The massive success of Sree Vishnu starrer ‘Samajavaragamana’, seems to have given hope to comedy filmmakers in T-town. The comic-caper has garnered more than Rs 15 crore net collections and still counting besides breathing life into the sagging genre.
“It is true that some comedy films have not done well at the box office. With the success of 'Samaja..' I hope actors and directors who have great flair for comedy could have heaved a sigh of relief. Also, laugh-riots are a bread and butter of filmmakers who have limited budgets as commercial movies are unaffordable for them," says producer Anil Sunkara, who is basking in the success of ‘Samaja…’
In recent times Naveen Polisetty’s ‘Jathirathnalu’ grossed more than Rs 40 crores and revived footfalls for laugh riots. While comedies like ‘Bhale Bhale Mogadivoy’ and ‘Mahanubhavudu’ also set cash registers ringing in two Telugu states. Young directors like Maruthi, Anudeep and Anil Ravipudi proved their mettle in churning out comic-capers.
“I wish more directors would join the elite list. Actually, few of these directors are using comedy in commercial entertainers and customizing it to suit a particular star. Besides adding action and emotion to taste success,” says director Bheemaneni Srinivas Rao, who made cult comedy ‘Sudigadu’ which garnered more than Rs 22 crores.
“Memes and trolls on social media and Zabardast kind of comedy shows have dented the comedy genre. By the time we are readying the script and releasing our film, the jokes are becoming stale. So it is a big challenge for comedy filmmakers to come up with unique rib-tickling plots these days. However, the comedy genre is a safe bet in Tollywood since Telugu audiences love to watch healthy rib-ticklers and it is bound to make a comeback,” he informs.
However, one of the popular comedy stars, Allari Naresh, is treading a new path with movies like ‘Naandi’ and ‘Ugram. “Allari Naresh is a very talented actor. He wanted a break from comedy films and trying out something different. He is tasting success with his performance-driven movies. If he gets the right script, he may do a comedy, lets’ wait,” concludes Rao.
