Tight budget, strong content, pre-sales spell early success
For a few years now, the Hindi film industry has been witnessing constant growth in the success of content-driven films that are budgeted correctly. Vidya Balan’s next movie, Tumhari Sulu, has been made with the same ethos.
“A tight budget, high content and strong pre-sales have spelt early success for Tumhari Sulu,” says a trade source. “Films such as Hindi Medium, Neerja (2016) and Shubh Mangal Saavdhan have demonstrated that profits can be reaped by a singular focus on content. Now, Tumhari Sulu aims to take the baton ahead. The makers are confident because they have put together an endearing slice-of-life story.”
The film is estimated to have been made on a budget of ₹17 crore — including prints and advertising — and has already been extensively monetised by pre-licensing the international, music, digital and satellite rights, and in-film brand associations, making breakeven requirement from the domestic box office very low.
“Thanks to the teaser, trailer and songs, Sulu — the character — has already resonated with families and housewives across India, even as the tracks ‘Ban ja meri rani and ‘Hawa hawai’ emerge as chartbusters,” adds the source.
In a statement, producers T-Series and Ellipsis Entertainment, said, “It is as crucial to make a good film as it is to make it at a good price. Content and economics need to go handin-hand, and this film is a shining example of that.”
Tumhari Sulu releases on November 17.