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.