Creative director Teja directed Super Star Mahesh Babu in Nijam. The film released amidst huge expectations as it came after Mahesh scoring a blockbuster like Okkadu. Though the film didn’t do well at the box office, Mahesh Babu got Nandi award for his powerful performance.
Teja speaking to scribes analyzed the reason behind Nijam failure. He said, “Nijam could have done well had some other hero starred instead of Mahesh Babu. This was because Mahesh scored a blockbuster with Okkadu and he got a huge commercial image.
Nijam which released after Okkadu didn’t show him in such a manner. But had I cast some other star instead of Mahesh, they wouldn't have performed like Mahesh Babu. Even now I thank Mahesh Babu for his stellar performance. But movie lovers couldn't connect to Mahesh's character in Nijam due to his new found stardom with Okkadu.
I roped in Mahesh for Nijam after Bobby but in between Okkadu released and his image as a commercial hero increased. It's neither my mistake nor Mahesh Babu’s. It's only bad luck. Mahesh became a top star in the eyes of movie lovers."
Teja’s last directorial Sita starring Bellamkonda Srinivas and Kajal Agarwal turned out to be a disaster. On the other hand, Mahesh Babu who’s enjoying the success of Maharshi will next team up with Anil Ravipudi for Sarileru Neekevvaru.