The year 2024 has brought big success for Telugu films, all credits to Teja Sajja’s ‘HanuMan.’ This superhero movie set in a made-up place called Anjanadri is doing really well, surprising everyone. People all over the country are liking it, not just the critics. Even though it faced strong competition, ‘HanuMan’ isn’t just popular in the South; it’s also making a mark in the northern part of India, which is a big achievement for Telugu movies.
Source: The Economic Times
Story of HanuMan:
HanuMan revolves around the cheerful and carefree Hanumanthu (Teja Sajja), a lovable thief, in the underdeveloped village of Anjanadri. His life takes a turn when he discovers a precious stone during a conflict between the local doctor Meenakshi (Amritha Aiyer) and the antagonist Gajapathi (Raj Deepak Shetty). This stone grants Hanumanthu superpowers, setting the stage for a battle between good and evil. Director Prasanth Varma ambitiously introduces ‘HanuMan’ as the first installment in his superhero cinematic universe, defying initial skepticism and choosing to release it alongside heavyweight competition.
The Unexpected Success:
Initially, ‘HanuMan’ faced reservations due to its less popular lead actor, Teja Sajja, and the fact that it marked Prasanth Varma’s fourth directorial venture. However, the film’s promotional efforts paid off when it hit theaters on January 12, creating a buzz that propelled it beyond expectations. Despite clashing with the much-anticipated ‘Guntur Kaaram,’ ‘HanuMan’ is now running to packed houses in numerous theaters worldwide, prompting additional screenings to meet the soaring demand for tickets.
Source: Tollywood.Net
Secrets behind the Success of ‘HanuMan’:
What sets ‘HanuMan’ apart is its engaging blend of mythology and the superhero trope, presented with a touch of fun and believability. Director Prasanth Varma skillfully incorporates references from the Ramayana, paying homage to Telugu superstars like Prabhas, Mahesh Babu, Pawan Kalyan, and Allu Arjun. The film’s impressive visual effects, despite a limited budget, add to its allure, particularly in scenes featuring the larger-than-life rock carving of Hanuman. Varma seems to have discovered the right recipe for success, creating a near-perfect entertainer filled with fun, emotion, and intelligently choreographed action sequences.
The Sleeper Hit Phenomenon:
‘HanuMan’ strategically chose its release date, aligning with the Ayodhya Ram Mandir’s Pran Prathishta, creating a perfect vehicle to celebrate the occasion. With the film’s release just four days before the consecration ceremony, it resonates with the festive spirit and references to the Ramayana. In a commendable gesture, the makers pledged to donate Rs 5 from each ticket to the Ram Mandir, a promise they fulfilled by donating Rs 14 lakh from the opening day collection.
Source: Hindustan Times
Record-Breaking Success:
The success of ‘HanuMan’ extends beyond its critical acclaim, as it breaks records internationally. Surpassing the box office collections of renowned films like ‘RRR,’ ‘Baahubali,’ and ‘Ala Vaikunthapurramuloo,’ the superhero film has earned over $3 million in just four days in the USA. With a production budget of 2-3 Cr, ‘HanuMan’ has already grossed an impressive 80 Cr in India and 100 Cr worldwide.
