As the highly anticipated sequel, Pushpa 2, gears up for its Independence Day weekend release, expectations are soaring, and the makers are quoting record prices for theatrical rights. Aiming for a staggering Rs 200 crore business in Telugu states, Pushpa 2 has set ambitious goals, comparable to the likes of RRR, the only film so far to achieve such a feat.
Interestingly, the precedent set by Salaar, another major release with initial quotations of Rs 200 crore, ended up with a negotiated figure of Rs 160 crore, and even then, not the entirety was Non-Refundable Amount (NRA). In Nizam, Salaar is expected to break even, but the situation in Andhra Pradesh doesn’t offer a similar outlook.
Pushpa 1, while enjoying massive success in other states, particularly in its Hindi version, did not emerge as a monumental hit in Telugu states. With a share of less than Rs 110 crore, it fell short of being a colossal success. This history raises questions about the feasibility of quoting Rs 200 crore for Pushpa 2 in the same region where its predecessor did not reach extraordinary heights.
Makers are quoting Rs 100 crore for Andhra Pradesh (across 6 territories), indicating a potential hesitation among buyers to take significant risks. Considering the business trends and the challenging prospect of recovering 60% outside the Sankranthi season, Pushpa 2’s ambitious quotations in Telugu states might face resistance.
The dynamics of the film industry’s regional appeal versus pan-Indian success present a complex challenge. Pushpa 2’s quest for a monumental business in Telugu states sparks anticipation but also raises eyebrows, leaving stakeholders and enthusiasts alike to wait and watch how this high-stakes gamble unfolds.
