Just as Sreenu Vytla wanted to give a hit for the industry, and not just for the hero or himself, the makers of The Businessman, Bodyguard and Poola Rangadu might want to give a Sankranthi for the industry. After talk of four or five big releases in the preceding months, the number is now just three. (Adhinayakudu, Snehithudu and Nippu have been postponed). There can be mixed views about if what we are witnessing is an unhealthy trend – three films occupying all the theatres forcing others to defer their releases - but it looks like this Sankranthi is going to be an occasion to remember.

This is perhaps the first time that all the releases are seemingly poised to become hits. For one, The Businessman is expected to fetch the distributors and exhibitors their share, thanks to the unmistakable hoopla and the number of theatres in which it is being released on Jan. 11. The question is not whether it will give them profits, but how much profits the combined might of Prince and Puri will generate for them in the first few weeks itself. The audience are raring to watch the movie.

For another, both Bodyguard and Poola Rangadu, slated to release on Jan. 12 and 14 respectively, have positive vibes going for them. While the former is coming with a hit formula, the latter is a comedy starring Sunil. Given Venkatesh’s illustrious track record in excelling in emotional roles, he may well salvage the third remake of the original Bodyguard. Good music and Trisha Krishnan's presence are an added advantage.

For all the talk of Poola Rangadu being the biggest film in Sunil’s career, its budget is not unrealistically high. K Atchi Reddy is not the one to splurge thoughtlessly. Thus, the distributors are assured of safe returns if Sunil can manage to make us laugh – which we all desperately want to do, no thanks to the spate of flops that have been harassing us.

At a time when the industry is in sore straits, a 100 % Sankranthi is the least that everybody is expecting.

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