Allu Arjun's nineteenth film as lead, Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo, has set the cash registers ringing ever since it's release on January 12. Directed by Trivikram Srinivas, the action-drama has garnered a 'HIT' verdict from the Chennai box office, based on the reports from Behindwoods Box Office wing. Excerpts from an interview of Allu Arjun and Allu Aravind, the producer of Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo.
Now that Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is an industry hit, how do you feel?
Allu Arjun: The producers announced that Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo is an industry hit. This isn't my victory, but a token of appreciation from the Telugu audience. If a film sets a new record, it doesn't mean the hero is a rank above, but the audience has shown their love towards the respective film, as a whole. I am overwhelmed with the response to the film and I couldn't have asked for more.
Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo beat Baahubali records in many areas, but you mentioned it is a Non-Baahubali record, why so?
Producer Allu Aravind: What you said is right. This film stood next only to Baahubali 2 in many areas. We regarded Baahubali duology as a single unit and reported the collections accordingly. We(the producers) are the ones who really care about collections and feel happy for the same. The hero and director are content with the response of their film gathers. This film is presently in the Top 3 in the USA and will stand next to Baahubali soon. It is still going strong in the domestic market.
Did you and Prabhas speak about the film?
Allu Arjun: I did not get the chance to speak about Baahubali till now. I personally told Rajamouli about it. Prabhas is worthy of each and every bit of appreciation he got for Baahubali. He could have scored numerous blockbusters in a span of five years after Mirchi. Of the five years he dedicated to Baahubali, he could have relaxed for three and a half years after working for one and a half years had he done commercial films. His sacrifice and determination are to be commended. I felt very happy after coming to know that a statue of his was established at Madame Tussauds. Records are very contemporary. We might achieve one today, but someone else will do it in the next six weeks. However, the love from the audience is permanent. No one can replace that.