When 1: Nenokkadine failed and a commercial film like Yevadu became a hit at the box office, certain things changed. Mahesh Babu stopped experimenting and chose safe stories. Film observers have often said that the filmographies of at least a couple of big stars would have been inspiringly bold had 1: Nenokkadine become a hit.
Speaking at Tuesday's post-release presser of Andhra King Taluka, producer Y Ravi Shankar remarked that if the audience don't encourage his film, template stories will make a comeback. "We will go back to mass songs and such elements," he said.
Ravi Shankar is no small player. He is today the biggest producer in Tollywood. So, his comments shouldn't be taken lightly.
Andhra King Taluka has come a cropper in terms of BO returns despite positive 'word of mouth', making many wonder what exactly went wrong. Its failure, in our opinion, is not surprising at all. Its casting is underwhelming. Upendra doesn't come across as a superstar; his body language feels like that of a veteran movie star. Then there are lazy elements, especially in the second half. The hero (Ram Pothineni) should have struck gold not by doing business but by being an individual achiever. Above all, Andhra King Taluka is more of a drama. And dramas are rarely loved by the Telugu audience.
