'Soodhu Kavvum', 'Sukumarudu' disappoint in overseas market

Despite good opening in the domestic market, Tamil crime-comedy "Soodhu Kavvum" and Telugu romantic-drama "Sukumarudu" have failed to keep the cash registers ringing in the overseas market.

"Soodhu Kavvum" collected Rs.15.68 lakh in US, while Aadi Pudipeddi-starrer "Sukumarudu" raked in merely Rs.89,735," according to a tweet posted by trade analyst, Taran Adarsh on his Twitter page.

Pointing out that big stars are a big draw in the foreign land, another trade analyst, Trinath said: "It's extremely tough for a film with unfamiliar actors to stir the box-office abroad."

"Star actors have bigger market overseas and manage to generate revenue too. Take Telugu films such as 'Naayak' and 'Baadshah', for instance - these films took a gargantuan opening, thanks to the star actors involved in it," Trinath told IANS.

"Soodhu Kavvum", directed by debutant Nalan Kumarasamy, features upcoming star Vijay Sethupathy, who has half a dozen films to his credit.

Aadi on the other hand is only three films old.

"Telugu film 'Life is Beautiful', which did mediocre business domestically, was a hit in the US market because of director Sekhar Kammula. He has a great market value abroad and most of his films have done well there," said Trinath.

Meanwhile, both the films have taken a decent opening in the country.

The low-budget film "Soodhu Kavvum", about four misfit kidnappers that came out May 1, has reportedly raked in Rs.5.2 crore in two weeks in Tamil Nadu.

Aadi's "Sukumarudu", a story about selfish NRI transformed by family, reportedly netted Rs.3.4 crore on the release day worldwide. It released worldwide May 10.

"While 'Soodhu Kavvum' is going steady with 70-80 percent occupancy in cinemas, 'Sukumarudu' is dwindling with mixed responses from audiences and critics alike," Trinath added.

According to an international distributor, global release is becoming a fad.

"Initially, few films used to release internationally, but nowadays every other film is eyeing an international release. While it's good that films want to cater to global audience, it is very important to have good content," the distributor told IANS.