Balakrishna’s new game plan: More films, bigger earnings

Nandamuri Balakrishna had significantly increased his remuneration for “Akhanda 2”, banking on the film’s pan-Indian appeal and the expectation that it would generate business exceeding Rs 200 crore. However, things did not go as planned. The film flopped, and the producers faced financial strain due to pre-existing issues. Eventually, Balakrishna is said to have reduced his remuneration from Rs 45 crore to Rs 35 crore.

Currently, he is working on two films – one directed by Gopichand Malineni and the other by Koratala Siva. For both projects, his remuneration is said to be in the Rs 35 crore range, with the final amount depending on the films’ business performance.

As a result, Balakrishna appears to have adopted a new strategy: complete more films in a shorter period and maximize overall earnings. His target is to finish four films over the next 20 months and earn at least Rs 150 crore through these projects.

He has already given the nod to two young directors who are not typically associated with mass entertainers – Vivek Athreya and Vijay Kanakamedala. Discussions are in the final stages, and the projects are expected to be formally announced soon.

As of now, these four films form Balakrishna’s immediate lineup, and all are expected to be completed before 2028.