Airavata seems to redefine the symbolism of a ‘white elephant.’ Directed by AP Arjun, the movie starring Darshan can surely qualify to be the toast of the season. And no wonder,the producers have almost got back their money with the film being sold out in all territories of Karnataka even as it is in the process of coming out with the first copy. According to the latest information, Gokul Films have taken over BKT (Bangalore, Kolar and Tumakkuru) centres, N Kumar has taken Mysuru, Kumar Shetru for Hubbali and Shastry for Chitradurga, to name a few.
The film made with a Rs 25 crore budget is already breaking even according to the producer of the film, Sandesh Nagaraj. “As of now we are getting back our investment, which is excluding the TV rights. We have been offered a high amount for satellite rights but we are yet to sell it. Now that the film is giving us good returns, we hope Airavata does well when released. It will only add to the profits,” he reveals.
Given the fact that Darshan’s previous film Ambareesha was sold at Rs 17 crore all over Karnataka, which was supposed to be the highest, Airavata will score big on the economy graph.
According to Sandesh, the initial plan was to do the film with Rs 14 crore and 100 days but the film took 150 days and the budget shot up to Rs 25 crore. The film with Darshan in the starcast did create a hype from the initial stages of its launch. “The trailer and audio released last month have been a hit. However, distributors today do not take up any films blindfolded. But Darshan has his market and our film Airavata was a plus point. Any producer who invests money on him is sure to get returns,” he says.
Currently, the film is in post production and has completed the dubbing portions and the first half of re-recording. The second part of the re-recording will start from Wednesday, which will go on for the next 10 days. “The process of DI work and other little jobs will at least need another 15 to 20 days to get out with the first copy. We plan to go to the censors by mid September,” he says.
The makers are planning to release Airavata either by September end or by first week of October. “We are looking for a Bakrid release or for Gandhi Jayanthi,” says Sandesh.