Actually, the launch of iconic actor Kamal Haasan’s film with ace director Mani Ratnam has evoked enough interest even in two Telugu states and industry folks are talking about it. “The teaming up of Kamal Haasan with Mani Ratnam has triggered some interest among industry bigwigs and also among Telugu audiences since their earlier film ‘Nayakudu’ was a big money-spinner in United Andhra Pradesh in the 1980s.
It also received huge critical acclaim for his riveting performance as an underworld don and his transition from young to old also was realistically captured by Mani Ratnam,” says a veteran distributor, who claims that Kamal's recent film ‘Vikram’ also minted gold in the two Telugu states. “Even new generation audience watched his latest spy thriller and praised his performance as the film went on to collect Rs 18 crores in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana,” he adds.
Meanwhile, the national award-winning actor returned to Tollywood by signing up to play a baddie in the much-hyped sci-fi thriller ‘Project K’ impressed by the unique characterization penned by director Nag Ashwin. “He didn’t play a negative role in his career; although he was seen in a role with grey shades in yesteryear Telugu hit film ‘Indrudu Chandrudu’. He essayed the role of a corrupt Mayor who later repents for his misdeeds. He is a versatile actor and is going to rock in ‘Project’ K’ despite the presence of an ensemble cast including the likes of Amitabh Bachchan and others,” he informs.
He claims that Kamal Haasan was the first Tamil hero to expand his base in Telugu states in the 70s and 80s. He also did straight Telugu films like ‘Sommu Okkadi Sokku Okkadi’, ‘Sagara Sangamam’, 'Swathi Muthyam’ to mention a few classics to win the admiration of Telugu movie buffs.
“Most of Kamal Haasan’s movies were dubbed into Telugu and minted big money. Films like ‘Bharateeyudu’, ‘Bhamane Satya Bhamane,’ and ‘Dasavatharam’ showed his crowd-pulling prowess. He also proved that he was an actor-par-excellence who can also excel in star-centric movies,” he concludes.
