Heartbreaker or record breaker?

Making the most expensive film (allegedly) in Indian cinematic history is a double-edged sword. While the hype it induces is enough to get the audiences to the theatres, a long, sustained run is a must to recoup the money and show profits. S.S. Rajamouli’s much-anticipated Baahubali is releasing on July 10, today, and the tickets for the opening weekend have been sold out for both Tamil and Telugu versions.

The industry is confident about the film earning some record-breaking numbers. Trade analyst Taran Adarsh says, “It’s a Rajamouli film and, of course, the expectations are humongous. Moreover, it’s a costume drama so there is tremendous curiosity.”While the industry is gung-ho about the film, the cast and crew are understandably a bit nervous as D-day comes closer. The film’s hero Prabhas says, “I’m tensed and can’t think of anything other than Baahubali.

This is a film that comes once in a lifetime for me. Not only me, every other actor and technician has sacrificed their personal life for this film for nearly three years. Though I got my remuneration, but money is not a priority for such a film. Personally, I feel that I can work for this film even for free.” For such a film to work at the box office, releasing only in India won’t suffice.

Trade expert Joginder Tuteja says, “Baahubali has to penetrate into the international markets to recover its money. In case it doesn’t work, the producers will suffer monetary losses obviously. But the time and energy that has been invested by the cast and crew would be wasted. Moreover, no other actor would block dates for another film at least for the next three years.” But what if the audience is disappointed with the final product?

Exhibitor Akshay Rathi says, “I have blind faith in Rajamouli. His track record has been impeccable and he knows how to deal with such subjects brilliantly, like he did with Magadheera. I’m sure it’s on its way to becoming the highest Telugu grosser in the history of cinema.”