SS Rajamouli, Prashanth Neel and Sukumar have made the North Indian audience take note of the southern film industry as a behemoth. Before them, our movies were clicking among the Hindi audience only on YouTube and satellite TV. With the 'Baahubali' franchise, 'RRR', 'KGF', and 'Pushpa: The Rise', these three directors have made theatrical hits.
It's now hoped that Puri Jagannadh sustains the momentum and doesn't spoil the show with 'Liger' and 'Jana Gana Mana'. If 'Liger' becomes a hit this August 25, the 'Pokiri' director would join the league of the Rajamouli-Neel-Suku troika.
But what if 'Liger', starring Vijay Deverakonda, doesn't work? God forbid, it shouldn't happen. It will be a setback for Puri and Vijay. It will also spell bad news for the South Indian masala film jackpot, which is now looking copius.