RGV's brand losing sheen?

Despite creating ripples on social media, maverick director Ram Gopal Varma's much-hyped 'Kamma Rajyamlo Kadapa Reddlu' yet to be 'sold out' in the two Telugu states.

"Distributors don't go by the hype created on the social media, hence major areas are still open although discussions are going on," says distributor Bharat Bushan, who claims that RGV & team are reportedly quoting Rs 8 crore plus for two Telugu states but open for bargaining.

"Last few films of RGV, failed to impress the audience. Buyers are also having doubts about the commercial reach of this spoof on two popular castes in AP," adds Bharat Bushan.

With mostly lookalikes of N Chandrababu Naidu, Pawan Kalyan, along with Tamil actor Ajmel of 'Rangam' fame playing AP CM Jagan Mohan Reddy and a Kannada actor, the film rides on RGV's name. "RGV brand lost sheen long back.

A distributor of 'Officer' wanted to even commit suicide for losing 70 lakhs. While another distributor from Andhra region lost Rs 3 crore plus and became bankrupt," adds distributor Venkateswar Rao, who feels that even social media hype for 'Kamma Rajyamlo.......' looks fictitious and manipulated.

"These days even social media likes and views can be managed for a good sum, although the political thriller has enough meat to create ripples.

But that doesn't guarantee business," adds Rao. Another distributor Ramakrishna says "RGV has tarnished the image of ex- Chief Minister of AP N Chandrababu Naidu with his previous movie 'Lakshmi's NTR' and again trying to do same with his next, will have few takers because election changed governments in AP.

Maybe, if he takes potshots at the ruling party, he has a better chance."