Now that the dust is settled over the two-part feature presentation of Allu Arjun’s Pushpa, here’s what we think about the strategy. It is no doubt good for the star, but only if it works. There are two models for that, Baahubali and KGF. We think it should be KGF.
When Baahubali arrived on the scene, it was charting entirely unknown territory. No one knew what it could do and where it will end. Remember, Magadheera didn’t have simultaneous dub release, and Eega failed box office wise in Hindi.
The openings of Baahubali, too, were nominal. But, it grew from strength to strength primarily due to one of its kind of ‘Desi’ visual wonder content with loads of mass appeal. And then magic happened with ‘Why Kattappa Killed Baahubali?”. No one would have anticipated its national obsession. It took the second part hype to a whole new level. And the rest is history.
KGF and 2.0 followed Baahubali’ phenomenal success. They also performed well nationally. This is because KGF and 2.0 have the larger than life big-screen experience in common. It is something Pushpa ‘must have’ to stand a chance in the first place.
KGF additionally did not have any twist end. The audience connected to the main lead character and ‘mass’ grandeur. They are looking forward to the next chapter for ‘Rocky Bhai’. It is this aspect that Pushpa should focus instead of a Baahubali-Esque twist end.
Twist ends don’t always work in the favour. It did work for Baahubali 2 at a gigantic level, but many films are spoiled as they fail to meet the expectations. In fact, the Telugu audience felt underwhelmed ‘initially’ with the ending of the Baahubali.
Imagine if Pushpa faces such an issue? It might not have the luck of Baahubali 2 to bounce back. But, on the other hand, if it works, it would be next level. It is, therefore, a risk element. Keeping all this in mind, focusing on KGF like presentation for the audience (considering two parts) would be ideal for Pushpa. What do you think?
