Telugu Blockbusters’ North Indian Expansion: The Inside Story!
The Telugu film industry is abuzz with rumors swirling around the North Indian distribution rights of big-ticket releases like “Pushpa 2,” “Devara,” and “Game Changer.” Reports are flooding in, claiming eye-popping amounts, with some suggesting that “Pushpa 2” alone commanded a staggering Rs 200 crore for its rights.
But here’s the real scoop: Despite interest from Anil Thadani, Karan Johar, and the Zee Group for the Hindi release of these films, no concrete deals have been inked for these sky-high figures. The reality is that these movies are still in the process of exploring distribution and marketing avenues, with deals being structured on a commission basis rather than upfront lump sum payments.
For example, while Mythri Movie Makers plans to release “Pushpa 2” in collaboration with the AA group, the estimated Hindi business currently stands at around Rs 200 crore, mostly based on projections rather than finalized agreements. Similarly, “Devara” has garnered support from Anil Thadani’s AA group and has Karan Johar onboard as a presenter. As for “Game Changer,” the Zee Group will handle its Hindi marketing due to their co-production with Dil Raju, with the AA group likely handling distribution.
It’s important to distinguish between the perceived value of these films and the actual business transactions. While the anticipation is high, particularly for “Pushpa 2” after the massive success of its predecessor, much of the buzz around their Hindi releases stems from the star power of the films’ actors rather than confirmed deals.
Stars like NTR and Ram Charan, riding high on the success of “RRR” and making waves in the Hindi market, naturally contribute to the hype surrounding their films. Similarly, Karan Johar’s involvement in “Devara” adds to its appeal, while “Game Changer” is expected to generate similar buzz once its release strategy is finalized.
In essence, while the numbers being tossed around may seem astronomical, the reality is more complex. The entry of Telugu blockbusters into the North Indian market is a strategic move to leverage their star power and expand their reach, solidifying their presence on a global scale.
