglected craft in TOLLYWOOD. It was exactly the opposite a few decades ago. No one really writes SCRIPTS in the industry (WITH SOME EXCEPTIONS). For example, one of the highly paid directors, PURI JAGANNATH said that he wrote the scenes of CHIRUTHA on the sets. I think that would give enough insight into the screenplay importance in the Popular Cinema of Tollywood. But don’t lose heart. ‘COZ even BOLLYWOOD was going through the same phase a few years ago. But everything has changed in the BOLLYWOOD for the better. Though it is not close to perfect, it has made some serious ground. I hope Tollywood would change soon for the better with some talented guys/gals like U.
Coming to Ur screenplay on a true story…, I have some questions.
1. WHAT GENRE IS YOUR SCREENPLAY BASED ON? BECAUSE TOLLYWOOD HAS NOT YET MATURED FOR SOME GENRES. IN SUCH CASE IT WOULD BE BETTER TO FIND SOME LUCK IN BOLLYWOOD OR EVEN HOLLYWOOD.
2. WHAT TARGET AUDIENCE YOU HAVE IN MIND? BECAUSE TOLLYWOODs 90% RELEASES ARE CATERED TO FAMILIES. AND THAT IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST LACUNAE THAT TOLLYWOOD IS FACING. I THINK THAT WOULD CHANGE SOON.
3. BUT THE REAL QUESTION TO ASK YOURSELF IS WHETHER YOUR SCRIPT IS WORTHY OF APPROACHING SOME SERIOUS FILM MAKERS WHO MAY INDEED HELP YOU, BUT MIGHT GET A NEGATIVE FIRST IMPRESSION. AND WHEN YOU ARE READY AND CONFIDENT TO TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH, THERE ARE SOME GOOD FILM MAKERS IN TOLLYWOOD TOO THAT CAN CHANGE YOUR FUTURE COURSE FOR THE BETTER.
I THINK I ANSWERED SOME DOUBTS… BUT IF U STILL HAVE ANY SPECIFIC DOUBTS, SHOOT OUT…
C U AGAIN…
November 20th, 2007 at 10:39 am
Dear Kalcha,
Writing scripts on sets bewildered me. Its not only surprising but also amazing how toolywood directors are making some great movies without a script before hand. I think this is totally inimical to how it works in hollywood.
What product do the producers have in hand before signing off on a movie? How do they estimate budgets without a screenplay?
Can you please debrief on how a movie is initiated in tollywood.
Thanks
Red
November 20th, 2007 at 10:54 am
Scripts on sets..wow…I am curious like Red is on how a movie gets intiated.
Do the producers and/or directors hear a narration > or do they have a story in story format?
I d like to see your reply..
November 20th, 2007 at 11:49 am
sorry for being rude.thak you for disclosing the real facts.
good work.keep it up.
November 20th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
DEAR MAYUR,
Its alright buddy. We all love movies and stars. Even as audience we can contribute towards the quality of the cinema that we are being dished out just by APPRECIATING and ABSTAINING selectively. The days of past glory for Tollywood are near as many of the leading stars are reeling under the burden of series of flops. Believe me the same happened during the days of MRITYUDATA, LAL BADSHAH, SURYAVANSHI staring AMITABH BACHCHAN in Bollywood. Look at Bollywood now… I hope Tollywood too would dish out quality in the near future.
November 20th, 2007 at 1:06 pm
I looked at the updates on other sites .Athidhi is currently at around 27 crores in three weeks(According to the websites).As you said it is going to bring huge losses to distributors.And can you please post a review on Pokiri
November 20th, 2007 at 1:59 pm
I also heard that Athidhi is running in 405 theatres(andhravilas.com).Is it true.If yes,what effect will it have on it’s collections taking into mind the mixed reviews and also the act that it does not have competiton until December?
November 20th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
i meant fact when I said act
November 22nd, 2007 at 2:01 am
Kalcha,
I was waiting for your feedback on Red and anaonymous questions on tollywood — and how a movie is initiated in tollywood.. Does it start with a story or screenplay who approaches first to whom?
