Pre-Box Office Negotiations for Pushpa 2: Makers Seek 40 Crores More Than Salaar for Theatrical Rights in Telugu States, but Buyers Hesitant to Take Risks
Pushpa 2 is undeniably one of the most highly anticipated Indian films at the moment. With Allu Arjun in the lead role, this pan-India movie has generated immense demand across all territories of the country. When it finally hits the screens later this year, it is expected to create new box office records. However, there seems to be some hesitation among buyers in Telugu states when it comes to investing a large sum of money into the film. Let’s dive into the details.
The Phenomenon of Pushpa: For those unfamiliar, Pushpa was released after the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite receiving mixed reviews from critics and facing COVID restrictions, the film managed to gross over 250 crores at the Indian box office, making it a commercial success. Apart from its theatrical triumph, the Allu Arjun starrer also gained immense popularity on various OTT platforms.
Makers demanding 200 crores for Telugu states? Undoubtedly, there is a buzz surrounding Pushpa 2, and it is expected to create a box office storm even bigger than KGF Chapter 2. However, buyers in Telugu states are not keen on acquiring the theatrical rights of the film at the colossal amount quoted by the makers, according to reports from Track Tollywood.
Reportedly, the makers are demanding a price of 200 crores for the theatrical rights of Pushpa 2. Only SS Rajamouli’s RRR has managed to achieve such a sum, and even the makers of Salaar couldn’t secure that amount from buyers. For reference, the theatrical rights of Salaar, starring Prabhas, were sold for 160 crores. Even at that price, it is said that Salaar will struggle to break even in Andhra Pradesh.
Considering Pushpa’s performance in the Telugu states, where it earned a share of less than 110 crores and wasn’t a massive success, buyers are wary of taking on significant risks. However, the film performed exceptionally well in the Hindi belt.
