Based on Krishna's bolckbuster?

Director Surender Reddy's debut into films was through Athanokkade. At that time, hero Kalyanram was craving and praying for a big hit to boost his career. Surender Reddy's novel style of movie-making and different ideas in direction worked excellently and made Athanokkade a blockbuster. However, Reddy's second film, Ashok, with N.T. Rama Rao, failed to reach the expectations raised by his first victory. In fact, most directors of Telugu film industry find their second films less successful than the first. But again, for many of them, their third films are better and become hits. Let's hope this is true for Surender Reddy, who provides story, screenplay and direction for Athidhi, his third project.

Maheshbabu is the hero in Athidhi, produced by Rameshbabu under the banner of Krishna Productions. Athidhi has Amritha Rao (a Bollywood glamour star), as heroine. Though Prakash Raj was originally the villain, he was reportedly replaced with Murali Sharma of Apaharan fame.

Producer G. Rameshbabu, with Gunasekhar as director, had earlier produced Arjun with Maheshbabu, even spending crores for creating a set of Madurai Meenakshi temple. However, Arjun failed to hit the target and was less than successful, barely breaking even.

'Prince' Maheshbabu, rewrote Telugu film history with his blockbuster Pokiri. Unfortunately, his next, Sainikudu, produced by C. Aswini Dutt under the banner of Vyjayanti Movies, failed to meet public expectations and was not too successful. In the backdrop of Maheshbabu's Sainikudu (soldier) losing the battle of the box-office, the Athidhiunit is tight-lipped over the storyline; none of the unit members are revealing the slightest clue.

Earlier, there were rumours that the film is based on the Hollywood movie Man of Fire starring Denzel Washington; there were other reports that the film was inspired by Super Star Krishna's blockbuster, Ramarajyamlo Bheemaraju; finally, Maheshbabu reportedly told some of his close associates that the film is based on a subject inspired by another of his dad Krishna's blockbusters. So what is the true story? Wait and see!

Maheshbabu, to ensure a sure hit, reportedly concentrated hard on Atithi and put in his best efforts. Being produced by his brother G. Rameshbabu, Athidhi is Prince's home production. Moreover, Athidhi has music by Manisharma; their combination had several musical hits like Rajakumarudu, Vamsi, Murari, Takkari Donga, Okkadu, Athadu and Pokiri. Maheshbabu sports different hairstyles for different scenes; special hairstylists were brought exclusively from Mumbai for Atithi. Even after giving a sleeper like Sainikudu, Maheshbabu's Athidhi still carries the highest expectations. Rumours (hopes?) are that the film might reach the pinnacles of Pokiri (over 200 days, crossed 200 days in Tamil remake and still going strong).

So will Athidhi settle down for a long innings in theatres or will it come and go like an unwelcome Athidhi (guest)? Stay tuned to Galatta.com to find out!