Producer Dil Raju is greatly satisfied that 'Rowdy Boys' did well in the first week of its release and also in the second week. Released in theatres on January 15, it is the debut of Ashish, who is his nephew. In this interview, the ace producer talks about the collections amassed by 'Rowdy Boys', and also the big films that are going to come out from the last week of February. He hasn't given any dates but hinted that most of the pending big-ticket movies will arrive by May.
'Rowdy Boys' held its ground in the second week. As I had expected, it grossed Rs 8.5 Cr in the first week. In the second week, it grossed Rs 3.98 Cr in the Telugu States. The youths have completely made their film their own. I am expecting a minimum of more than Rs 2 Cr in the third week. I am very happy that a newcomer's film has made this much.
'Rowdy Boys' is definitely a super-hit for potentially making Rs 15 Cr (gross in AP, Telangana) in its three-week run. Ashish has proved his strength. It's a very good debut for him without a doubt.
As I said, the first-day collections were disappointing. As time passed, the film picked up. It's good that no films were released at the box office in the following week after Sankranthi. It became a big plus. Had the situation been normal (referring to the pandemic), the collections would have been extraordinary. We had to plan music promotions in a short time. And we had to clash with 'Bangarraju'. The film is good and that's why it's a hit. 18-22 age group audiences have loved 'Rowdy Boys' a lot. People in their 30s found it ok. At the end of the day, I am happy with the Rs 15 Cr gross.
As far as I am concerned, Ashish is not yet a hero. He is just an actor. He needs to be accepted by a large section of audience for him to be called a hero. It's a good sign that people have liked him in 'Rowdy Boys'. Economics is important. Producers have to start believing that they can invest in him and make revenues. Becoming a hero is a long-run game. It can take 2 years or 5 years. It depends.
Love stories, family dramas and mass films. These are the only genres an actor can try. Ashish will be doing films that suit his abilities and image. It's a long-run game for which there is no shortcut. He must prove his versatility as an artist. Allu Arjun has proved it film after film. That's why we are in awe of 'Pushpa'. The audience have to be wowed by an actor/hero. 'Arya' changed the game for me, Bunny and Sukumar. Such things don't happen with any textbook planning. They happen as part of a long journey.
We are hoping to release big-ticket films from February 25 itself. February, March and April will see most big movies (pending ones like 'RRR', 'Radhe Shyam', 'Acharya', 'Bheemla Nayak', 'Sarkaru Vaari Paata') coming out in theatres. 'RRR' has had to plan for March 18 or April 28. Two dates had to be planned because of the uncertain situation. What can they do if the situation is not good by March 18? They will have to postpone it to April 28 and I will have to move out 'F3' from that date. I have to give preference to a pan-India film, obviously.
The AP government has appointed a committee to look into the tickets issue. We are optimistic. A report will be brought out soon by the committee.