Work flow..
I appreciate your time.. All ur posts are very interesting..i read them every day
Thanks
Shankar
November 24th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
DEAR RED, ANONYMOUS and SHANKAR,
I apologize for not being able to respond in time.
RED asked another doubt somewhere else… So here U go.. U can follow a comment thread by just going back to the POST/ARTICLE that U commented on. For opening that particular post, for example… ATHIDHI BOX-OFFICE PREDICTION can be opened by going into the MAHESH BABU category. U can also bookmark a particular post through the BOOKMARK BUTTON at the bottom of each post. And I assure U, no matter how much visitor traffic, I will answer all Ur relevant questions… But sometimes I may not be able to do so in time. For the question, U asked… it needs a lengthy and detailed post to clear all Ur doubts. So I am even writing an article on the same topic for guys/gals like U. It would be of much help to everybody. I think I would be able to post in 2 days or earlier. So dear friend, please bear with me…
I am preparing some detailed TUTORIALS and FAQs for GUYS/GALS like U to know the ins&outs of Tollywood and even would try to post some film making resources.
In fact, I am even trying to start a forum for TOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT where any one interested in FILM-MAKING or ACTING or ANYTHING that they want to associate themselves with would be able to upload their HOME-MADE or PROFESSIONAL VIDEOS or PHOTOGRAPHS or ANY OTHER MATERIAL that they can project to the world at large. I will strictly monitor the community to stick to only related to CINEMA or TOLLYWOOD. I will publicize the COMMUNITY around the WEB and the Film circle as much as possible. I hope it would reduce the number of trips of an aspiring tollywood STAR/TECHNICIAN to the doors of film personalities to a certain extent.
So, I hope U would understand the delay…
November 25th, 2007 at 10:12 am
Dear Kalcha,
I look forward to your response. I think Red is on with his questions..
Shankar
December 1st, 2007 at 3:00 pm
Hi Kalcha,
This is Deepak. Iam from Madanapalli which is in chittoor district near tirupathi. in our place athidhi was kicked for only 40 days.in our town pokiri ran for 175 days. see the plight of athidhi. then how can these mahesh babu fans say athidhi is a big hit. here chirutha is still going on. i don’t say that its going on with great collections, but its very much better when compared to athidhi.
Also u have been saying that mahesh babu is the superstar. but a super star movies should go well in all centers A,B and C. but mahesh babu films fare well only in A centers if the movie is very good then it fares good in B or C centers like pokiri.
But for chiru, if the movie gets good talk, then it fare equally in all centers.
then how can mahesh babu become a super star.with just one big hit how can he overcome chiru. Tarun also got a good hit with nuvve kavali. then can we consider him as a super star.
December 16th, 2007 at 8:47 pm
HEY KALCHA SUPERBBBBBBB REVIEW
bit i cannot accept ur comments on AMRITA RAO.saying that ERU DATINA TARUVATA ……, i am not amrita rao fan, yes i admit dat she is not ultra glamorous, but she is a wonderful actress,
will u do me one favour
will u review AMRITA’S hindi movie VIVAH
i’m just w8ing 4ur review of VIVAH and on her acting & performance
December 17th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
HEY KALCHA SUPERBBBBBBB REVIEW
i’m same one who asked u to review amrita’s vivah
wt is dis ATHIDI’S prediction
Being a REVIEWER AND B.O ANALYSIST how can u forget d fact dat ATHIDI is UTV’S product and they follow only rule that is BIGGEST B.O OPENINGS which is already a BOLLYWOOD SUCCESFULL FORMULA .For example consider EROS INTERNATIONAL’s marketed d movie OM SHANTI OM produced by SRK is already a BLOCKBUSTER even though d movie has nothing more than a crap ,I know if u review it u will call it same. but still u will call it as a BLOCKBUSTER bcoz it had earned huge bucks of money in just one or weeks . Actually its enough for any CORPORATE COMPANY and they rely on only B.O OPENINGS . FOR THEM 100DAYS OR 175 DAYS IN HUGE NO.OF THEATRES ,IS A LEAST SIGNIFICANT FACTOR . They know only one thing PAISE KAMAO AUR PICTURE KO HATAO
if it was not a UTV’S product then ATHIDI wud have been running 50 days in some around atleast 300 centres and dont forget d SUDERSHAN 70MM which is a MAHESH FAN in which 4 movies of MAHESH have 175days and even SAINIKUDU ran for 100days.
