Producer Dil Raju is happy that 'Rowdy Boys' is doing good at the box office. Released in theatres on January 15, it is going steady as per the producer. In this interview, catch him talk about the collections so far.
He also says that the 'word of mouth' is positive. 'Rowdy Boys' has withstood competition from 'Bangarraju', Dil Raju suggests.
It has been five days since 'Rowdy Boys' was released in theatres. We have interacted with youth audiences. Ashish, the newcomer, has been receiving a tremendous response. (Ashish is Raju's nephew).
I was personally disappointed about the collections on Day 1. Since it's a youthful entertainer and there was competition from 'Bangarraju', the low opening was understandable. But Ashish's performance received a unanimously positive response. I am a practical-minded producer. That's why I am realistic.
Collections in Telugu States: On Day 1, the gross figure was Rs 1.40 Cr. I had expected about Rs 2.25 Cr. On Day 2, it grossed Rs 1.62 Cr. Again, this was a bit disappointing. While the audience were loving the film, it was not showing in terms of collections. On Day 3, it grossed Rs 1.55 Cr. The figure conveyed that the collections would be stable despite 'Bangarraju', the family entertainer.
On Monday, 'Rowdy Boys' grossed Rs 1.32 Cr. It's almost equal to how much the movie had made on Day 1. In Andhra Pradesh, despite the 50% occupancy norm coming into force, it made Rs 1.25 Cr on Tuesday. The youths are clearly loving the film. In Rajahmundry, Kakinada, Eluru, Bhimavaram, and several other locations, housefuls have been witnessed.
Rs 4.5 Cr is the Share (the figures discussed in the previous paras is Gross) our film has earned in the Telugu States in 5 days. It might touch Rs 7 Cr or Rs 8 Cr by the end of its run. Commercially, it's a good performer. It's not a great performer, though. Due to the pandemic, the performance overseas is not up to the mark.
This film is going to have a very good run for the next two weeks. The word of mouth is encouraging. It's a big thing for a newcomer. After two weeks of run, we will put out the final figures.
I am interacting with exhibitors and distributors. They are telling me that youths are really enjoying our movie. I am hoping that this momentum will be sustained in the second week as well. Compared to AP, the collections are a bit less in Telangana due to the wide number of screens we got to release the film in, here.
The 50% occupancy norm is an advantage for 'Rowdy Boys'. Those who had stayed back out of fear of Covid-19 will now feel safe to watch.
The songs have connected with the audience in a bigger way after the theatrical release. That's why we are conducting musical events. I initially wanted to introduce Ashish in a family entertainer. But I changed my mind after listening to suggestions from well-wishers. I will definitely make a family film with him in sync with the tradition at Sri Venkateswara Creations. Ashish is not a hero. He is an artist. An actor becomes a hero when he gains traction among the audience. I will always be there with him in selecting scripts.
'Rowdy Boys' was never meant to be a direct OTT release. Why would I do that when a lot of big films are not coming out in theatres due to the pandemic. Ashish is energetic and is enthusiastic about promoting the movie in different towns in AP. He is a hard worker.
Ashish will next be doing 'Selfish', which is directed by newcomer Kashi. Sukumar Writings and SVC will jointly produce it. 'Rowdy Boys' is good on the commercial front. His next film will be a great performer.
