The film received mixed to negative talk during its release. Producers spent sleepless nights with the film’s poor response at the box office initially.
But, the film witnessed massive jump in collections from fourth day and it went on to become industry hit breaking all the previous record.
And the film we are talking about is Pokiri that starred superstar Mahesh Babu and was directed and co-produced by Puri Jagannadh in association with Mahesh’s sister Manjula Ghattamaneni.
The dialogue ‘Evadu Kodithe Dimmathirigi Mind Block Authundo Aade Pandugadu’ became popular that time and it still sounds fresh.
Guess what, Pokiri that completes 14 years today was the first script written by Puri. The story idea was 10 years before it went on floors.
What’s more, he took just five days to complete dialogue version of the film in his favorite holiday spot i.e. Goa.
Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut was the original choice to play the female lead. But, the actress opted out when she got Bollywood film Gangster. Then, they signed Ileana who then was doing her first film Devadasu.
The title of the film was Uttam Singh when Puri first narrated the story to Mahesh Babu. But, Puri later changed the title to Pokiri which is apt for the film.
Puri was in flop streak and was facing a financial crunch, before Pokiri, He then challenged his wife to come back home, only after delivering a blockbuster.
As promised, he spent six months at his office and didn’t visit home during the time.
After Puri received Filmfare award for Pokiri, he dedicated it to his wife for not disturbing him for the 6 months.
Presently directing Vijay Deverakonda in a Pan India film, Puri making full use of the lockdown is working on multiple scripts.
