Rajni-starrer <i>Robot </i>expected to make box office history

Expectations are running high with Rajnikanth-starrer Robot, the most expensive film produced in India, set to hit the screens next Thursday.

n Pictures, the film distribution and production studio of the Chennai-based Sun TV Network owned by Kalanithi Maran, has taken a huge risk by investing around Rs 150 crore, said industry sources. However, the production house is confident that it would not only be able to recoup its investment but also post profits from the project.

“Rajnikanth has a huge fan following not only in south India, but also in countries like the US, UK, France, Japan and Korea and we expect the film to do well in these regions,” said Ajay Vidyasagar, chief operating officer, Sun TV Network. The film also stars Aishwarya Rai.

Sources at Box Office India said the three versions of the film — in Tamil, Hindi and Telugu — having already been sold for around Rs 85 crores Robot is off to a good start. While the Tamil version Endhiran has been sold for over Rs 50 crore, the Telegu and Hindi versions have clocked Rs 25 crore and Rs 10 crore in distribution rights, respectively. The film will be released with subtitles on 300 screens overseas.

“Tamil and Telegu versions are expected to take huge openings. Hindi versions may do well in places like Maharashtra, but north India may struggle. Overseas, the Tamil version is expected to be a huge success, as Rajnikanth has extensive appeal in places like the US and Japan,” said a senior analyst at Box Office India.

Dismissing concerns over the Ranbir Kapoor-Priyanka Chopra starrer, Anjaana Anjaani – to be released on the same day – impacting bookings of Robot in northern India, Taran Adarsh, a film trade analyst, said, “Any Rajnikanth movie is awaited eagerly. The storyline is innovative, I am optimistic that it will do well with the audience. Anjaana Anjaani may impact bookings of Robot in north India, but it would also face stiff competition from Endhiran in southern parts of the country.”

Prakhar Joshi, head of programming PVR Cinemas, laid all doubts to rest. “We have good expectations from Robot. We have already received a lot of enquiries about the movie. Block bookings have been made for the Tamil version in Mumbai and Delhi.”

Sun Pictures plans to launch eight to 10 films this year. “We have launched three films now. Endhiran will be our fourth release, which is a one-off project. We operate at a margin of 10 to 15 per cent and any boost from Endhiran is always welcome,” said Vidyasagar.

Analysts who track Sun TV Network said the ball could roll either way. “Considering that Shankar had directed Rajnikanth in Sivaji-The Boss and it turned out be a huge hit at the box office, the expectations from Robot are very high. If the film does well, Sun TV Network shares will move around 15 per cent in the near term,” said a Mumbai-based media and entertainment sector analyst, who did not wish to be named.

Sun TV Network shares today closed up 1.78 per cent at Rs 517.75 at the Bombay Stock Exchange.