Hyderabad: While Telugus are now divided by two new states, they have proved that they are united when it comes to films.
Recent films like Manam, which is about to join the Rs 50-crore club, tells the story.
The other two big films that have been released since April are Race Gurram and Legend.
The Allu Arjun and Shruti Haasan starrer Race Gurram was the first film of the year to cross Rs 50 crore.
It was followed by veteran Balakrishna’s Legend, which completed 75 days and also joined the Rs 50-crore club.
And hopes are that the Akkinenis’ too will join that club soon.
“Telugu films are meant for Telugu audiences, there is no regional barrier for them and that was proved with the recent films,” says Sunil Narang of Global Cinemas, which distributed Manam and Legend.
“These films have become the highest grossers for the respective actors,” adds Sunil, who also owns a few multiplexes.
Interestingly, Legend has had Rs 8 crore in business in the Nizam area in Telangana. That’s a personal best for Balakrishna. Race Gurram meanwhile was the best in Allu Arjun’s career and Manam is still going strong.
It has to be noted that all three movies were released after the Telangana Bill was approved and this has given hope to the industry that upcoming films too stand a chance in both states.
“This is proof that cinema is completely independent of politics. When a film releases, the audience just wants entertainment,” says N.V. Prasad, president of Telugu Film Chamber of Commerce.
“There is no borders for films,” he adds.