Now what do u say “IS ATHIDI THAT BAD THAN SAINIKUDU where sainikudu ran for 100days and ATHIDI is removed from d theatre after completing 50days
@everbody
GROW UP
those who say ATHIDI’S records are fake.. THEY ARE TRUE …
UTV IS CORPORATE COMPANY
NOW BCOZ OF ITS COLLECTIONS UTV IS PLANNING TO RELEASE IN NORTH ALSO
gone are days who still try to buff people like recent example “TULASI 50DAYS IN 225CENTRES”
DRAGGING of movie for 100days system in AP will be soon be eradicated by these CORPORATE COMPANIES
FOR THAT ATHIDI IS FIRST AND BEST EXAMPLE despite of its TREMENDOUS B.O OPENINGS
KALCHA I’M W8ING FOR UR RESPONSE
IF I’M RUDE TO U ANYWHERE..I APOLOGISE FOR THAT…
December 18th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Dear Shankar,
As I said… my new sites are almost up and I am currently working on some initial material to start the sites. So I will inform as soon as that part is completed. I hope my new sites will answer many of Ur and also many other movie buffs’ questions.
December 18th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Dear Deepu,
I agree with U… In fact, I had gone against the tide and predicted that ATHIDHI is gonna be a FLOP. And i have been proven absolutely right.
But I don’t agree with U, that CHIRUTHA is doing well. And in fact, it never did well… except for the first three days.
As for comparing TARUN and MAHESH BABU, it seems… U r an extreme ANTI-MAHESH guy/gal. TARUN is a much better actor than Mahesh Babu. But when it comes to STARDOM, it is MAHESH BABU that reigns supreme in Tollywood as of now. I don’t think RAM CHARAN would ever give that status a try. NTR was and might be back at number one spot though. As for Chiranjeevi, he is a great actor. But in the last 10 years, Chiru has just 2 HITS (INDRA, TAGORE) and 1 Above Average film (SANKAR DADA MBBS). I think that clears the air.
TOLLYWOOD SHOULD LOOK TO THE PAST FOR INSPIRATION, BUT SHOULD CARE FOR PRESENT TO LIVE IN THE FUTURE.
BY THE WAY, IF U FOLLOW MY ARTICLES REGULARLY, U WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT BIASED AND JUST TRY TO SPEAK THE TRUTH AND LARGELY MY OPINIONS.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:17 pm
DEAR ANONYMOUS GUY/GAL,
My readers need not apologise to me ever. We are all friends having a friendly chat on our favourite time-pass… MOVIES. It would have been better if U comment with Ur nickname. Anyway, reviewing VIVAH would be difficult right now. Because I am actually working on some new and more integrated sites. I think they will be up and running by this weekend. I will inform on this blog about them. MOVIES and INDIAN PROGRESS will be my two new site topics. Along with them I am also starting some more blogs.
Anyway, coming to the point… after all it is just a matter of opinion. I rarely feel any of the current crop of actors and actresses are actually good enough for any praise. There are many good actresses that are worth some words. For instance, KONKANA SEN, NANDITA DAS… and to an extent RANI MUKHERJEE. KAREENA KAPPOR… when not HAMMING(OVER-ACTING), is an extremely good actress.
So, when I was watching ATHIDHI, all I looked for was GLAMOUR with sufficient expressions. As I already said in my review, the main VILLAIN of Athidhi is SURENDER REDDY. For example… what can poor Amrita do… when she had to utter that dreaded PRE-CLIMAX DIALOGUE… “NAA MOGUDU… something…” It is just the movie that completely made her look like a fool. I can give U at least 10 worst scenes of her in this movie. For example… when she starts instantly loving and chasing Mahesh… there is a scene of her in one of her worst costumes while she is standing probably a feet below Mahesh even with high heels. I mean seriously… even in this modern age, why should a self respecting girl should follow a hero like she is his tail. Where can u find such girls. Bollywood has moved on… why don’t we?
