'Venkatadri Express' hit, Chota K. Naidu calls it team effort

Cinematographer Chota K. Naidu's mobile phone hasn't stopped ringing since the release of his nephew Sundeep Kishan's Telugu comedy "Venkatadri Express". The film has received overwhelming response and he gives credit to the entire team.

Naidu handled the camera for the film that came out Friday.

"I have never received so many calls for my own work as a cinematographer. But the number of calls and congratulatory messages I received for 'Venkatadri Express' has been incredible. My phone hasn't stopped ringing in the last two days," Naidu told IANS.

He added that people are not only praising Sundeep's work, but the film on the whole.

Directed by Merlapaka Gandhi, the film also features Rakul Preet Singh, Nagineedu, Brahmaji, Tagubothu Ramesh, M.S Narayana and Jayaprakash Reddy.

"From Sundeep to character artists such as Brahmaji and Nagineedu are being appreciated for their efforts. It has been a team effort and it's time to celebrate. It has been declared a hit and I am very happy about it," said Naidu.

Reportedly made on a budget of Rs.7 crore, the film has already minted Rs.3.2 crore in Andhra Pradesh in its opening weekend.

"This is Sundeep's big budget film ever and it has got an impressive opening. In its first three days in Andhra Pradesh, the film has raked in Rs.3.2 crore," trade analyst Trinath told IANS.