Seven years ago on this day, a sleeper hit greeted the Telugu film industry. From the modest confines of Kartikeya Creative Works emerged RX 100, a romantic action thriller that wasn't just a film, but a revelation. It defied every expectation, shattering the initial negative talk after a premiere show for the media.
With its unbridled emotions surrounding the male protagonist and his guardian, fearless storytelling, and a twist that left audiences reeling, this one made a drastic turnaround after its full-fledged theatrical release, especially on single screens.
Brought to life on a shoestring budget of just Rs 2 crore, RX 100 didn't just succeed; it exploded. It roared past the Rs 25-30 crore mark in theatrical business, dominating 26 theaters for an astounding 50-day run. Debutant director Ajay Bhupathi's fresh vision, unburdened by industry conventions, was the secret ingredient. Actor Karthikeya's emotional acting was another plus.
The tremors of RX 100's success resonated far beyond the Telugu states. Its potent narrative was so compelling that it sparked a frenzy of remakes in three languages. A Tamil remake is also on the cards.
At the core of RX 100's magnetic pull lay its unpredictable storyline, particularly the seismic twist surrounding the female protagonist, essayed by Payal Rajput.
Shiva (Karthikeya), a seemingly well-behaved but hot-headed young man, falls deeply in love with Indu (Payal), the city-bred daughter of a powerful local politician, Viswanatham (Rao Ramesh). Their romance is bold and physical, initiated largely by Indu, who is portrayed as uninhibited and assertive. Shiva becomes completely devoted to her.
Plans are afoot to release the movie all over again on a suitable date.
Ajay Bhupathi has since made Mangalavaaram and Maha Samudram. Karthikeya got busy with a bevy of assignments after RX 100. Music director Chaitan Bharadwaj bagged notable films like Manmadhudu 2. Payal Rajput went on to do films like Venky Mama and Mangalavaaram.
