South diva Samantha Ruth Prabhu is currently basking in the glory of the success of her recently released ‘Maa Inti Bangaram’. The comedy-action film has given a strong response to skeptics, with remarkable success, creating history as it has crossed the 100 crore milestone, becoming the first female-led film in South cinema to do so.
On her social media, Samantha shared a post celebrating the big milestone. However, in the caption, the actress penned down how she was obsessed with whether people were talking about her film or not, and even shared that when one of her friends called a trade analyst asking about the film’s opening expectations, and in response, that person asked who would watch a heroine film.
But now the film’s 100 crore milestone has proved that a female-led film can attract massive audiences and achieve impressive box-office numbers.
Samantha shared, “Before the release of Maa Inti Bangaram, I remember obsessing over one thing: were people even talking about the film? Were the assets we were putting out reaching people? Did they know this film existed?”
She further added, “A friend of mine called an exhibitor in a B center. He didn’t know I was listening.
My friend asked, “What do you think about Maa Inti Bangaram? How much do you think it’ll open at?”
The exhibitor didn’t hesitate.
“Why would anyone watch a heroine film? If she’s in a big hero’s film, fine. People know her for the glamour. But a film led by a heroine? Who will come? Nobody.”
That was the perception before Maa Inti Bangaram released.”
Samantha concluded, saying that after the success of her film, maybe people will now be more open towards female-led films, “I think real change only happens when someone is willing to take a risk. Most of the time, those risks don’t pay off. Every once in a while, they do. For us, this one did. And I hope this is the beginning of something bigger. I hope that the next time someone calls an exhibitor in a B or C center and asks about a female-led film, the answer isn’t an instant no. Maybe it’s, “Let’s see.” Because the truth is, we will never really know.”