Begins on a fancy note

Tamil Superstar Ajith-starrer ‘Aarambam’ has attracted Rs 6 crore for Telugu dubbing rights, a big sum for a film which is neither a Shankar’s directorial nor has the presence of the likes of Rajini or Kamal.

‘Aarambam’, featuring Tamil superstar Ajith in the central role, has taken a colossal opening across Tamil Nadu on day one. Like with big-budgeted Tamil flicks that have noted faces, the action-entertainer, directed by Vishnu Vardhan (‘Panjaa’ fame), too, has attracted a huge price when it comes to Telugu dubbing rights. Producer Srinu Babu who is awaiting the release of his maiden production ‘Chandi’ has bagged the Telugu rights amidst a huge competition.

A source said that as soon as the film, made at a budget of Rs 60 crore, opened to great word of mouth talk, Telugu rights have grabbed many eyeballs. “Srinu Babu bought the rights for Rs 6 crore, a big sum for a film which doesn’t host the likes of Rajinikanth or Kamal Haasan, the duo who generally command a great following in Andhra Pradesh. He is expected to release the film on November 21 in AP,” the source said and added, “It is the biggest rate for an Ajith-starrer till date. Factors like the presence of other stars --Nayantara, Rana Daggubati and Taapsee-- in significant roles, added to the price.”

When Hans Talkies contacted the producer, he said that film’s storyline is the reason that made him shell out big bucks for the dubbing rights. “Besides the title catching my attention, I was told that it’s a new ‘Bharateeyudu’.”

He also said that Ajith commands a good following in Telugu and that his production house will take every step to present a superior product. “Following the completion of dubbing, which will start soon, the audio, will be unveiled,” he said.

‘We will release ‘Chandi’ on November 8 before shifting our attention completely to ‘Aarambam’,” he added. ‘Aarambam’ is a production of A Raghuram, brother of Sri Surya Movies head honcho AM Ratnam.