Mahesh commands Rs 35 crore share?

Superstar Mahesh Babu will be reportedly pocketing Rs 35 crore share for his work in 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' set to hit screens during the Sankranthi festival.

"Mahesh Babu was confident about the subject and also producer Anil Sunkara was his close friend. Instead of a fancy remuneration, the actor agreed for a share in business.

It could work out to more than Rs 35 crore plus as per the initial estimates," says a source, close to the unit.

In fact, producer Anil Sunkara in a recent interview claimed that he didn't pay a single rupee to Mahesh Babu and hinted about a share in business between producer and the actor.

"Director Anil Ravipudi is known for his meticulous planning and execution to keep costs under control and in cutting unnecessary wastage. He has assured the producer that he would wrap up the film within

Rs 50 crore including shooting in Kashmir and other production costs besides remuneration to other actors, so the producer can make profits with a business of over Rs 110 crore and give a share to Mahesh Babu," adds the source.

Mahesh Babu is basking in blockbusters like 'Bharat Ane Nenu' and 'Maharshi,' while Anil Ravipudi is riding high on Rs 60 crore blockbuster 'F2', hence the combination of actor-director has already triggered lot of hype in trade circles and distributors are willing to cough up big sums since it looks to be action-oriented family drama.

No doubt, the 'Srimanthudu' star is ahead of his arch rivals and truly living up the title 'Sarileru Neekevvaru' (no match to you) by drawing the highest amount for a single film.