For Sankranthi 2020, two big-ticket films had a clash at the box office: Sarileru Neekevvaru and Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo. The latter entered the race as a runner-up. Hype was greater for Mahesh Babu's film until the trailer of Allu Arjun's film was released. The Trivikram-directed AVPL became a bigger hit than Mahesh's action entertainer. Anil Ravipudi was criticized by Mahesh's fans for infusing the train episode with cringe-y comedy. On the other hand, AVPL was seen as a dignified family entertainer with no minus points.
In his latest interview, Anil Ravipudi conceded that AVPL stole a march over his movie. "That said, Sarileru Neekevvaru had its big share of the pie. My film came close to the gross figure of the other film (AVPL). The superstar's pull made the difference," Ravipudi said.
Anil Ravipudi, in his recent interview, confirmed that he will be making a film with Megastar Chiranjeevi. He also wants to mount a Hello Brother-like comedy with Akkineni Nagarjuna. If that happens and a Nag movie grosses big at the box office, Ravipudi will have pulled off a miracle.