It may sound cruel and slightly distasteful. But those who have seen Narasimhudu now wonder whether the contentious drama that preceded the film's release was at all necessary considering the quality of the film.

It turns out that the producer Changala Venkat Rao had to almost part the seas to get the film released.

Sources say that he had almost given up on releasing the film yesterday and had settled for releasing next week.

But the pressure from NTR fans, who were almost laying siege to his office, and the fact that the hero and a few other big names in the industry came to the rescue of the producer by chipping in with some contributions helped in releasing the movie (at least in the twin cities) on the appointed day.

It is learnt that the producer was neck-deep in financial crisis and was about to default on some payments (over Rs.4 crores) when NTR, B Gopal and others magnanimously offered the producer a huge packet (all out of their remuneration).

The day might have been saved for Chengala Venkat Rao. But who will save the film after all the bad publicity?