Coming to Ur UTV topic… I think U did not follow my articles and comments… I always said it opened BIG. In fact, the biggest in Telugu history. But the actual figures are around Rs. 23 crores gross as of today. And it is already out of theaters. And I have always said that 50, 100, 150 175 days trend is going to be extinct soon. But if u check the facts, UTV never officially confirmed the FAKE figures of around Rs. 38 crores gross. UTV is a publicly traded company whose accounts are audited. They cannot endorse those FAKE figures. So they didn’t. It is FAN associations that publicised those figures with huge publicity. But everything was in vain. If U check the facts… at the ground level, many theater owners have suffered huge losses. Coming to THULASI, yes… those theater records are forced. but the movie has collected Rs. 26 crores gross. That figure spells HIT for Venkatesh. It is just the market potential differences that make it a HIT and while just below ATHIDHI is a FLOP at Rs. 23 crores.
December 18th, 2007 at 2:23 pm
Dear Anonymous,
I almost forgot this… As for Amrita Rao’s mole… U really caught me on my wrong foot. I didn’t check whether she has a mole or not. But if it were there, as I don’t even recall that mole, it didn’t enhance her beauty. But where as the teen girl’s mole was very prominent.
In the end, these are just opinions… my dear friend… come chat with us often. I hope to see U on my new sites as well… with at least a nickname.
December 19th, 2007 at 11:40 am
hi kalcha..
this is AMMY(fan of amrita rao) .i am d same one who asked to review d VIVAH movie..even though its diificult for u right now bt plzzzzz review d movie even after one week….okkk
if u dont mind can i review ur BLOG and U
bcozz i want to share so much things wid u
Ur Reviews resembles very much like CNN-IBN’s RAJEEV MASAND (HE IS MY FAV. REVIEWER IN INDIA)
i hope u might have heard abt him, if u dont know then check every FRIDAY CNN-IBN AT 10.30PM
plzz watch his reviews dis friday on TZP and WELCOME
i really liked ur review bt one only thing i didn’t was dat ur saying “ERU DATINA TARUVATA..
in fact while i was watching d movie i realy felt bad abt amrita in those crappy costumes and her make up
UR quality of reviews is EXTREMELY high BUT there are so many complaints i have abt dis BLOG
December 20th, 2007 at 1:29 pm
Dear AMMY,
Very nice Nick-Name… Good to hear from U… Now that U have asked a couple of times to review VIVAH, I would surely oblige U as soon as I can. The 1st new site I am going to start is a FILMI site on films from more than 4 languages. I will definitely review VIVAH on that site in DVD CORNER or something like that. But please give me at least ten days.
And, do I know RAJEEV MASAND? I too feel that he is certainly the best… if not the only better REVIEWER in India. His comments are straight and mostly unbiased. All I care for is One’s opinion. Agreeing and Disagreeing is an all together different issue. Good debates are all about clashing of different and healthy opinions. And I think he is even managing BUZZ18 site. If U didn’t knew that… please check it out.
Dear AMMY, I don’t know whether U speak Telugu or not… but believe me… that(Eru Datina Taruvatha…) expression was CONTEXTUAL. I would not have any problem if Mahesh Babu praises Amrita Rao in isolation. When he degrades his earlier Co-Stars, it offends the audiences more than his earlier co-stars. We all have paid some bucks to make some of those movies… HITS. And the FRESH KNOWLEDGE that we have been dished out inferior fare… is depressing as a movie buff. And by the way, all that sentence mean is… “Burning the very vessel or boat that he used to get across”
THANX for liking my reviews… I hope we can have many more friendly chats. Please remember, our opinions might differ… but we are all friends… I just want quality on par with Hollywood and if possible… better than Hollywood in our movies.
