Audience Love is My Biggest Treasure: Anil Ravipudi

Sankranthiki Vasthunnam has become a massive hit creating history at the box office. Directed by Anil Ravipudi, the family entertainer grossed over 200 crores worldwide in just seven days. On completing ten successful years as a director, Anil interacted with the media and shared insights about his career, the film's success and his plans for the future. Here are some key highlights from his conversation.

Q: How has your ten-year journey as a director been? What highs and lows have you experienced?

A: My journey has been amazing and the audience supported me throughout. Every film gave me a new experience. I experimented with different genres and the audience accepted me. This Sankranthi, Sankranthiki Vasthunnam became a massive success as film earned 200 crores in just seven days. It is a historic moment in my career and this success proves that family entertainers have great potential.

Q: Did you achieve your career goal?

A: My dream was to become a director and I achieved it with Pataas. Everything else is a bonus. The audience gave me life in this industry. My focus is to provide full entertainment to them.

Q: How do you feel about working with different heroes in your career?

A: Every film was memorable. Kalyan Ram gave me my first break with Pataas and I worked with Sai Dharam Tej in Supreme, Ravi Teja in Raja the Great and Venkatesh in F2. I also worked with Mahesh Babu in Sarileru Neekevvaru and Balakrishna in Bhagwant Kesari. Each film was a special experience.

Q: How do you feel when people share emotional stories about your films?

A: I feel very emotional. A friend said his mother watched the movie after 30 years. Some people watched it in wheelchairs. Family entertainment brought people back to theaters.

Q: What is the biggest thing you earned in these ten years?

A: The love of the audience is my biggest earning. It is a priceless reward. This Sankranthi, their love for Sankranthiki Vasthunnam made me feel like a millionaire.

Q: Did you expect Sankranthiki Vasthunnam to be this successful?

A: We hoped to make a good entertainer. The success we see now is beyond our expectations. Even after eight days, the collections are surprising us.

Q: Did the Sankranthi season play a role in the film's success?

A: The season helped about 20%. But 80% of the success is because of the film�s content. If the content is strong, the film will perform well. The story of Sankranthiki Vasthunnam was fresh and relatable. It connected well with the audience.

Q: How do you feel about trending on BookMyShow?

A: It feels amazing. The ticket sales broke records from day one. The film's success is like the eighth wonder of my career.

Q: What was your reaction to Dil Raju and Shirish�s comments about the film?

A: I feel grateful. The credit goes to the audience as their support made this grand success possible.

Q: What is your secret to success?

A: I think about the audience while writing. I analyze my strengths and weaknesses and stick to what the audience expects while adding something new.

Q: What has changed in you over these ten years?

A: I learned to focus only on my work and still watch films every Friday and learn from them.

Q: How was your journey before becoming a director?

A: It was full of hard work and patience. Pataas was made on a small budget but became a huge success. It gave me a strong foundation.

Q: Is Bulli Raju�s character inspired by Hai Hai Nayaka?

A: Yes, I loved Jandhyala's films and I designed Bulli Raju�s character with that influence.

Q: How do you feel when compared to EVV?

A: EVV is a legend. It is the greatest compliment to be compared to him and I take it as a responsibility to live up to that standard.

Q: Can you share about your upcoming film with Chiranjeevi?

A: It is too early to share details. We are working hard to find the perfect story.

Q: When will you direct Nagarjuna?

A: I want to direct Nagarjuna soon. My dream is to work with all four pillars of Telugu cinema � Chiranjeevi, Nagarjuna, Venkatesh, and Balakrishna and I will make it happen.