I don't know what Rs 1,000 crore looks like, says Shobu Yarlagadda

Producer Shobu Yarlagadda is exhilarated by the success of Baahubali 2: The Conclusion. He and director S.S. Rajamouli are in London with their families enjoying the much-needed, well-deserved brief holiday, away from the bustle of Baahubali mania.

Asked about the Rs 1,000-crore club entry, Shobu says, “Yes, I heard the collections have touched Rs 1,000 crore and I don’t know what that looks like. Of course, I am happy for myself, Rajamouli and the entire Baahubali team. But right now, we are not thinking about the profits. We’re just happy that the film got the kind of acceptance, that we had not even expected.”

Naturally, they will have to face the burden of hopes that fans will have on their future projects. Without denying the pressure, Shobu says, “Of course I am anxious as a producer, but Rajamouli and I know that there can never be another Baahubali. We are not even going to try to go there again.”

Apparently, Rajamouli’s next film would be far removed from the genre of costume-drama. “We need to prove ourselves in other genres. No one can do Baahubali again. To even try it is stupid.” However, he doesn’t completely rule out the possibility of Baahubali 3. “Nothing has been planned until now. But if we get the right script, why not?” he asks. Meanwhile, the producer, who started off with a small intimate drama Morning Raga in 2004, has a request to Baahubali fans.

“I read that we donated our first day collection to the Army. It’s a great thought, but we haven’t done anything of that sort. How can social media take such financial decisions on our behalf? Such fake news is embarrassing. This is no way to show your love for the film.”

He adds, “We haven’t even started to process all the information on the success of Baahubali 2. Let Rajamouli and I return to India. Then we’ll decide what needs to be done.”