I didn’t understand when U said U would review me and my blog. If U have any site or blog… please go ahead. I would be more than happy to hear Ur comments even if they r negative. And inform me Ur blog address through comments or mail. And please tell me what are the complaints that U had with my blog as U said. I would try not to repeat them in my upcoming sites.
Have a nice day and C U more often… KALCHA
December 22nd, 2007 at 2:38 am
Hi KALCHA…
Wt abt Ur new sites. When are U going to start Ur new sites , really looking forward to Ur sites.
When i said that “can i review U…” I was just trying to say some positive and negative comments
But let me start how it happened to me see Ur BLOG. In one of d Communities of ORKUT ,some mahesh fans really angry and making a mess on Ur ATHIDI review. With dat curiosity i checked Ur review. One thing i liked in Ur review is Ur comment on MAHESH’S introduction saying dat he was walking like a blurry ghost. In fact me to felt d same. Here i have 1 more daoubt dat wt was dat conistable doing outside d jail when MAHESH took d chair and leaving and dat conistable just standing and watching d scene.
In Ur review U asked one question dat soon after d MALAIKA’S song he starts chasing a bad guy and how does MAHESH knw abt him, Well, d answer is..Home Minister’s personal secretary ws killed by dis bad guy and mahesh see him there before SUZUKI HAYABUSA chasing scene..
one more question is dat “WHAT IS SNIPER DOIN ALL THIS WHILE? I think i wud give a better answer is dat ” man holding d snipper not really adjusted to d hYDERABAD’S POLLUTION AND TRAFFIC ,
in fact HUYABUSA scene is my fav.scene
according to me ATHIDI’S 2nd half is really gud , do u know where d problem is ???
well it is malaika’s song it was not all needed. if u skip d song and watch it willl be gud .
well my most fav. scene in ATHIDI is AMRITA saying sorry to MAHESH in CLIMAX.
PLZZZZZ DONT CURSE or HATE ME for all da CRAP i have written here
i will try to improve my text in my next post
C U SOON ….
December 22nd, 2007 at 1:08 pm
hi kalcha..
now i just point out where U have gone wrong in Ur review
starting from d verdict
Fancy hair styles …actually thera aren’t any hair styles except in onesong DISTURB CHEYAKU,
CRAPPY HEROINE—>u said that she is not…….beside mahesh babu..
i agree to some extent, but tell me when ur comparing AMRITA with TRISHA. Is Trisha so beautiful to stand beside MB??. in fact while watching ATHADU i was realy bored to death to see TRISHA beside MB and her Mind numbling and dumd dialogues.
Here i just want to say onething ATHADU AND POKIRI “THE WORST,HEADACHE AND BORING movies OF MB, its bcoz of MAHESH ONSCREEN charishma they became HUGE HITS..
U have said abt CRAPPY HEROINE but y didnt U havent given any comment OUR HANDSOME and “CRAPPY” HERO.
well dont confuse here…
Remember d scene where MAHESH threatens a rowdy in d DELHI TRAIN.
I WAS SHOCKED TO SEE MAHESH IN THAT GETUP . He was looking like a IDIOT and his DILOGUES in d TRAIN were really made me laugh and also d entire movie except DISTURB CHEYAKU song he was looking like a AVERAGE GUY. This is d BIGGEST reason why ATHIDI BOMBED
I willl give more explanation abt dis. In “POKIRI” MAHESH looked MOST HANDSOME GUY in almost every scene. He was like SHOW STEALER in every scene with his charishma.. despite of being A WEAK MOVIE and audience fell in LOVE with d MOST HANDSOME ACTOR. U may think now that I’m a ANTI MAHESH FAN ,but dats not TRUE. I AM MAHESH’S BIGGEST FAN . THE ONLY MAHESH MOVIE WHICH I LIKED IS OKKADU IN ALL ASPECTS..
