Director Omkar’s film, Raju Gari Gadhi, makes a solid profit
Following the successes of small films such as Cinema Choopista Mama and Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy, another small film, Raju Gari Gadhi, which released on Dasara, is now a genuine hit. “It released in over 100 screens and has earned profits,” says Omkar, the director of the film.
Omkar, who is a household name in television, made his film debut in 2012 with the film Genius. “But it was not commercially viable, because of many reasons. I was responsible, because I was the director and I committed a few mistakes,” says Omkar.
Genius overshot the budget by Rs 4 crore from its original Rs 6 crore. “The release date is also important. After that film released, three big films hit the screens and my film vanished,” says Omkar, adding, “I felt bad as the producer suffered losses because of my mistakes. I didn’t want to repeat the same mistake and decided to produce my next film myself,” he says.
“I planned my next project with a limited budget and that’s why I didn’t go for an action or a love story which would cost more. I chose a horror comedy and I wanted to complete it within Rs 3 crore,” he says.
He started the project last October but after a few days the industry workers went on strike. “That was a big setback for me. Because of the strike my budget was threatening to rise again, but I again worked on my script and removed some scenes to limit the budget and working days. I successfully completed the film within the estimate,” he adds. Also, the film was ready in January this year but wasn’t released as Omkar was waiting for a good date.
“It is not easy for small films to release as much depends on other big films. After waiting for many months, finally I release the film this Dasara because other big films postponed,” says Omkar. He adds that he was safe even before the film released as he had sold satellite and distribution rights for good sums. “I’m safe as a producer as I got my money. The film is going strong,” he says.
Trade analysts say that given the way it is going, the film may collect over '10 crore.
