Naga Chaitanya is looking to build on the success of Thandel with his ambitious fantasy thriller Vrushakarma, which is now targeting a December theatrical release.
Directed by Karthik Dandu of Virupaksha fame and produced by BVSN Prasad under the Sri Venkateswara Cine Chitra (SVCC) banner, Vrushakarma is reportedly the highest-budget film of Naga Chaitanya‘s career. The film, which also stars Meenakshi Chaudhary, has generated decent curiosity ever since its glimpse was released.
According to industry buzz, the makers are planning December 3 as their first choice. However, that date depends on Prabhas’ Fauzi. If Fauzi gets postponed, Vrushakarma is expected to grab the December 3 slot. If not, the makers are likely to shift to December 24.
That date, however, comes with its own challenges.
Shah Rukh Khan’s King is also expected to release during the Christmas weekend. While a Hindi film may not significantly affect Vrushakarma in the Telugu states, King is no ordinary Bollywood release. With Shah Rukh Khan’s pan-India appeal and Siddharth Anand’s commercial packaging, the film is expected to occupy premium screens and shows across multiplexes. Audience attention could also get divided.
Adding to the competition, Jumanji is also scheduled to arrive on December 25. The Hollywood franchise enjoys a strong following among urban families, especially in cities like Hyderabad. That means Vrushakarma could face intense competition in multiplexes.
The positive side for Chaitanya is that inside reports on Vrushakarma have been encouraging. If the content delivers, the film has the potential to become another big success in his career. The release date, however, will be crucial.
If Fauzi vacates December 3, Vrushakarma could enjoy a relatively clear runway. If not, the Christmas corridor promises to be one of the most crowded and competitive periods at the box office, with King, Jumanji, Vrushakarma, and several other films all vying for audience attention.
