Samantha Ruth Prabhu's latest Telugu film 'Maa Inti Bangaram' has achieved a significant milestone, grossing over Rs 100 crore at the global box office. The actress expressed gratitude to audiences for their overwhelming response and revealed that producers and exhibitors were initially sceptical about the film's prospects.
Film Details and Release
Directed by B V Nandini Reddy, 'Maa Inti Bangaram' was released globally on June 19. The film is produced by Prabhu alongside her husband Raj Nidimoru and Himank Reddy Duvvuru. In the movie, Prabhu plays the role of Swarna, a woman with a dark, violent past who hides her identity to build a quiet life. She marries Anirudh, portrayed by Diganth Manchale, and returns to his orthodox, patriarchal family for a wedding ceremony.
Box Office Milestone and Social Media Announcement
The actor shared a poster on her Instagram handle on Sunday, featuring the text 'Rs 100 crore'. In the caption, she wrote, 'Before the release of 'Maa Inti Bangaram', I remember obsessing over one thing: were people even talking about the film? Were the assets we were putting out reaching people? Did they know this film existed?'
Overcoming Industry Scepticism
Prabhu recalled a conversation that highlighted the industry's doubts about female-led films. She wrote, 'A friend of mine called an exhibitor in a B centre. He didn't know I was listening. My friend asked, 'What do you think about 'Maa Inti Bangaram'? How much do you think it'll open at?' The exhibitor didn't hesitate. 'Why would anyone watch a heroine film? If she's in a big hero's film, fine. People know her for the glamour. But a film led by a heroine? Who will come? Nobody.'
'That was the perception before 'Maa Inti Bangaram' released,' she added. 'I think real change only happens when someone is willing to take a risk. Most of the time, those risks don't pay off. Every once in a while, they do. For us, this one did.'
Hope for Future Female-Led Films
Prabhu expressed hope that this success would change perceptions. 'I hope that the next time someone calls an exhibitor in a B or C centre and asks about a female-led film, the answer isn't an instant no. Maybe it's, 'Let's see.' Because the truth is, we will never know,' she wrote.
Cast and Crew
Apart from Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Diganth Manchale, the film features Gulshan Devaiah, Chaitanya Krishna, and Sreemukhi in pivotal roles. The movie has been praised for its storytelling and Prabhu's performance, contributing to its box office success.
