From North to South, the film Kalki 2898 AD is smashing box office records, much to the delight of producer Ashwinidutt. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Vyjayanthi Movies, making the success of this blockbuster even sweeter for the team. In a recent interview, Ashwinidutt shared his journey and some of the milestones, including the 1996 classic, Pellisandadi.
Made with a modest budget of just ₹1.2 crore, Pellisandadi grossed an incredible ₹11.3 crore, setting an evergreen record. Top producers Ashwinidutt and Allu Aravind approached Raghavendra Rao for a small film, leading to the creation of Pellisandadi. Despite the low budget, the movie became a massive hit, thanks to M.M. Keeravani's beautiful music and the captivating story.
At that time, ticket prices in major cities like Hyderabad ranged from ₹5 to ₹30. Even with these low prices, the film's earnings were remarkable. Adjusting for today's prices, the revenue would translate to hundreds of crores. What started as a small experiment became a monumental success, surprising both Ashwinidutt and Allu Aravind. Competing in the Sankranti race and emerging victorious was a sweet memory for the team. This classic example proves the timeless adage: "Content is King."
