It may be too early to say that. But Mahanandi seems well on its way to becoming a hit.

The action-emotion mix seems to be going down well with the public even though the critics have panned the film.

Though the critics have slammed it, the producers have gone in for extra prints, suggesting that there is good demand for the film.

The chemistry between Sumanth and Sri Hari seems to be working. Though Sumanth is the hero, Sri Hari has got equal exposure.

After NVNV, he has again showed that he has emerged as the top man for such roles.

For Sumanth, after the debacle of Dhana 51, Mahanandi’s potential success is a welcome one.

He needed it to anchor himself in the industry.

Director Samudra, though happy with audience response, has been unhappy with what the papers and critics have been writing.

In fact, he has thought it fit enough to circulate a press release, in which he has alleged that there were attempts to sabotage the film’s success.

The coming days are naturally crucial for Mahanandi.