Sudeep has directed, acted in film.
By Akanksha Warrier
MUMBAI: The Kannada film Maanikya, which released on May Day (May 1) this year, has become a super hit at the box office.
The action thriller, which stars and was directed by Sudeep, garnered a lot of interest even before it hit theaters as for the first time, V Ravichandaran played the role of Sudeep’s father in a film. The remake of the Telugu hit Mirchi was declared as one of the costliest films ever made in Kannada cinema, and the gamble seems to have paid off since the movie is just two days short of completing 100 days at the box office.
With music composed by Arjun Janya, the movie also brags of blockbuster hit music. The performance of the star cast in their respective pivotal roles in this high budget movie has been deemed excellent and has stolen the show. The movie has suspense, action, drama, love and romance, which is maintained throughout the movie.
The film’s story revolves around the concept of age old rivalry that exists between two sects of a village. How does love and peace change attitude of ruthless factionists forms the story of the film.
Maanikya has the distinction of being the second costliest film made in Kannada after Sangolli Rayanna. The film has about 56 minutes of graphics, apart from the songs, which is also the longest duration for a Kannada film.
Produced by Priya Sudeep, MN Kumar and Kolla Praveen, this remake has been one of the toughest films Sudeep has been a part of, as an actor.
“The film changed the way people see some of us,” he says, referring to himself and his other lead actor V Ravichandaran.
Sudeep thanked his fans and well-wishers on twitter for the achievement. He said, “Maanikya completes century in two days. Wanna thank all those responsible for this wonderful moment..It is,wat it is,coz of u all.Luv-kichcha.”
Maanikya has gone on to become the highest grossing Kannada movie of all time. The record was previously held by Darshan starrer Kraanthiveera Sangolli Raayanna.
The budget of the film has not been officially announced, but is estimated to be between Rs.18-20 crores. Total collections for the film have crossed Rs. 30 crores.