After delivering a flop ('Krishnashtami') earlier this year, Dil Raju is back with a bang. In this interview, the ace producer talks about the performance of his latest film, whether Sai Dharam Tej has protested against the script of 'Supreme', doing a film with Pawan Kalyan, and more.

Has the performance of 'Supreme' been on expected lines?

Anil Ravipudi wrote the script in such a way that there is space for lots of comedy. It's quite like Jandhyala garu's films. It has established a connect with the audience the way I expected. There are five persons who I trust to give me the right report about my film. On day one, only two of them called me up. I was in doubt as the film got a mixed talk on day one. When I watched the film in Sri Ramulu theatre, I was convinced that the film will be a hit. The audience enjoyed it a lot. I told Anil and Teju to just be silent for three days. If a film plays to packed houses on Monday, it means the film is a hit.

Is it necessary to wait till Monday to know a film's fate?

On first day's first show, fans come to theatres. General audiences don't. In the case of 'Supreme', on day one, we heard lot of people say that the heroism is not proper or that there is no story. So, we had to wait till Monday. Waiting till Monday may not be applicable for all films.

Has Teju opined about the alleged absence of full-on heroism in the movie?

Our Teju is gold. He never objected to anything. Not just Teju, I haven't had any problem with any of the heroes I have worked with.

Your films ordinarily have very good stories. Do you think 'Supreme' has one or not?

The story of 'Supreme' is not great. I still made the film because of its entertainment value. As I had believed, it has worked.

Arya, Bommarillu, Kottha Bangaru Lokam.. These films had nice story lines. Of late, why are you making films with not-so-great lines?

Of late, without a conscious effort, our production house is bringing out more and more movies than before. We started making films with big stars. Budgets shot up as a consequence. With budgets going up, we started thinking about commerciality more. Even mass commercial entertainers from our banner have become successful most of the times, but for 'Ramayya Vasthavayya' and 'Krishnashtami'.

You expectations from 'Krishnashtami' fell apart.

I was over-confident about its success. It was I alone who okayed the story, so it's entirely my responsibility. We did a mistake by wanting to show Sunil in a new way.

What kind of response is 'Supreme' getting in overseas?

Overseas audiences like softcore movies. 90 pc of the business overseas is dependent on reviews. 'Sarrainodu' has been a blockbuster hit here, but in overseas? Reviews are the reason.

When are you making a film with Maruthi?

I am producing 'Rojulu Marayi' along with him. I am co-producing another film with Bekkam Venugopal. They will be released on SVC banner.

'Jana Gana Mana' was a title registered by you. Isn't it?

It was registered by our banner. But when Puri Jagannadh asked me for the title, I gave it to him without thinking for a second.

How are you going to realize your dream of making a film with Pawan Kalyan now that he has said that he is going to bid adieu to films?

If I am lucky, I will produce his film.

Do you have any plans to produce big-budgeted experiments like '24'?

I won't produce experimental films on a huge scale. I would be willing to produce small-ticket but novel films like 'Kshanam', though.

When is 'Shatamanam Bhavathi' with Raj Tarun starting?

The caption is 'Festival lanti cinema' The film will go on the floors in August. We are planning for a Jan 14 release. There is no truth in the reports that Raj Tarun has been in disagreement over the story.

In 'Supreme', the titles don't show you as a producer. Why so?

I introduced Harshit as a producer with 'Pilla Nuvvu Leni Jeevitham'. With 'Supreme', it's Sirish who has been introduced. I am having to listen to many stories. My workload has only increased. I am planning to produce 3-4 films per year. We will launch another banner. There is this conviction that Dil Raju's films can be watched with one's family. I will launch a banner to meet this requirement.