Earlier this year, The Kashmir Archives managed to collect more in week 2 than in week 1. This is a rare occurrence and usually once every two years. Hence, the trade was left shocked when Karthikeia 2which hit theaters just five months later The Kashmir Archives, also saw a similar trend. Moreover, both the films are co-produced by Abhishek Agarwal! No wonder he is called the charm in commercial and industrial circles.
EXCLUSIVE: ‘Lucky Charm’ producer Abhishek Agarwal talks SLEEPING SUCCESS, The Kashmir Files and Karthikeya 2. Says, “I believe in being the underdog. We don’t agree with the idea of releasing our film in 5000 screens”
When asked to comment on this tag during an exclusive Bollywood Hungama interaction, Abhishek Agarwal laughed and said, “I just think I’m the underdog. We don’t agree with the idea of releasing our film in 5000 screens. Earlier, Rajshri also used to give a limited release to her films and then increase the prints with increasing demand and good word of mouth. We are following in their footsteps.”
Karthikeia 2The Hindi version was released in just 50 shows on Day 1. The next day, it was playing in nearly 150 shows and the number was increasing with each passing day. Interestingly, Karthikeia 2 was released on Saturday, August 13, and as such, did not have a traditional Friday release.
Abhishek Agarwal explained, “Our film was originally made in the Telugu language. We were sure we had no competition. Ours is a small film and we didn’t want a clash. We were not in favor of fighting for screens with the other film, which had released, on day 1. We were willing to compromise and therefore, decided to arrive on a Saturday when the situation was much more favorable and get screen space. easier.”
The strategy worked and how. The film, which opened at just Rs. 7 lakhs, it has now crossed Rs. 25 crores mark. Which also went in favor Karthikeia 2 it was Aamir Khan’s Laal Singh Chadha and Akshay Kumar’s Raksha Bandan, which had released on August 11, had flopped by the time the Nikhil-starrer Siddhartha hit the theatres. However, Abhishek clarified, “These were star-studded films, while ours was not. So we were not competitive with them. I support movies with strong content. Even the upcoming movies I like The Delhi Files, Tiger Nageswara Rao, etc. they’re all content-driven movies.”
Karthikeia 2 it celebrates our history and mythology and usually, such socially relevant films get tax-free status. Chandoo Mondeti-directorial, unfortunately, has not yet been taxed by any state. You mention this matter and Abhishek Agarwal stated, “I cannot comment on this matter. Aap log likhiye. Janta ko yeh sawaal puchna chahiye. Fir government ko tax free karna padega!”
Abhishek Agarwal spoke to this writer after he had just returned from a trip to Gujarat. The film was shot in the state including Dwarka. Very rarely were shots fired in the holy city. Abhishek revealed, “Yes, the film was shot mainly in Dwarka, but also in Kutch. We had spoken to Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabai Patel and Home Minister Hars Ji (Hars Sanghavi) and they were fully supportive. We wanted to thank them and therefore, we visited them. We showed the film to them in Ahmedabad and they loved it.”
Karthikeia 2 he finished with his promise Karthikeia 3. For the next part, the makers hinted that the story would take place on foreign shores. When asked if the script for the sequel is ready, Abhishek Agarwal replied, “No. We just have an idea in mind. It will take time. As the public has shown love, our responsibility has also increased. So we have to be even more careful now and come up with a very exciting scenario.”
Karthikeia 2, meanwhile, is all set to have the highest screen count in week 4 as it is the highest performing film at the moment. Abhishek Agarwal said, “We do about Rs. 80 lakhs – 1 crore business daily. Even on the third Monday, it held up well, which is huge since we don’t have a star cast. Audiences have proven that if they connect with your film, they will come to see it in large numbers.”
Abhishek Agarwal is now gearing up for its release Tiger Nageswara Rao, starring Ravi Teja. He stated, “It will release in 2023. It will be dubbed in Hindi and will have a big release. Ouch outsider waali release nahi hogi. Use thoda hum bahar aayenge (laughs)! On a serious note, it has commercial elements as well as a strong message. It is set on a huge scale and has a lot of VFX. It’s my dream job. I hope to be able to deliver to the public again.”
The discussion cannot end without asking about the long-awaited The Delhi Archiveswriter-director Vivek Agnihotri’s next installment after The Kashmir Archives. However, Abhishek said, “It is too early to talk. For many, it is one of the most awaited films and that makes our job more difficult as we have to perform according to expectations.”
He signed off saying, “Besides, we are also working on 4 more Telugu films. The investigation continues. It would be something to watch out for.”
More Pages: Karthikeya 2 Box Office Collection
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