COMING TO THE MAIN THING OF Ur REVIEW
I REALLY WONDER DAT u havent written anything abt QAISER (the heart of d movie)
QAISER–> This character is really good, But it happens to be direct lift of SRK’S DON villain, DGP turns out to be a UNDERWORLD DON, thats d reason audiences hasn’t got any SURPRISE package
I personally feel dat U were really HAMMERED by the SCREENPLAY of ATHIDI. thats why Ur review is only abt SCREENPLAY OF ATHIDI but not d content of ATHIDI
C U SOON …BYE
December 22nd, 2007 at 1:17 pm
D ANONYMOUS POST ABOVE ON DECEMBER 22 2:38 AM is also mine.
i just forgot to mention my nickname
be w8ing for Ur response.
December 22nd, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Dear AMMY,
I will soon inform U about my new sites. U r always welcome to comment Ur thoughts here and there.
To tell U the fact, I don’t really worry about the FANS of MAHESH BABU or RAM CHARAN or CHIRANJEEVI or BALA KRISHNA or anyone else from any of the film industries. All I care about are FILMS/MOVIES/CINEMA. Everything and everyone else can take a back seat. There is really no necessity for any of Mahesh’s FANS to develop any hatred for me. But if they are hell bent on it, then I won’t stop them.
All I hope for is that at least some genuine movie buffs that are interested more in CINEMA and less in STARS would be interested in my site. Dear Ammy, just give me at least 1 website that has genuinely expressed dissatisfaction or felt that ATHIDHI or CHIRUTHA will FLOP.
To know the real status of our Telugu Entertainment Media:
Check out the reviews list on the current No.1 Telugu Entertainment Site… IDLEBRAIN.
U would find that at least 75-90% of the reviews have 3+ STAR RATINGS. If Mr. Jeevi’s reviews were at least 25% genuine, then why 90% of them are FLOPS? I think U got the real scenario. Media needs to open up and write truth and genuine opinions to bring some change.
TELUGU MOVIES and STAR FANS need to come out of these shells. Just check out my earlier post about CHIRUTHAs empty theaters on the occasion of its 50 days. U would understand that even STAR FANS are changing their mindsets. I only want our movies to compete with leading industries in the world. And this can only happen when more good movies come out and not just some Star Hits or Flops.
Now coming to Athidhi, if the 2nd half was GOOD enough, why did its team decided to cut-off 10-15 minutes from the 2nd half? This editing took place after the collections plummeted just on the third day. Can U explain me that?
As far as Hayabusa scene is concerned, it is my personal opinion. I watch too many Good English Flicks to like Athidhi’s stunt.
Generally, I don’t try to give excuses for the lack of quality in our cinema. I just try to expose the lack of quality in our cinema. This EXPOSE might be helpful in identifying good ARTISTS and TECHNICIANS in the long run.
Dear AMMY,
Can u show me enough posters of ATHIDHI before its release without showcasing Mahesh’s new GET-UPS? I think that clears the doubt of his new hair styles.
To stand beside Mahesh Babu, a heroine doesn’t need BEAUTY or ACTING. All she needs is CHARISMA. Because, Mahesh is a Charismatic Star. I think TRISHA is charismatic enough to stand beside any hero. I don’t think she is the most beautiful or a good actress. Although beauty is a subjective matter, I can certainly endorse a fact that TRISHA is beautiful enough to become Miss Chennai or Charismatic enough to act in more HITS than AMRITA RAOs portfolio(number) of movies.
TRIVIKRAM is a good Screen Writer. His dialogue writing is crisp. And that suits Mahesh’s style of acting. Brahmanandam is a great actor in good hands. Trisha and some other elements also contributed to ATHADUs success. It is not a One-Man army. But remember the facts that ATHADU is a straight copy of many other movies. First reference can be Venkatesh’s Varasudochchadu. The majority of the fight sequences are a straight lift from movies like U.S.MARSHALLS and FACE-OFF.
PURI JAGANNATH is just good at characterization. Mahesh’s new GET-UP, a simple story line, crisp dialogues, Sexy ILEANA, good Music and some other minor factors contributed to POKIRIs success. It was just pure luck. That fact is also admitted by Puri and Mahesh.
