The Telugu dubbed version of Vikram-starrer "I" has done exceptional pre-release business. According to latest reports, "I" has raked in ₹39-₹40 crore for theatrical rights alone in AP/Nizam areas.
The movie has created an all-time record in terms of pre-release business for a dubbed film. It has surpassed Rajinikanth-starrer "Robo," which earned ₹27 crore in pre-release business. The film made profits by minting approximately ₹37 crore at the AP/Nizam box office.
"I" also needs to follow suit and rake in fantastic collections to earn profits. The film is carrying huge expectations, thanks to Shankar, who enjoys a strong fan base among Telugu-speaking audience. The director's past releases including "Robo" and "Aparachitudu" ("Anniyan" in Tamil) have fared well at the AP/Nizam box office.
"The film's Ceeded Rate is around 7.2 Cr. It has fetched sensational rates in Andhra too with Vizag & East alone going for over 7.25 Cr. Guntur is 3.4 Cr and Krishna is 2.5 Cr+. Total Andhra Districts are fetching around 17 Cr Easily and Nizam is an Advance deal for around 15 Cr," reported Andhraboxoffice.
"'I' all put together is set to do around ₹39-₹40 Cr Pre Release Business in AP/Nizam for Theatricals alone!," the website stated.
"I" is expected to have big openings at the box office, but it needs to be seen if the film will be able to surpass "Robo" collections. Rajinikanth's star status and his fan following worked in favour of "Robo" and the film fetched good collections. However, Vikram does not enjoy similar fan following among Telugu audience and so it needs to be seen if the film will able to fetch big collections and earn profits.
The Shankar directorial is set for 14 January release as a Pongal/Sankranti treat for Vikram's fans. The film is expected to have a huge release worldwide in all three versions including Tamil, Telugu and Hindi.
The Vikram-starrer is a romantic thriller and the actor will be seen sporting different looks in the film. Amy Jackson, Upen Patel and Suresh Gopi are also part of the cast. AR Rahman has composed the songs, while Aascar Ravichandran has produced the film.