'I Am Being Treated As If I Have Committed Crime'; Director Sujeeth On Saaho Criticism

Prabhas starrer Saaho brought big returns at Bollywood but director, Sujeeth received much backlash from movie critics as it failed to impress the majority of the audience.

Sujeeth recently expressing his disappointment at the harshness told Deccan chronicle "I made the film that Prabhas sir, my producers, and I believed in. The audiences came in large numbers to watch it, but still, I am being treated as harshly as if I have committed a crime," 

Sujeeth feels he is being unfairly targeted and the media is creating unnecessary hype about everything. "I don't know why all these reports targeting me are being published. I last gave interviews one day after the release of Saaho. Even when I say 'no comments', it is turned into an interview. And those quotes are now being used against me," Saaho director stated.

He further said that though the criticisms have affected him badly, he is getting support from Prabhas and the film's producers.

"I should be enjoying the film's success, but instead I am sick in bed. Fortunately for me, Prabhas sir and the producers are supporting me. That's the only good thing happening in my life right now. Seeing all the criticism, I decided to keep quiet and still, all these negative things are being said about me," the 28-year-old filmmaker added.

Sujeeth also cleared about a statement that he has been accused of making, that he reportedly said that fans of Saaho in Bihar wanted to build a temple in his name. The young director denied making any such comment.

"Please show me where I've said this. I never said this. One guy who has nothing to do with the film made this statement on YouTube. I would never make these kinds of statements. I know how ridiculous it sounds," Sujeeth said.

"My mother would kill me if I became pompous. They build temples for people like Rajinikanth sir and Mammootty sir. I can only be a devotee at the temple of great actors and great cinema. I am not into bragging. I am just staying away from the media and public appearances because of all the negativity being thrown at the movie. Love or hate the film. But why target me?" he concluded.

Saaho had an excellent first week because of Prabhas’s popularity among his fans, but the film saw an 81.10 per cent drop in it's second weekend, collecting Rs 14.95 crore in its second weekend till Sunday.

According to Box Office India, Saaho earned approximately Rs 2.5 crore and Rs 3 crore on Monday and Tuesday respectively, bringing its total collection to Rs 136.48 crore approx.

The Prabhas and Shraddha Kapoor-starrer, which opened at Rs 24.4 crore on August 30, Friday, earned Rs 116.03 crore in its first week. Saaho was made on the budget of Rs 350 crore and the Hindi version of the film is now inching towards the Rs 200-crore club.
In Saaho, Prabhas plays the role of an undercover agent and Shraddha was seen as his love interest.