Actor Roshan Meka, son of versatile actor Srikanth, began his career at a very young age with the small budget film Nirmala Convent. Unfortunately, the film failed to make an impact at the box office, and Roshan stayed away from films for several years. After a long break, he returned under the supervision of veteran director K. Raghavendra Rao with Pelli SandaD. Though the film received mixed reviews, audiences appreciated the fresh pairing of Roshan and Sreeleela, along with the music and visuals.
After Pelli SandaD, Sreeleela moved ahead rapidly and became a leading heroine within a short time. She went on to sign nearly ten films. Roshan, however, chose a very different path. Instead of signing films back-to-back, he decided to wait and carefully select his next project. That decision led him to Champion, which marks his re-entry as a lead actor.
Produced by Swapna Cinemas, Champion carries a massive budget of nearly Rs. 45 crores, which is unusually high for a young hero like Roshan. The film is set in the Nizam era and recreating that period on screen required heavy spending on sets, costumes, and production design. Despite the risk, the producers went ahead with confidence, trusting the strength of the story.
The teaser and trailer suggest that the investment reflects clearly on screen. Trade circles indicate that an OTT platform has already acquired the digital rights for around Rs. 16 crores, which is considered an impressive deal for an upcoming actor’s film.
However, the biggest challenge lies at the box office. The film reportedly needs around Rs. 30 crore in theatrical share. This means it must collect close to Rs. 50 crore gross. Given Roshan’s current market and heavy Christmas competition, this is a tough target. To reach it, the film must receive strong word of mouth and attract audiences in large numbers.
In many ways, Champion is the biggest test of Roshan Meka. If the film succeeds, he will not only establish himself as a lead actor but also justify the producers’ bold investment.