If it were just Mahesh’s Charisma that made them HITS, then why did ATHADU opened very weak initially? It gained from the 2nd week. The same is the case with POKIRI. Both were ALMOST declared average before they became huge HITS. Both the movies are not great but entertaining movies. In fact, the only movies that opened with just MAHESH BABUs Charisma are SAINIKUDU and ATHIDHI. They both opened HUGE and became disasters.
I too agree with U that Mahesh’s good movie till date is OKKADU(Minus the last 1/2 hour).
Lastly, earlier U claimed that ATHIDHI was a HIT. But now U are saying that it BOMBED. I think that explains the facts. ATHIDHI bombed because of the factors I mentioned through out my articles, and not just because of Mahesh Babu. The main villain of ATHIDHI is SURENDER REDDY.
As for the heart of the movie KAISER is concerned, Murali Sharma is a good actor with a crudely written role. Both the DON and ATHIDHI twists are STRAIGHT COPIES of a GREAT ENGLISH movie called THE USUAL SUSPECTS. The character’s name in English movie is also called KAISER. Surender copied including the name of the character. In fact, ATHIDHI was copied from many other movies… mainly from BATMAN BEGINS and THE USUAL SUSPECTS. Even borrowed some material from MAN ON FIRE and 300.
I reviewed ATHIDHI not just from Screen writing view, but from every aspect I remember of the movie.
DEAR AMMY,
I hope I answered all Ur questions. I will always find time to answer reader queries.
KEEP COMING AND ROCKING…
December 23rd, 2007 at 2:58 pm
Hi KALCHA,
HOW R U?
Well, today morning when i was reading TIMES OF INDIA newspaper, i saw d review of NAGARJUNA’S DON. IT says that it is a waste movie, by reading that review i was HAPPY bcoz i was trying to watch d movie today and my money is safe, now dropped that thought.
BUT, just after that moment i really felt very BAD bcoz newspapers writing BAD abt someboody’s PRODUCT
I want to ask U one question that “IS IT CORRECT THAT MAKING A PUBLIC STATEMENT ABT ANY PRODUCT , BCOZ THEY DONT HAVE ANY RIGHTS TO WRITE SOMETHING LIKE THIS”
Producers spent lots of crores to make a movie, but these kind of reviews really afects d business of movie bcoz like me there will be so many people who want to watch d movie and might have droped their opinion.
I know that GUIDING D PEOPLE TO WATCH A GOOD MOVIE IS A GUD THING ..but is dis a correct way
well , a bad movie will be a bad movie forever nobody can change it
and also one more thing that writing reviews in BLOGS and in some sites is totally different thing
WHAT will NAG do now??
Can he go thru LAW or is there any law thru which he can claim any “NASTHA PARIHARAM” by that newspaper bcoz dis type of negative PUBLICITY in HEADLINES of NEWSPAPERS really affects his BUSINESS
Ur opinions on this topic KALCHA ..
December 23rd, 2007 at 3:05 pm
HI KALCHA,
In Ur new sites I wud like to see VIDEO REVIEWS like RAJEEV VIDEO REVIEWS , bcoz now-a-days every site have their own WRITTEN REVIEWS dats d reason i am asking for this type of reviews
DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT YAAR
December 24th, 2007 at 5:53 am
Dear AMMY,
I am fine. How about U? What do U do? If U can, tell me something about Urself.
If U take LAW into consideration, our law doesn’t hinder one’s opinion in any way. That opinion might or might not influence other person’s view. The matter of maligning comes in to picture only when it is about someone’s personal fields. Products intended for general consumption including food and cinema can be criticized to our heart’s content.
if U take morality into consideration, it is a tricky part. Because, what is “Heads” to me is “Tails” to someone else. But the larger perception is in favor of public opinions on public matters.
My goal of writing reviews is to contribute as a catalyst to the process of our FILM INDUSTRY achieving decent quality. If in that process, public can save some hard earned bucks then I would be more than happy. As far as the PRODUCER’S Crores of rupees are concerned, I would rather suggest these HIGH-BUCK Producers to concentrate in delivering decently good enough products rather than subjecting the FANS and general audiences to these STAR TANTRUMS. By making DUST BIN material that serve only these STARS, they are taking our cinema into STONE AGE. If one cannot spend his/her money wisely, it is no one else’s fault.
