Dil Raju is known for his lucky hand, but not always. If he earns in distribution, he may lose in subsequent production. If he makes a profit in production, he may lose in distribution.
After the success as the producer of Balagam and the triumph as the distributor of Dasara, Shakunthalam could be his third success in a row. However, Tollywood is curious to see the extent of its success.
Director Gunasekhar began the Shakunthalam project with an estimated budget of forty crores. Dil Raju became a partner after being impressed with the project. They have their investment and profit equations.
However, the costs exceeded forty crores, reaching 54 crores. Despite this, they chose to release it in 3D, incurring an additional cost of 10 crores, bringing the total to 64 crores.
As buyers were hesitant to invest in this type of film, it was offered on returnable advances. Only one overseas buyer opted for the NRA. Non-theatre and other sectors have generated revenue of up to 40 crores, with another 24 crores pending.
Thus, if the Shakunthalam movie manages to gross 50 crores from Telugu states, the producer's investment comes back. The responsibility for this burden falls on Shakuntala.
We have to see how far this feat becomes possible.
