No takers for Jigarthanda Double X. Raghava Lawrence's upcoming movie, "Jigarthanda Double X," directed by Karthik Subbaraj, is set to release on November 10, 2023. This film generated significant interest when it was first announced, as it is a sequel to the popular movie "Jigarthanda."
However, the dynamics surrounding the film changed after the release of "Chandramukhi 2." Raghava Lawrence, who transitioned from being an ace choreographer to an actor, had built a decent market for himself in the two Telugu states, thanks to successful films like 'Ganga' and 'Kanchana 2,' which performed exceptionally well and grossed over Rs 30 crore in the Telugu states. "A few years ago, his horror comedies were highly sought after in Telugu states, and he had established a dedicated fan base," notes a distributor. Unfortunately, his latest film, 'Jigarthanda Double X,' faced resistance from Telugu distributors, primarily due to the underwhelming performance of 'Chandramukhi 2.' "If not for the disappointment of 'Chandramukhi 2,' Lawrence's 'Jigarthanda...' might have fetched a better price, considering it's a typical action film by Karthik Subbaraj," the distributor highlights.
The movie's distribution strategy in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh involves a unique approach. Instead of paying an advance amount, the film will be released under a distribution system where Telugu distributors will release the film in both states and then collectively pool the earnings. After deducting an 8 to 10 percent commission, they will pay back the earned money to the Tamil producers.
Raghava Lawrence began his journey as a hero in Telugu cinema with the movie 'Style' and went on to direct Nagarjuna in two successful films, 'Mass' and 'Don.' However, he couldn't replicate the same success with Prabhas in 'Rebel.' Following this, he ventured into Kollywood and gained recognition for his horror comedy films.