After AK47, Can Trivikram Justify Jr NTR’s Blind Trust?

Trivikram and Jr NTR Reunion in Focus

Trivikram Srinivas is once again facing questions over whether he is delivering films that match his reputation. His latest film Aadarsha Kutumbam AK47, starring Venkatesh, has received a decent response, but the box office performance has been underwhelming so far. While the film has its share of comedy and Trivikram’s trademark dialogues, the second half has not impressed everyone. The overall response suggests an average entertainer rather than a memorable experience many expected from the director.

Interestingly, Trivikram is now preparing to reunite with Jr NTR for a mythological film based on Lord Karthikeya, tentatively titled God of War. Their previous combination, Aravinda Sametha, came at a difficult time for Trivikram. After the disastrous result of Agnyaathavaasi, several questions were raised about his filmmaking. NTR stood by him and openly expressed his confidence in the director. Aravinda Sametha eventually became a success.

However, the circumstances are different this time. Trivikram is no longer returning after just one setback. Guntur Kaaram and now Aadarsha Kutumbam have also raised questions about the consistency of his content. AK47 was reportedly planned on a budget of around Rs. 50 crores, excluding the remuneration of Venkatesh and Trivikram. However, industry reports suggest that the cost eventually reached nearly Rs. 150 crores.

Delays in filming, interest costs and reported reshoots are said to have contributed to the budget escalation. A film that could have been a highly profitable venture at Rs. 50 crores has reportedly become a much bigger financial commitment.

Trivikram has seemingly failed on both fronts. He could not deliver outstanding content in terms of story and screenplay, and he also failed to keep the making costs under control. If the same happens with God of War, which is already reported to be one of the most expensive films ever made, Trivikram could struggle to justify the massive investment. Going by the way he fumbled with AK47, questions about whether he is the right person to handle such a big project are bound to arise.

NTR is currently working on Prashanth Neel’s Dragon, after which the Trivikram project is expected to take off. NTR has stood by the director before, but this time Trivikram needs to deliver a film that fully justifies the trust, expectations and massive budget surrounding their reunion.