JAAT director Gopichand Malineni explains why Sunny Deol-Starrer is down on the film’s “organic” success: “Unfortunately we didn’t get…”
In the exclusive conversation, Telugu film director Gopichand Malineni reacted to the response Jaat received, and even discussed why the film opened under expectation.
Gopichand Malineni and Jaat’s Sunny Deol
The week after Sunny Deol’s Jaat director Gopichand Malineni joined DNA India, discussed the film’s journey at the box office. Jaat was released on April 10, especially with good reviews and good responses in India (Center B and C). So far, the film has earned Rs 80 crore at the global box office and, by its trend, the film is expected to earn Rs 10 billion soon. Jaat has become Sunny’s biggest blow after Gadar 2 and Gadar: EK Prem Katha. Jaat also marked Gopichand’s first director in Bollywood, and he felt “overwhelmed” at his reaction. Gopi revealed that he had never experienced this mania before, and that audiences would praise him no matter where they promote the film.
Speaking of success, GOPI acknowledged that the numbers producers are publishing are “organic” and have no narrative drive or company bookings. “Whatever we get, it’s 100% organic. People love this movie, which is why it’s increasing. Word of mouth is helping us and the movie.” Gopi shared his thoughts on accepting Jaat’s love and appreciation, adding, “I’ve received a lot of information on X and Insta, I can’t stop watching the reaction videos, and I’ve witnessed it in the theater as well. I went to some cinemas in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab, Punjab and Punjab; they’re great.
Watch Jaat Team with DNA India
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cty5zaicwra
When Jaat was released, it was in very small numbers. Trade is expected to open to double digits. Many people expect Rs 15-20 crore on day 1. However, the film opened at just Rs 9.5 lakh. Gopi himself admitted to being aware of trade expectations and explained why the film’s opening was low. He said: “There are two reasons behind it. The reviewer certification was delayed. When we applied, we thought we would get the certificate by Friday, April 4. But unfortunately, we didn’t get the certificate. There were some audio cuts, some vague shootings. We didn’t get the certificate on Friday, so we waited Friday until Saturday, Sunday, Sunday, and our certificate and then got the certificate.”
GOPI further explained that the delay in getting certification hinders their booking opportunities. “Reservation reservations are open 24 hours before release. Otherwise, if we only get a review certificate on Friday, we may have an appropriate four-day booking window. This delay will certainly affect the opening ceremony.”
