Dil Raju is elated.  This Sankranthi, 'F2' came as a saving grace for the industry.  In this interview, the ace producer talks about the film, his upcoming projects, the remake of '96', the postponement of 'Maharshi' and more.  

How are you enjoying the stupendous success of 'F2'?

This Sankranthi has given a big boost to our banner.  After 2017, which gave us a slew of six hits in a row, 'F2' this year has boosted us up like anything.  We were convinced that 'F2' would be a big hit for sure.  The magnitude of success has only exceeded our expectations.  I thank Anil Ravipudi, Venkatesh garu, Varun Tej and others for this kind of success.  Devi Sri Prasad, Sameer Reddy, co-director Somraju garu and others have also made it possible.  The media has been very encouraging.  

What about 'F3'?  Can we expect the film to go on the floors this year itself?

'F3' will release for Sankranthi 2021.  The entire team of 'F2' will be retained, with some minor exceptions.  One more hero will join Venkatesh garu and Varun.  Everything will depend on the script.  Anil shot off the idea during the making of 'F2' itself.  But I told him to wait for 'F2' to release first.  Anil has worked thrice with me in a row.  It depends on a producer's relationship with a director.  We have got along very well.  His remuneration for 'F2' was sealed a day before the film went on the floors.  

Did you imagine this kind of success?

Nobody can gauge the range of the success of a movie.  We can only analyze whether it's good or bad in terms of content.  But nobody can say whether a film will create wonders.  

Last year was bad for your banner.  Are you looking at a double hat-trick this year as well after the 2017 success story?  

I had never planned those six hits in 2017.  But after scoring three hits, I consciously wanted to try a double hat-trick.  At present, I am confident about the success of 4-5 films this year.  After April, we will know whether there will be six hits for our banner in 2019.  

Do you have Bollywood plans?  Why couldn't you hit the bull's eye last year?

My focus is presently on what we can do this year.  As for Bollywood, I will go for it if a good story is there .  Script matters the most.  Sometimes, everything looks good on paper.  But the audience reject it.  The story, the star cast, anything can misfire.  Just as you can't make profits every year as a farmer, so also you can't make hits consistently every year.  

Why did you have to postpone 'Maharshi' to April 25?  Mahesh Babu's fans are surely disappointed.  

The production works of 'Maharshi' didn't progress as planned last year.  The US visa process took time.  It caused the delay.  The next schedules of the movie will happen in Hyderabad.  

What about the remake of '96'?  This is a talk of the town now.  

When I watched '96' (Tamil), I called up Samantha to watch the movie.  She tweeted about the movie before she knew who would be directing the remake.  Several directors and heroes were claimed by the media.  After several days, I went to Samantha with the director of the original - Prem Kumar.  

Don't you think it's a risky remake?

I am sure that '96' will be a super hit in Telugu.  I watched the original much before its theatrical release.  I could feel the story without understanding Tamil fluently.  I zeroed in on Samantha and Sharwanand as wanted by Prem Kumar.  He told me he can deliver a super hit with the remake if these two are the lead actors.  '96' is a classic in Tamil.  We will know whether it will become a classic in Telugu only after the first day first show is over.  

The talk is that Ashok Galla's (Mahesh Babu's nephew) movie has been shelved.  What is the reason?

I don't mind things like shelving a project, etc.  My focus is on taking things forward.  I don't open up on anything unless everything has been finalized.  

There is this buzz that you will produce Mahesh Babu's movie as a standalone producer, after 'Maharshi'.  Is it true?

If a proper script is there, I will do it.  Everything depends on whether the right story is there.  

Tell us about a few projects in the pipeline, movies which you haven't announced yet.  

Next Sankranthi, there will be a family entertainer from my banner.  I have signed up Naga Chaitanya for a movie.  It will be directed by a debutant.  There will be a film with Raj Tarun.