There is no legal recourse that Mr. NAG has with him. In fact, Telugu Movie Buffs should take some legal action against NAG and LAWRENCE for embarrassing Telugu cinema by making DON. COMPENSATION should be demanded by every one of us that are subjected to the CRAP called DON(Telugu).
LAWRENCE is one of the most arrogant brutes I have seen in the film industry. MANI SARMA had a lot of differences with him during CHIRUTHA. Many others from the industry are also miffed by Lawrence. Strumming VEENA in different postures is DANCE for him. I(KAPPA) feel really embarrassing to see those steps with anyone from outside our own A.P.(BAVI).
Dear AMMY,
That is a great suggestion about the VIDEO REVIEWS. I will definitely give it a thought in the future.
TAKE CARE… AMMY.
December 25th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Hi KALCHA,
HAPPY CHRISTMAS..
BYE…..
December 26th, 2007 at 10:20 pm
HI KALCHA,
This weekend which movie shud i prefer???
MANTRA OR ANASUYA
I heard dat both movies are gud, but not able to pick up ONE of them
plzz help me
BYE..
December 27th, 2007 at 1:46 pm
Dear AMMY,
THANX. I hope U had a great Christmas too. And I wish U and all my readers a very HAPPY NEW YEAR as well in advance.
One more thing AMMY. In my earlier reply, I haven’t been entirely correct. Mr. NAGARJUNA would have a legal option implying Business Malpractice only when the offender is a competitor. Being a competitor, ONE can express his/her personal opinion. But he/she cannot advise the public in negative.
Frankly speaking, I haven’t seen either MANTRA or ANASUYA. But I feel MANTRA would be a better choice. The reason is, CHARMEE is a better actress when it comes to thrillers. Anukokunda Okaroju is a good testimony to that fact. I know that ANASUYA is a straight copy of many English flicks. The primary one being SILENCE OF THE LAMBS. And I certainly don’t think RAVI BABU can direct a thriller.
But hey, remember that I haven’t seen either of them. So, I might be wrong as well.
TAKE CARE… AMMY
December 28th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
HI KALCHA,
I just want to know that, “WHO R U”
Are u from tollwood film industr or any PRODUCER, DISTRIBUTOR.
I am asking this bcoz the information abt B.O collectons or any thing like LAWRENCE disputes with MANISHARMA(i havent heard abt this nor even read this in any newspaper)
plz tell me WT U DO??
I really wonder that there are any UPDATES in the blog since a WEEK
BYE..
January 1st, 2008 at 8:33 pm
Hi KALCHA,
WISH U A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
April 24th, 2008 at 10:35 am
ACCORDING TO ME CHIRUTHA IS NOT A HIT BECAUSE IN MOST OF THE CENTERS IN VIZAG THE FILM HAD NOT RUNNED WITH 4SHOWS DAILY BUT WITH THE HELP OF FANS THEY MADE IT TO RUN 100DAYS. A SMALL EXAMPLE TO ALL OF U IS SANGHAM IS THE MAIN THEATRE IN VIZAG REMOVED CHIRUTHA ON 101DAY BUT IN SOME B CENTERS IT RUNNED NEARLY 130 DAYS………….NOW WHAT DO U SAY ABOUT THIS…………….
April 24th, 2008 at 10:39 am
YOU ALL KNOW SHANKARDADA ZINDABAD IS A BIG FLOP AT BOXOFFICE BUT THIS FILM HAS RUNNED IN VIZAG MOHINI THEATRE 100DAYS NOW YOU CAN UNDERSTAND WITH WHOSE EFFORT IT RUNNED 1OODAYS………….
April 24th, 2008 at 10:54 am
OK KALCHS THERE IS ONE MORE FAKE NEWS TO U… IS ANNAVARAM FILM HAS REMOVED FROM ALL THEATERS AFTER 50DAYS EVEN IN MAIN HALL,BUT FILM HAD PLAYED 100DAYS IN NARSHIMA THEATREIN GOPALAPATNAM [VIZAG]