Prabhas and Sandeep Reddy Vanga’s Spirit is still only around 40% complete, but the film is already creating massive excitement in trade circles.
According to the latest industry reports, distributors have begun locking territories well ahead of the release, reflecting the confidence the trade has in the Prabhas-Sandeep Reddy Vanga combination.
The latest development is from Karnataka, where veteran distributor Suniel Narang has reportedly acquired the theatrical rights in association with People Media Factory’s TG Vishwa Prasad.
Interestingly, People Media Factory’s involvement is said to be part of an earlier understanding with Prabhas that dates back to Adipurush and later continued through The Raja Saab. Following the heavy losses suffered on Adipurush and The Raja Saab, the banner’s association with Spirit is also being viewed by many in the trade as an opportunity to recover some of those setbacks through backend arrangements.
According to trade estimates, the makers are targeting Rs. 80-90 crore business from Andhra Pradesh alone, while equally high numbers are being discussed for the Nizam territory. Industry sources say Mythri Movie Makers is expected to handle the Nizam distribution.
Overall, trade circles believe Spirit has the potential to do Rs. 300-400 crore in theatrical business across all languages if the current momentum continues. That means Spirit has to collect a minimum 800 crores worldwide gross to be declared a hit.
Those numbers may sound ambitious, but the market believes the film has every ingredient to justify them. Prabhas remains one of the biggest pan-India stars, while Sandeep Reddy Vanga is coming off the historic success of Animal. Their first-ever collaboration has naturally become one of the most anticipated Indian films in recent years.
Of course, these business figures are still unofficial and could change as the release approaches.
Interestingly, another Jr NTR and Prashanth Neel’s film Dragon is also expected to command massive pre-release business. However, trade insiders say those discussions are still at an early stage. For now, Spirit appears to be setting the benchmark for pre-release trade expectations among upcoming Telugu pan-India films.
