Rohit Penumatsa

I visited Mallikarjuna twice yesterday. Both shows were full capacity. This theatre is special for me because I watched Andhala Rakshashi’s FDFS here. With a housefull crowd. It was an experience I can never forget. Watching #TheGirlfriend here made me realise something I was clueless about. I had absolutely no idea when I was writing or making the film that I was actually making a mass film. I didn’t think I knew how to make one. I never approached it that way. But I was shocked to see the theatre erupting for the pre-interval scene. Absolutely gobsmacked when the crowd went wildly bonkers for ‘Vikram… I want to break up with you.’ I had absolutely no idea that’s a mass moment. And then when ‘Pandu’ becomes the first character to confront Vikram. And then when Bhooma opens the door to reveal a character. And the reaction to ‘Niku leni siggu naakendhuku ra yedava!’ My god. I had shivers down my spine. The biggest reaction was for “I’ve already fu*^%* you.” A guttural release of emotions from the entire crowd! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was both exhilarating and scary! I could sense that I was developing an addiction. I want this for every movie now. But I didn’t make any calculations and execute to get this reaction. So I wondered if it will corrupt me if I try to, with my next film… if it’s just better to write with purity and honesty and not worry about these things. I don’t have answers yet. Then I went to many plexes through the day. And the plexes were hooting and cheering wildly for exactly the same moments in the film. It was even more shocking. And I feel an even stronger craving. After a few days… I’ve just gotta take some time off and process all this while trying to retain some sense of self awareness. For now… I am going to keep going to theatres and get my fix for this newfound addiction. And beam with pride seeing people cheer my darlingest Mika! Rashmika dawwww! More importantly… people seeing a superstar in Bhooma. Bhooma my love… people love you too♥️♥️ And I couldn’t be more proud of you. Prof. Sudheer couldn’t be more proud of you♥️♥️♥️ Naalo o mass filmmaker unnadu… who’d have thunk😀 PS: Our poster next to Bahubali poster! Kick promaxxxx me and my ADs got😍😍 How cool!