Speaking at the success meet of 'Mehbooba' earlier on Tuesday, Puri Jagannadh said that, wherever he went in the US, the appreciation was huge. "People are loving the intense love story that is 'Mehbooba'. The response has been superb," he said.

What about negative reviews? "Even negative reviews have written so well about Akash (his son). They have hailed his performance. 'Mehbooba' is not a regular movie. It's a clean love story devoid of regular commercial elements," he noted.

Puri added, "When I make a typical film, they complain that I don't come out of the same style. When I do something different, they say that Puri-style stamp is missing in the film. Whatever they may say, 'Mehbooba' is a film I will always love. Please promote our film."

The director thanked Nandamuri Balakrishna for standing with him throughout. "He has constantly been inquiring about the film. He values friendship a lot. Jai Balayya," Puri signed off.