Megastar Chiranjeevi‘s Godfather is the next biggie coming out of the Telugu Film Industry. But with many factors going against the film, is it a competent decision to take the risk by releasing the film in theatres? Or would it be wiser to release the film directly on OTT?
The big-budget venture also co-stars Salman Khan and has an ensemble cast that includes Nayanthara, Puri Jagannadh, Satyadev Kancharana, and Samuthirakani. Though the star cast looks impressive, particularly the presence of Salman Khan probably to market the film as a pan-indian venture, the low buzz in the Telugu-speaking states and the Hindi belt has the fans and the trade concerned.
Firstly, the movie is the official remake of the Malayalam blockbuster Lucifer and this accounts for low excitement among the neutral audience. With the original available on Prime Video in Telugu subtitles and the lead Superstar Mohanlal being known in Telugu, whether the film will attract a theatre audience is doubtful. The teaser was not received as well as expected, with many on social media joking that the remake would lead people to appreciate the original film more, hence increasing hype for the original’s upcoming sequel ‘L2: Empuraan’.
Secondly, Chiranjeevi’s last big venture ‘Acharya’ was a disaster making it even more difficult for the film to find takers. According to the media, the makers despite all this, are asking for a huge amount from the distributors which they are not ready to give. The movie’s post-theatrical rights being sold to Netflix before release has also led to rumors that the producers are unsure of the film’s theatrical prospects.
Adding to all this is the fact that the film is clashing with Nagarjuna’s ‘Ghost’. The action thriller’s teaser and trailer were well received and with Nagarjuna’s popularity more than it has ever been courtesy to the success of ‘Brahmastra Part 1: Shiva’ and will give a very tough competition to ‘Godfather’.With the story being known since it’s a remake, the audience may prefer the sleek action in ‘Ghost’ to ‘Godfather’.
Considering all this, releasing the film directly on Netflix would be the safest decision the makers can do. Chiranjeevi’s last film may have been unsuccessful but he remains one of the biggest stars in India, with a huge fanbase. If the film is directed well and ably supports the megastar’s charisma, it may still do well in theatres. But with the low buzz and promotions, would it be a good decision from the financial POV to risk the theatres? That, the makers have to decide.
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