Superstar Mahesh Babu’s Srimanthudu Tamil version 'Selvandhan' is providing good profits to Chennai distributor. The film raked over Rs 1 crore in the city alone. However, the Tamil version is an average grosser overall as it got mixed response in B and C Centers owing to classy narration. Usually, Tamil audience likes to watch mass entertainers, whereas Selvadhan is a pure class and family entertainer with a good message. So, the film did average business. Here are the reasons for Selvadnhan’s grand run in Chennai city.
Earlier, Telugu films were restricted to a few theatres like Casino, where they would release several weeks after their release in Andhra Pradesh and Nizam. The advent of multiplexes and digital projection has not only given non-Tamil content a wider release, but has also paved way for a simultaneous release there. The participation of a film’s star in its promotion also helps the film do well in Tamil.
S. B. V. Prasad Rao released the Tamil-dubbed version (Selvandhan) of Srimanthudu in 111 screens in the state. He feels that Mahesh Babu’s promotion of the film in Chennai played a major role in its success. Unlike Tamil stars, actors from Andhra, Kerala and Karnataka have traditionally not enjoyed great reception in Tamil Nadu. Therefore, a Telugu star coming to Chennai goes a long way in establishing a strong fan base here. The acceptance of 'Selvandhan' shows that star power can work in other states too.