It has become an orthodox sentiment factor in Tollywood for all those super hit debutant directors to find it tough in crossing their second hurdle. Many star directors who made their first movies as super duper hits faltered at second obstacle before reviving again with third and fourth films. At a time when Merlapaka Gandhi is also kept in the similar situation, obviously he too would have been a tensed for a moment.
Delivering a breakthrough hit ‘Venkatadri Express’ for hero Sundeep Kishan, heroine Rakul Preet Singh and for himself, Gandhi took some time to sign ‘Express Raja’ with Sharwanand. In fact, this story and script made enough rounds between UV Creations and Annapurna Compound before settling in the former.
Finally, ‘Express Raja’ released in between Sankranti huge competition from three big films viz. ‘Nannaku Prematho, Dictator’ and ‘Soggade Chinni Nayana’ evolved as a profit making venture for all those financially associated with it. Thus, Gandhi has safely crossed ‘Dwithiya Vighnam’ without much of difficulty. Hope, he is getting ready for the third now.