‘Bicchagadu’, Rana and 15 Telugu producers

Days after Bicchagadu's release, there is a speculation that the makers of PIcchaikaran (Bicchagadu's Tamil avatar) had first approached Rana Daggubati with the proposal to remake the film with him playing the lead.  After watching the film, Rana is learnt to have told them that although the film has substance, it won't work in Telugu if remade.  This made the makers give up the idea of remaking the film and go for a direct release.

In the event, the makers were convinced and decided to release a dubbed version.  In an informal conversation with journos the other day, the art director-turned-producer Chanti Addala said that he was one of some 10-15 producers from Tollywood who tried to bag the remake rights of the movie.  Of course, all that was of no avail.  It is said that the idea to promote Vijay Anthony through a film like this gained in strength.

In retrospect, Rana was right.  And the makers have hit the bull's eye.  Despite potential competition from Brahmotsavam, Bicchagadu has become a sleeper hit.  A few theatres were added a week after the film's release.  Further, a multiplex which had refused to exhibit the film came forward to play the movie two weeks later.

The fact that Vijay Anthony has no set image among the Telugu audience seems to have helped the film.  The theme has been effectively conveyed.