For years, Ravi Teja’s biggest problem was finding a hit. Now, after Irumudi, he has a very different problem: what to do after a blockbuster that nobody saw coming?
The success of Irumudi has completely changed the atmosphere around Ravi Teja. A film that was initially expected to simply give him some relief after a string of terrible films has turned into a box-office storm. For an actor coming from a long stretch of disasters, this is exactly the kind of success that can change the way an entire industry looks at him.
And that is why his next move is suddenly much more important. Ravi Teja has two films waiting. The Hasith Goli entertainer with Sree Vishnu, produced by Dil Raju, is one option. The other is Vivek Athreya’s film, produced by Laxman, which is said to have a horror flavor. The original plan was for Hasith Goli’s film to start first, but there is now talk that the Vivek Athreya project could get priority after Irumudi. If that happens, it could go on floors around September or October.
There is actually a good reason to be cautious. Ravi Teja should not look at Irumudi and conclude that he has finally made a comeback, take things for granted, and start doing formulaic films once again. That is what ruined his credibility among the audience. It would defeat the whole purpose of this comeback. What worked in Irumudi was the combination of a different backdrop, strong emotions, crime elements, devotional material, and a performance that allowed audiences to see a different side of him. After so many routine films failed, Irumudi proved that Ravi Teja does not necessarily need to go louder. He needs to go smarter.
The Hasith Goli film reportedly needs some script changes, which could delay it. There is no need to rush the next film just because the market is suddenly hot again. If Vivek Athreya can offer something genuinely different, taking that film forward first could be an interesting choice. If Hasith’s entertainer is ready later, it can follow. What matters is that neither project should look like Ravi Teja trying to cash in on Irumudi’s success.
