Tamil superstar Vijay is on a new high in the two Telugu states. His recent action adventure ‘Leo’ has clocked Rs 16 crores net in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh and it is expected to touch Rs 20 crores mark very soon, to become the highest grosser for Tamil superstar in Telugu-speaking states. “The dubbed film ‘Leo’ has moved to the profit zone with good openings during Dasara festival in two Telugu states.
Since it was bought for Rs 15 crores and it has crossed the magic figure already and began to fetch profits for both producer and distributors,"
"It has attracted Telugu youth in a big way since it is slick action flick from director Lokesh Kanakaraj who is known for hits like ‘Kaithi’ and ‘Vikram,” adds the distributor, who claims that ‘Leo’ clocked housefull shows on first day in Vijayawada despite stiff competition from ‘Bhagavanth Kesari' and ‘Tiger Nageswara Rao and held on to its collections thereafter. “Youngsters lapped up the sensational background score of Anirudh as it pepped up the proceedings,” he adds.
Earlier, 'Leo' makers demanded Rs 25 crores because of the heady combination of Vijay and director Lokesh Kanagaraj, who is known for big hits like "Kaithi’ and ‘‘Vikram’ and later it was settled for Rs 15 crores. “In fact, Vijay’s market has expanded very well in the last 3 to 4 years, almost like a meteoric rise in Telugu states," says the distributor who says that even his last release ‘Vaarasudu’ had minted around Rs 12 crores in twin Telugu states.
He claims that Vijay could fall short of Rajnikanth's "Jailer' which made more than Rs 28 crores in two Telugu states. "Vijay has surely surpassed his Tamil colleagues like Surya, Vishal and Karthi. He made his name among Telugu fans with his films like ‘Sarkar’ and ‘Master’. He is a very good dancer and adept in action-driven roles and also has a flair for comedy," he concludes..
