Producer AM Ratnam is quite happy that Gopichand-starrer 'Oxygen', released on Nov 30, is "doing well" at the box office. In this interview, he talks about why it can be remade in any language, why it got delayed to the tune of a year, his next film with Power Star, and more.

How has the audience's response been to 'Oxygen'?

Since its release on Thursday, the collections have only gone up. Many sections have liked the underlying message of the movie. I have received a number of calls appreciating us for driving home the message.

The distributors are quite confident.

How did this film fall into place?

Jyothi Krishna had told Gopichand the story even before he came to me. Since he liked it, Gopichand called me up and asked me to listen to the script. It was our 'Vedhalam' director Shiva who had first listened to the story and advised Jyothi Krishna to approach Gopichand. He liked the story a lot.

The screenplay is quite detailed.

Are there any plans to remake it in Tamil?

Since the message is universal, 'Oxygen' can be remade in any language. A Bengaluru-based friend of mine has opined that it should be done in Hindi with an Akshay Kumar or Ajay Devgn. I am planning to screen the film for Shiv Rajkumar in Kannada.

The film was delayed rather badly. Isn't it?

Since 'Aaradugula Bullet' happened before 'Oxygen', it was to justifiably be released first. But that film continued to face issues. Then came the release 'Gautham Nanda'. That's how the film got getting delayed. 'Oxygen' should have got released in summer, maybe.

There has been a debate about reviews spoiling the prospects of films. Do you agree?

There was a time when reviews would be published only after a week's time. These days, however, immediately after the FDFS, ratings are put out by websites. These sites are established to cash in on manufactured controversies. They want to make money. But their poor ratings smash films made with crores of rupees.

If the public at large doesn't like a movie, nobody can do anything. But even before they can decide the fate of a film, individual opinions are floated around through these sites. Nobody can stop big-ticket movies from getting big openings. Nobody can stop a 'Pelli Choopulu' or an 'Arjun Reddy' from becoming hits. But rest of them are severely affected.

Jyothi Krishna has said that your film with Pawan Kalyan, to be directed by RT Neason, will go on the floors in January. What are the updates?

Pawan Kalyan garu is busy with his current project. He has asked me to meet with him once he is free. Our film is very much on. He will decide it. Everyone knows that.