Sun Pictures is all set to make director Shankar’s dream of making it to Hollywood come true. It’s on the verge of a tie-up with HBO which will see Enthiran being released in the West simultaneously.
Producing Enthiran is part of Sun Pictures’ master strategy. For the last three months, it has been striding in where others fear to tread, releasing small-budget films that would have otherwise floundered in today’s market, and turning them into box-office hits. These include Kaadhalil Vilzunden, Thenavettu and last week’s release Dindugal Sarathi.
Corporate struggle
Sun Pictures’ strategy comes at a time when corporate filmmakers are struggling to stay afloat in the industry given the economic scenario.
Eros’s Bollywood productions — Drona and Yuvraj — bombed. Ditto with Ayangaran’s Aegan, Dhaam Dhoom and Kuselan.
They lost much money trying to absorb Shankar’s mega-budget Enthiran. The film started out as a Rs 120-crore project but kept increasing.
When Ayangaran and Eros started to back off, Sun Pictures came to the rescue, taking over the film and getting Shankar and Rajini to announce it on TV. Reason for the hurried takeover: Who wants to lose the call sheet of superstar Rajini and Aishwarya?
Enthiran’s budget has now almost reached a record of sorts — Rs 200-crore, sources say.
Enthiran will be subtitled in English and released in Hollywood simultaneously, making it the biggest opening for the film industry. Rajinikanth’s Shivaji had raked in good money overseas and has made things easier for Shankar.
With promotion in full swing, the film is progressing well after having suffered due to the recent cyclone in Chennai. The crew is about to finish the shoot at VIT University College in Vellore. The next stop is Top Slip and Valparai and the crew will then move to Kulu Manali next year.
Director Shankar has a reputation for concentrating on his work and keeping a low profile when the film is made. But he should at least do something about rumours of blowing up a Rs 1-crore Mercedes for a shot.
Then again, as they say in filmdom, any publicity is good publicity. Best of luck, team Shankar.
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