"'Mithunam' touched hearts, became successful"

Chennai: The heart-warming tale of an ageing couple in 'Mithunam' has touched the hearts of viewers in such a big way that it has successfully completed 50 days' run at the box-office. Actor-filmmaker Tanikella Bharani gives credit to the lead actors and the writer for the success of the Telugu family-drama.

The film, about the marital relationship of two ageing couple, has only two characters, played by S.P. Balasubrahmanyam and Lakshmi Narayan.

Based on Sri Ramana's bestseller Telugu novel of the same name, it has been directed by Bharani and produced by Anand Muyida Rao.

"Who would've anticipated that audience will embrace a film with only two characters - both above the age of 60? Audiences have unanimously embraced my film and the credit goes to three persons - my lead actors and writer Sri Ramana," Bharani told IANS.

"I never made this film with the motive of making money. I wanted to make a different film, which would strike a chord with the audience. I'm extremely happy that 'Mithunam' succeeded in what it wanted to achieve," he added.

Made at a shoestring budget of Rs.1.5 crore, the film initially got a very slow start, but later word of mouth spread and footfall increased. Most of the viewers are old couples.

Queried about what led to the success of the film, he said: "I strongly believe content is the king. It might be true that we all like to be entertained, but it's also true that we all like to be equally touched by a film. My film has touched few hearts and they've made it successful."

Bharani is currently busy shooting for half a dozen Telugu films.