Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (SVSC) as expected by scores of audience outshined Nayak movie, which was released on January 9. Since the release gap between SVSC and Nayak was just two days, there was a sort of curiosity as to which film would do at the box-office. Hopes were comparitely more on SVSC as it was a wholesome family entertainer. While Nayak's target audience was undoubtedly mass (including mega star's extended family), SVSC's target audience was entire Telugu speaking people.

When Andhra Wishesh asked as to why SVSC received such a massive response, this is what film critics had to say:

• Out of the entire Telugu speaking population in the state, only 30% of people regularly go to movies

• Twenty per cent of people go to movies occasionally looking at the genre of the movie

• Remaining 50% of people are the ones who don't like going to theatres unless an exceptional movie hits the screens. These are the people who usually watch movies on televisions

• Now out of 30% of film freaks, more than 25% of people go to movies looking at the big stars. They even constitute fans of big stars

So, Nayak movie, which was apparently targetted at the 30% of movie freaks, reached its target without any doubts. It surely received overwhelming response-but from regular movie freaks. On the other hand, Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu (SVSC) attracted not just the remaining 20% of people, who go to movies just for relaxation but also the 50% of remaining Telugu audience who don't prefer to go to theatres. SVSC trailers, the title song and even the title played an important role in attracting all Telugu people in the state and even outside state and country.

In the words of film critics, Seethamma Vaakitlo Sirimalle Chettu was just a movie, it was something more than that. In fact, a gift to Telugu people on the eve of Sankranti. Credit obviously goes not to one person or hero but the entire film unit.

Anyway, SVSC told the world that when movies are made for the entire Telugu speaking people, they would surely remain ever green in the hearts of the people.

(AW Phani)