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

Chennai: 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 reporters. IANS