Summer 2017 is easily the most awaited seasons in recent times as a slew of much anticipated big ticket films have announced their arrival in these three months. Nearly 500 Crores is riding on Tollywood with films like Katamarayudu, Baahubali 2, Duvvada Jagannadham and Mahesh23 in the fray. Also, a number of medium and low budget films are in the Summer race.
Unfortunately, the first half of Summer has produced disappointing results for trade circles. Pawan Kalyan’s Katamarayudu which released amidst high expectations couldn’t sustain at the box office. Despite raking strong numbers in the first two weeks due to Pawan Kalyan’s charisma, the film couldn’t enter the profit zone.
Venky’s Guru, which released after Katamarayudu, too, couldn’t attain the genuine hit status as the film’s collections plunged after a good start.
Puri Jagannadh’s Rogue couldn’t make an impact and ended as a huge disaster. Mani Ratnam’s Cheliyaa which released last week is also turning out to be a big disappointment for trade circles.
Now, all eyes are on SS Rajamouli’s Baahubali 2 which is gearing up for release in a couple of weeks. Also, Mahesh – Murugadoss film is carrying a solid buzz in trade. The fate of these two films will decide the overall Summer success ratio of Tollywood. Allu Arjun’s Duvvada Jagannadham is almost confirmed to have pulled out of Summer race due to delay in shooting.
Few medium budget films like Mister, Radha and Keshava, which are set for release in April and May, are also carrying decent expectations among the trade circles.
We have to wait and see how the rest of Summer turns out for Tollywood.