Jayakrishna Ghattamaneni’s debut film Srinivasa Mangapuram has turned out to be a washout at the box office. The film failed to connect with audiences and ended its theatrical run as a total disaster.
Amid the poor response, director Ajay Bhupathi has now come forward and taken complete responsibility for the film’s result. In a heartfelt statement, the director said Srinivasa Mangapuram remains a very special film for him because of the memories and emotions attached to it. He also praised debutants Jayakrishna and Rasha, saying that working with them never felt like working with newcomers because they gave their best.
Ajay Bhupathi also thanked veteran producer Ashwini Dutt for the opportunity and expressed his gratitude to everyone associated with the project.
Most importantly, the director did not try to shift the blame. “I take complete responsibility for the film’s result,” he stated.
Despite the setback, Ajay Bhupathi has promised to bounce back. “I’ll rise again soon and come back with a film that all of you will love,” the director said.
Taking responsibility after a disaster is not easy. Ajay Bhupathi’s statement at least shows that he is willing to own the outcome rather than blame the actors, producers, or audience.
There is also speculation that taking the blame could help protect Jayakrishna from becoming the face of the disaster. As a newcomer making his debut, he has far more to lose from a disastrous first film than the director.
Ajay Bhupathi can always bounce back with his next film. But it is equally important that Jayakrishna comes out of this fiasco without his career being damaged by the result of one film.
There is already buzz that Ajay Bhupathi could next move ahead with Mangalavaaram 2. This failure may not affect his career much. For Jayakrishna, however, the real challenge will be ensuring that Srinivasa Mangapuram does not end his career before it has even begun.
